When is Golden Week?

Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク) is one of Japan’s biggest holiday seasons, spanning several national holidays that fall close together at the end of April and beginning of May. It’s a popular time for travel, leisure, and family gatherings across the country.

Why “Golden Week”?

Golden Week itself wasn’t a term initially used to describe the series of holidays. It gained popularity during the 1950s, when many people took advantage of the consecutive national holidays, creating an extended period of leisure time. The term is believed to have originated from the entertainment industry, where the week was a peak period for cinema and other entertainment, similar to how “golden” refers to something highly valued.

2025 Golden Week calendar

• Tuesday, April 29 – Shōwa Day (昭和の日)
  
• Saturday, May 3 – Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日)
  
• Sunday, May 4 – Greenery Day (みどりの日)
  
• Monday, May 5 – Children’s Day (こどもの日)
  
• Tuesday, May 6 – Substitute holiday for Greenery Day

Note : In Japan, when a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the following weekday becomes a “substitute holiday” (振替休日) to ensure that people still get a day off. Here Monday is already a national holiday (Children’s Day – May 5). So the substitute holiday is pushed to the next available weekday, which is Tuesday, May 6. This rule is part of Japan’s Public Holiday Law, which ensures that workers don’t miss out on a holiday just because it happens to land on a weekend.

Holidays Explanation

April 29 – Shōwa Day (昭和の日)

Shōwa Day marks the birthday of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito), who reigned from 1926 to 1989. Rather than celebrating the emperor himself, the day is intended to encourage contemplation of the nation’s past and its path forward. Emperor Hirohito’s birthday was originally celebrated on April 29 during his reign (1926–1989). After his passing in 1989, April 29 continued as a public holiday, but it was renamed Shōwa Day to honor the Emperor’s legacy. However, in 2007, Greenery Day was moved to May 4, and April 29 became a day dedicated specifically to Shōwa Day to commemorate the Shōwa era.

May 3  – Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日)

Constitution Memorial Day was established in 1949, to commemorate the promulgation of Japan’s postwar constitution in 1947, which introduced democratic governance, including civil liberties and rights.It’s a day to reflect on democracy, peace, and the rule of law. Some public institutions, like the National Diet building, may open for tours.

May 4 – Greenery Day (みどりの日)

Initially, Greenery Day was celebrated on April 29, at the same time as Emperor Shōwa’s birthday. It encourages appreciation for the natural world, in honor of Emperor Shōwa’s love of nature. After the shift to Shōwa Day in 1989, Greenery Day was moved to May 4 in 2007, and it was intended to promote nature and environmental consciousness. 

May 5 – Children’s Day (こどもの日)

Children’s Day, originally known as Boys’ Day (端午の節句, Tango no Sekku), has been celebrated for centuries in Japan, especially during the Edo period. It was recognized as a national holiday in 1948. Children’s Day celebrates the health, happiness, and growth of children. Families fly colorful carp streamers (koinobori), display traditional samurai helmets or warrior dolls, and eat special treats like kashiwa mochi (rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves).

What do people usually do during Golden Week?

Many people take vacations, both domestically and abroad. Popular destinations include Kyoto, Okinawa, Hokkaido, and hot spring resorts (like those in Hakone or Beppu). Tourist spots, transportation, and accommodations can be extremely crowded and expensive. Some people also take advantage of the extended break to travel abroad, especially to nearby countries like Korea, China, or Southeast Asia. Offices, schools, and some businesses may close for several days or even the whole week.

Golden Week is an ideal time for families to come together, especially for those who live in different regions. Many people return to their hometowns to visit family and celebrate traditional holidays, such as Children’s Day.

During this time, many outdoor festivals, street fairs, and cultural events take place. People enjoy festivals like flower viewing, springtime outdoor sports, and barbecues. The weather is usually pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

Golden Week is a peak time for shopping, as many stores and malls hold special sales, offering significant discounts on clothes, electronics, and other goods. Many people go to the cinema or enjoy other forms of entertainment, like visiting theme parks (Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan) or attending concerts and shows.