What is Golden Week? Japan’s Golden Week is not just a series of holidays but it is also a time of nationwide excitement and cultural expression. Held from the end of April through early May, it is a time when cities come alive with events, travel surges, and the spirit of celebration. Golden Week is Japan’s longest holiday, offering travelers a special opportunity to witness the country’s festive traditions firsthand. Let’s dive into “What is golden week Japan” and explore how to fully enjoy every moment of this remarkable Japanese holiday.
1. Why Is It Named “The Golden Week”?
Historically, “Golden Week” dates back to 1951. Daiei, a famous Japanese film studio, came up with the term “Golden Week” to describe a period of time when new releases are released. A picture produced by Daiei over these weeks in 1951 earned the studio its largest box office take to date. It was a “great week” for the business, bringing in record profits.
Daiei’s then-CEO, Hideo Matsuyama, was so pleased with the company’s performance over the Christmas season that he coined the term “Golden Week” – a play on the term “Golden Time” used in the radio business to describe the time of day with the greatest listening rate.
The business found the term “Golden Week” to be a highly marketable name. As a result, the term “Holiday Movie Madness” was adopted for use in advertising to draw in crowds during the weeks leading up to major holidays. The term is like a teaser advertisement, suggesting that those who take advantage of these weeks would have some of the best chances to see movies all year.
In Japan, the end of April through the beginning of May is the season with the greatest weather of the year, perfect for doing anything outdoors. Because of this, even those who weren’t planning on visiting the movies during this time began referring to it as the Golden Week.
Daiei later coined the term “Silver Week” to describe the week of celebration surrounding Culture Day in November, but the term never caught on. This may have occurred since there is just one federal holiday during the week of November.
A little more than a week-long, Golden Weeks are punctuated by four consecutive national holidays, plus two Saturdays and two Sundays. Many people are required to work on the official public holidays, but those who take advantage of their vacation time may be able to take off as many as nine or ten days in a row.
The beginning of golden week Japan, on April 29, was originally a celebration of Emperor Showa’s birthday. After the emperor’s death in 1989, the day was scheduled to be taken off the calendar. But that would have cut the Golden Week short, and with only two national holidays instead of three, the significance of the Golden Week would have been diminished. It was for this reason that April 29 was designated as a new national holiday: “Greenery Day.” In honor of Emperor Showa and his 63-year reign, the holiday’s name was changed to “Showa Day.”
Japanese people celebrate a holiday week between the end of April and the beginning of May known as Golden Week (gon Shkan), also known as gata Renky. Children’s Day is May 5th, Greenery Day is May 3rd, Constitution Day is May 3rd, and Shwa Day is April 29th (May 5). The Japanese government has added a fifth day off in between the above four days, making this the longest vacation of the year in Japan, in an effort to facilitate travel and relaxation.
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2. Various holidays in the Japanese Golden Week
Whether it is Golden Week Japan 2022 or Golden Week Japan 2023, each of the four Golden Week celebrations honors a different historical event or person. The Act on National Holidays specifies specific dates for each holiday.
2.1. Showa Day (April 29)
Showa Day, also known as Showa no Hi, is a Japanese national holiday commemorating the birth of Emperor Showa on April 29. After Emperor Hirohito’s death in 1989, the Japanese no longer celebrated Showa Day but instead observed Greenery Day to honor the late monarch’s fondness for the outdoors. Showa Day was brought back and is celebrated annually since 2007, whereas Greenery Day was shifted to May 4th.
Traditional Showa Day celebrations in Japanese Golden Week include trips to temples, the National Showa Memorial Museum, and Tokyo’s Musashino Imperial Mausoleum, where Emperor Showa is laid to rest. As a result, the reign of Emperor Showa (also known as Emperor Hirohito) and the Showa era of Japan is now commemorated with a national holiday in Japan. Given this context, it is hardly surprising that the holiday has proved divisive.
In addition to commemorating his birth, this day also remembers the sacrifices made by the United States during World War II. This Golden Week event also celebrates Japan’s rebirth and reconstruction after the war. It’s a wake-up call to the current generation to work toward a brighter tomorrow for all people.
