10 Best Things to Do in Golden Week in Japan
Golden Week Guide: What to Do in Golden Week in Japan This Year
Golden Week in Japan might be the best or the worst time of the year depending on who you ask. A string of national holidays turns into a week-long vacation for most Japanese people at the beginning of May, during the peak spring season. Yep, the weather is bound to be awesome, meaning bustling streets and epic crowds on touristic hotspots. It’s definitely a challenge to navigate the masses but fear not, with planning and patience nothing will stop you from making the best of your time during Japan’s busiest holiday. So if you’re trying to figure out things to do in Golden Week, read on!
1. Visit Tokyo
Wait, didn’t I just say this was the busiest week in Japan? That’s right. It sounds counter-intuitive but this is actually a good time to stroll leisurely around the capital, as this is the week when most tokyoites will be swarming the other prefectures, meaning that Tokyo is actually going to be a bit quieter than usual! So if you happen to be in Japan’s largest metropolis during Golden Week, be sure to check the suggestions below!
▶Best Things to Do during Golden Week in Tokyo
2. Cherry blossom spots in Tohoku or Hokkaido
Missed the cherry blossoms in Tokyo? You still have time to bask in Japan’s pink spring glory if you head up north! Tohoku is generally a great area for off-the-beaten-path exploration since it’s still a generally underrated region with a lot of nature and incredible landscapes and peak blooming season lasts until late April, so you still have a good chance during Golden Week.
Or, to be sure, you can head to Hokkaido where peak cherry blossom season is usually during late April and early May. Check the following links for more details!
▶Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Tohoku
▶Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Hokkaido
3. Check out the locations of the best Koinobori festivals in Japan
If you’ve ever noticed these colorful carp-shaped flags that are typically hanged in many places around spring, these are called Koinobori! They’re meant to celebrate Children’s Day on May 5, but are usually placed since early or mid-April in many locations across the country, creating a cheerful and striking sight with hundreds or even thousands of carps flying in the wind!
There are many places to choose from but some of the prettiest locations include Tsuetate Onsen in Kumamoto, Tokyo Tower, or Tatebayashi Castle Town in Gunma
▶ Tsuetate Onsen official website: https://tsuetate-onsen.com/english
▶ Tokyo Travel official website with information about koinobori in Tokyo Tower: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/ev015/index.html
▶ Tatebayashi Tourism official website with event information: http://www.utyututuji.jp/world/en.html
4. Hakata Dontaku Festival in Fukuoka
One of the biggest festivals held during Golden Week, Hakata Dontaku Festival in Fukuoka draws around 2 million spectators every year, to witness its extravagant costumed dancers and decorated floats. It’s said that It originated in 1179 to celebrate the Chinese New Year, but after a temporary suspension during Meiji era, it was brought back to life under the new name of Dontaku.
Said name is derived from the Dutch word “zondag” (Sunday) and eventually it became one of Japan’s most popular festivals. The Hakata Dontaku Port Festival is a celebration of the city’s rich history and culture, attracting millions of visitors each year with its parade and performances.
5. Visit flower festivals (except on Greenery Day!)
Although not related to Golden Week, since it’s peak spring, late April and early May tend to be the best days for some of the prettiest flower festivals! Besides, one of the national holidays of Golden Week is Greenery Day (Midori no Hi, みどりの日) so it sounds like a perfect plan for May 4, right? Right?
Wrong! Everyone’s thought pattern will be along the same lines! This is a nice week to visit parks and gardens as long as you avoid the very same day designated to celebrate them to avoid the crowds. Now, before you thank me for warning you, these are some of our staff suggestions:
▶ Wisteria Festival at Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi
▶ Nemophila Harmony at Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki