Golden Week Travel Advice

Our tips and advices for travelling during Golden Week in Japan

Japan will celebrate Golden Week from April 29 to May 6, 2024, which comprises four national holidays: Showa Day on April 29, Constitutional Memorial Day on May 3, Greenery Day on May 4, and Children's Day on May 5.

Be aware of Japanese bank holidays so that you are not taken by surprise when arriving in Japan! It remains Japan busiest time to travel: here is our advice for traveling during Golden Week

Make the most of your vacations in Japan during the Golden Week!

From cultural explorations to outdoor adventures: Find your perfect activity.

Even if you have a Japan Rail Pass, make sure to reserve your train seats ahead of time at no extra cost.

Additionally, consider traveling in the opposite direction of major tourist spots, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, as many Japanese travelers will be heading there. This way, you can experience the convenience of the shinkansen without dealing with massive crowds and queues.

If you're unable to avoid crowded trains, be prepared to stand and bring snacks and drinks. It's also best to arrive early at the station and avoid highway buses or rental cars on expressways to prevent getting stuck in traffic jams.

While normally on-the-spot seat reservations for trains are fine (for example, going to a train station at 10:30 am to book a seat on an 11:15 train), during Golden Week this may be more difficult to do.

If you are traveling in a large group, you may also find it difficult to get seat reservations so that all members can seat together.

Overall, detailed planning is essential for a smoother and more enjoyable trip during Golden Week. Know your destinations and schedule your travels accordingly, such as traveling early in the morning instead of midday.

With some preparation and flexibility, you can still make the most of Japan's world-famous bullet trains without the stress of massive crowds.

Train station in Japan

JR Train Station in Japan

@shiniphotos, unsplash

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