2.2. Constitution Memorial Day (May 3)
Following Japan’s unconditional surrender to the Allies on August 2, 1946, U.S. General Douglas MacArthur collaborated with Japanese officials to design a new constitution, which was passed by the Japanese Diet on August 24, 1946. The Emperor made the announcement on November 3rd, and it took effect on May 3rd, 1947.
Since November 3 is also Emperor Meiji’s birthday, Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida lobbied to have the holiday fall on that date. The fact that proceedings before the International Military Tribunal for the Far East were also set to begin on May 3 disturbed him. But he was ultimately unsuccessful.
Constitution In Japan, the National Diet is only open to the public for tours on Memorial Day. The day Japan’s constitution was established is celebrated as the start of the country’s democratic system. As of May 3, 1947, Japan had a brand-new constitution for Golden Week (the same one they use now).
The new constitution was drafted by American military personnel under the command of General Douglas MacArthur during the Allied occupation of Japan during World War II.
2.3. Greenery Day (May 4)
Japan’s tumultuous connection with Emperor Hirohito and his role in WWII has cast a shadow over the origins of Golden Week. In the wake of his death in 1989, the government renamed the holiday from Showa Day to Greenery Day. Because of Greenery Day’s oblique connection to Hirohito’s passion for plants, this was done so that the holiday may be celebrated without omitting any of its original meanings.
The date of Greenery Day was originally April 29, but it was subsequently shifted to May 4 due to the reinstatement of Showa Day in 2007. The purpose of Greenery Day is to honor and appreciate the natural world. People take advantage of everything that nature has to offer by visiting parks and gardens on this special day. Some urbanites also want to escape to the country during Golden Week times.
Because of the Emperor’s fondness for vegetation, the day was rechristened “Greenery Day” (and without directly mentioning him). Most people just think of it as an extra day of Golden Week, but people might use it as an opportunity to go hiking or camping (or glamping) in Japan’s lovely outdoors.
2.4. Children’s Day (May 5)
The tradition of celebrating Children’s Day on May 5 goes back to the Nara Period, when it was known as Tango no Sekku. Originally known as “Boys Day,” it served as a response to Hinamatsuri by honoring dads and sons. In 1948, the holiday’s name was changed to Children’s Day to reflect the increasing equality between fathers and mothers.
On this special Golden Week’s day, we remember the innocence and potential of our youth and send our best wishes for their development and happiness. This day also marks the origin of the koinobori, one of the most recognizable symbols of Japan in photography. Koinobori are carp-shaped streamers that represent each member of the family and are draped from poles or rooftops. The larger carps symbolize the parents, while the juveniles symbolize the young.
All around the country, families fly carp-shaped flags in the days leading up to and following Children’s Day to show their support for the day and their pride in their children’s achievements. The firstborn is a blue carp, followed by a red carp (the higoi, or mother), and finally a white carp (the second born). Every new child means more carp in the pond. Families may also proudly display samurai dolls and helmets as symbols of their children’s bravery and determination.
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3. What Is Golden Week Habit Of Japanese People?
Some businesses in Japan even shut down entirely so that their staff can enjoy the holiday with their families. For many Japanese workers, Golden Week is the longest holiday of the year and a prime opportunity to take a trip.
3.1. Take long vacations filled with relaxation and sightseeing
The Japanese love to take vacations and see the world during Golden Week. On the holiday honoring children, families usually fly flags, put out dolls depicting martial artists (Musha-ningyo), and feast on kashiwamochi and chimaki (a cake made of sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves). There are many households that belief taking a bath with “sho-bu” (sweet Irit) leaves will protect them from evil spirits.
3.2. Stop working
This is a rare-extended period of the year when Japanese people can unwind after a tough and active workday. Most of them will use this holiday to spend time with their families and visit relatives and relatives back home. During Golden Week times, most administrative activity will come to a halt.
3.3. Have fun when traveling
A week is just enough time to visit other parts of Japan comfortably. During the Golden Week holiday, many Japanese people travel. Some schools, companies, and businesses will plan outdoor fun activities to relax and strengthen people’s bonds through team-building games.
If the Japanese do not return to their homeland, they will plan extensive excursions with family or friends. This is also a season with excellent weather for outdoor activities, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see cherry blossoms bloom around this period.
