Golden Week in Japan: A week of celebrations
Golden Week in Japan is a special time. It’s a collection of national holidays that come together in late April and early May. For many Japanese people, it’s the longest vacation of the year.
This period gives families, workers, and students a chance to rest, travel, and enjoy spring. Because the holidays happen close together, most people take the entire week off.
If you’re in Japan during this time, you’ll notice that trains, airports, and hotels are often fully booked.
📅 When is Golden Week?
Golden Week usually happens from April 29 to May 5. During this time, four public holidays take place:
April 29 – Showa Day (昭和の日)
This day honors Emperor Showa. People reflect on his era and Japan’s history.
May 3 – Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日)
This holiday celebrates the post-war constitution that shapes modern Japan.
May 4 – Greenery Day (みどりの日)
People use this day to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty.
May 5 – Children’s Day (こどもの日)
Families celebrate children’s health and growth. You’ll see colorful carp streamers flying in the wind.
Sometimes, if a holiday lands on a weekend, an extra day off is added. This makes the week even longer.
✈️ How People Celebrate Golden Week
Many Japanese families plan trips during Golden Week. Some travel abroad, but most explore places within Japan. Popular destinations include Kyoto, Okinawa, and hot springs in the countryside.
Because travel costs rise, people often book their trips months in advance. If they stay local, they enjoy festivals, park outings, and seasonal foods.
Shops, cafés, and entertainment spots also offer special Golden Week discounts and events.
🎏 Golden Week Traditions and Symbols
Golden Week is not just about taking time off. It also celebrates tradition and culture.
One of the most popular sights is koinobori — colorful carp streamers that hang from balconies or parks. Each carp represents a family member and wishes for a strong future.
On Children’s Day, homes display samurai helmets and dolls to honor bravery and protection. Special foods like kashiwa mochi (rice cake wrapped in oak leaf) are served.
These symbols help families stay connected to Japanese heritage.
💡 Learn Useful Phrases for Golden Week
Here are a few Japanese phrases that are handy during this festive time:
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ゴールデンウィークですね！ (It’s Golden Week, isn’t it?)
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どこかに行きますか？ (Are you going anywhere?)
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楽しい休暇を！ (Have a fun holiday!)
Learning even one or two of these expressions makes a great impression. Locals appreciate when you try to speak their language.
🧠 Learning Language Through Culture
Golden Week is a perfect example of how culture and language go hand in hand. When you understand local traditions, you learn more than words. You understand people.
That’s why our 1-on-1 Japanese lessons focus on real conversations. We teach you how people actually speak — during holidays, family events, or daily life.
✅ Speak with confidence
✅ Understand real Japanese culture
✅ Learn with a native tutor
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