3.4. Shopping
Shopping has become a popular activity for travelers during the golden week when they can enjoy the excitement of the entire country while also shopping as much as they want at an expensive price. Because individuals are off this week, the golden week shopping activity is also higher than at other times of the year. This is also why brands frequently have amazing promotions during this period to encourage sales.
4. Is Golden Week The Best Time To Travel To Japan?
There’s no simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ here for the question if it is worth visiting the blossom country during Japan holidays Golden Week. Your preferences and planning will guide you best. For travelers who enjoy sunny weather, active events, and well-organized trips, Golden Week is an excellent time to visit Japan. This spring period showcases stunning cherry blossoms and red foliage, with warm, sunny days and no typhoons in sight.
During this period, tourists can experience the rich cultural celebrations alongside locals. Festivals and events unfold in streets, shrines, and temples, such as the ceremonies at Senso-ji in Tokyo and Meiji Shrine, Kyoto’s horse races, and Fukuoka’s Hakata Dontaku Festival on May from 3rd to 4th. These events feature traditional attire, vibrant parades, and dances. You might also witness Japan’s final cherry blossoms in Hirosaki and Hokkaido.
Your friends in Japan will also be on break, giving them the chance to show you around. The main drawback of visiting Japan then is the packed attractions and limited accommodations. Kyoto is particularly famous for these crowds due to its many tourist sites, but it is still a great destination during Golden Week if you know where to go to avoid the busiest areas.
On the flip side, if you prefer tranquility and less crowded destinations or can’t commit to booking months in advance, then Golden Week might not suit your travel style.
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5. Top 7 Activities For Visitors To Enjoy In Golden Holiday In Japan
If you are wondering “What is Golden Week’s must-do list”, here are top 7 activities that will make your Golden Week in Japan truly memorable.
Hirosaki Park – Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Cherry Blossom Festival
Northern Japan’s Tohoku region sees cherry blossoms in full bloom from late April to early May. Hirosaki Park in Aomori Prefecture is a popular viewing spot, especially during Golden Week when the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is held. Visitors can enjoy food stalls, row beneath a canopy of pink blossoms, and admire the illuminated trees in the evening.
Ashikaga Flower Park – Capture the beauty of the Great Wisteria tree in your photos
Famous for its 160-year-old Great Wisteria tree, Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture spans an enormous trellis of 1,000 square meters. The park’s nighttime illumination has earned it a “Japanese Night View Heritage” distinction. Other highlights include an 80-meter-long white wisteria tunnel and more than 350 wisteria varieties in shades of pale pink and yellow.
To fully appreciate the vibrant wisteria, visit from April to May, around Golden Week, during the Ashikaga Great Wisteria Festival. You will not only witness stunning night views but can also shop for a variety of wisteria-themed souvenirs.
Hitachi Seaside Park – Witness the unique beauty of the blue nemophila carpet at
For this time of the year, a highly-recommended thing about “What to do during Golden Week Japan” is visiting Hitachi Seaside Park. This is a must-visit flower-viewing spot in Hitachinaka City, where Miharashi Hill’s 4.2 hectares are covered in stunning sky-blue nemophila, or baby blue eyes, from late April to early May.
The hill offers an impressive vantage point over the Pacific Ocean, where diverse blues mix under the wide sky—an extraordinary sight that makes every step of the journey worthwhile.
Hamamatsu Festival – Join the crowds and marvel at the breathtaking sight of kites soaring
Taking place from May 3-5 each year in Hamamatsu City, the Hamamatsu Festival is another good choice for “What to do during golden week”, draws about 2 million visitors to enjoy a massive kite-themed celebration. During the daytime in the Golden Week holiday in japan, the festival’s key attraction is a kite battle, with colorful, oversized kites engaging in mid-air contests, each trying to cut the other’s string
As evening sets in, 80 goten-yatai floats, decked out with elaborate decorations and lights, parade through the streets, heightening the lively mood.
Experience the lively atmosphere of the Hiroshima Flower Festival
Taking place along Peace Boulevard and around Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Hiroshima Flower Festival spans three days and highlights themes of peace, greenery, floral beauty, and music. This event draws over 1.6 million attendees annually, making it one of the biggest during Golden Week.
Throughout the festivities, enjoy a diverse range of attractions, like the impressive Tower of Flowers featuring 30,000 potted plants, exciting performances on stage, and a grand parade with 8,000 people. If you are in Hiroshima for Golden Week, make sure to explore the food stalls, souvenir booths, and vibrant flea markets.
Hakata Dontaku Festival – Watch the incredible parades
Taking place on May 3-4 in Fukuoka City, the Hakata Dontaku Festival is one of Japan’s major Golden Week events, with more than 2 million spectators attending. Locals don traditional costumes and parade through the streets, adding vibrancy with their songs and dances.
Outside of the grand parade, festival-goers can enjoy stage shows and exciting events happening throughout Fukuoka City. In terms of food, expect hearty portions of takoyaki, yakisoba, and a variety of other delicacies.
Naha Hari Festival – Watch the exciting dragon boat races
Taking place in Naha City each May 3-5, the Naha Hari Festival is Okinawa’s largest dragon boat racing event. Attendees can enjoy the excitement of the races, live shows, free boat rides, and mesmerizing fireworks displays, making it a beloved celebration for locals and visitors from abroad.
6. Popular Japanese E-commerce Sites For Golden Week Sale
During the Golden Week, online retailers saw a surge in sales. Thus, many brands take this advantage to provide discounts and price reductions to accelerate a number of customers to the stores. Here are some of popular e-commerce sites in Japan to promote sales during the happy Golden Week:
6.1. Amazon Japan
The most popular online store in Japan is Amazon Japan. Shopping, one-of-a-kind delivery options, Amazon Fresh, Prime Video, and Amazon Music Unlimited are just a few of the many things Amazon Japan provides to Japanese customers. They offer a variety of discounts during Golden Week, and if you are an international buyer, don’t worry, it is possible to switch to an English version of Amazon Japan’s site.
6.2. Rakuten Japan
Rakuten Japan is the most well-known online retailer in Japan. When it comes to Japanese online shopping, not many sites can compare to Rakuten. They sell anything from Japanese Kit Kats, fashion, and technology to beauty products, books, and books, and they offer an abundance of sales too! Products that can only be found in Japan can be found through either independent retailers or from the maker.
6.3. Uniqlo
For Japanese consumers, Uniqlo is the undisputed leader in the clothing industry. Founded in 1949 in Yamaguchi, Japan, UNIQLO is a clothing apparel company that got its start as a textile factory. They’ve expanded into a worldwide phenomenon, with over a thousand locations in over 100 countries. Indeed, with its countless styles and types, Uniqlo is a place where you can go shopping without leaving with a purchase.
6.4. Yahoo! Japan Auctions
Yahoo! Japan Auctions is the most trusted and well-known auction house in Japan, where you may find many odd and rare products at bargain prices. Softbank Group – Media Company, which runs Yahoo! JAPAN Shopping, is one of the most popular places to go is Yahoo! JAPAN. Its offerings span from commonplace kitchen appliances, food stuffs, toiletries, and presents. to specialties such as miss Golden Week.
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7. FAQs
These 3 FAQs will provide more insight to the central question, “What is Golden Week?”
7.1. Are Locations Shut Down In Japanese Golden Week?
Stores, sightseeing spots , and restaurants are generally open throughout Golden Week, though supermarkets, banks or ATMs, post offices often close. To avoid inconvenience, it is best to plan in advance by making reservations and checking the hours of places you intend to visit.
7.2. Is It Crowded During Golden Holidays In Japan?
Golden Week is undoubtedly Japan’s busiest travel season, making it a time many recommend avoiding. Expect crowded attractions and restaurants, along with potentially increased travel prices driven by high demand.
7.3. Does Golden Week Occur On Fixed Dates Annually?
Most years, Golden Week spans from April 29th to May 5th, but sometimes, the dates shift if a public holiday occurs on a weekend, granting additional days off.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the blog “What is Golden Week” will help you dive into the heart of Japanese culture and leave with experiences that go beyond sightseeing, capturing the true essence of Japan’s celebrated holiday season. If you cannot go to Japan now, you still can visit Janbox to purchase some stuff and celebrate Golden Week in your own way. If a trip to Japan is not possible for you right now, you can explore Janbox to find items that let you celebrate Golden Week from wherever you are.
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