Golden Week is one of the most exciting times to visit Japan. It's a week-long holiday that typically falls at the end of April and the beginning of May when the weather is warm and pleasant. During this time, many Japanese people take a break from work and travel around the country. If you're planning to visit Japan during Golden Week, here are some things you can do.
1. Hanami
Hanami is a traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms. Golden Week coincides with the peak of the cherry blossom season, so it's the perfect time to see the pink and white flowers in full bloom. You can go to parks, gardens, and temples to see the cherry blossoms and have a picnic under the trees.
Osaka Hanami Sakura Cruise Charter
Osaka
Go cherry blossom viewing wearing a kimono in Kyoto (Hair accessories set included)
Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Dress up in a wonderful kimono with your partner and go sightseeing in Kyoto
Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Sky Tree Kayaking Tour! Enjoy the outdoors in Tokyo
Edogawa City, Tokyo
2. Attend a Festival
During Golden Week, many festivals are held all over Japan. The most famous one is the Kameido Tenjin Shrine Wisteria Festival in Tokyo, where people can see wisteria flowers in full bloom. There are also other festivals, such as the Hakata Dontaku in Fukuoka, the Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto, and the Takayama Matsuri in Gifu. These festivals offer a glimpse into Japanese culture and traditions.
3. Visit a Shrine or Temple
Japan is known for its rich cultural heritage and many beautiful shrines and temples. During Golden Week, many people visit these sacred places to pray and seek blessings. The most popular ones are Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, and Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima. You can also visit Buddhist temples such as Kiyomizu-Dera and Ryoan-ji in Kyoto.
4. Explore the Countryside
Japan's countryside is filled with natural beauty, and Golden Week is a great time to explore it. You can go hiking in the mountains, visit hot springs, or see the countryside by bike. Some of the best places to visit include the Hakone area near Mount Fuji, the Japanese Alps, and the rural areas of Hokkaido and Kyushu.
Trekking at the foot of Mt. Fuji from the foot to the 5th station
Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi
Aokigahara Jukai Cave exploration
Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi
Mt. Fuji nature tour
Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi
Electric bicycle cycling & river trekking tour to enjoy the great nature of Tokyo
Akiruno, Tokyo
5. Visit an Amusement Park
If you're traveling with kids, visiting an amusement park is a great way to spend a day during Golden Week. Legoland Discovery Center and Dino Park are popular choices, as well as Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. There are also many other theme parks, such as Fuji-Q Highland near Mount Fuji and Nago Pineapple Park in Okinawa.
NARUTO & BORUTO theme park admission ticket
Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture
OKINAWA Fruits Land Sale Admission Ticket
Biimata, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture
Chibi Maruko-chan museum entrance ticket
Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Legoland Discovery Center Osaka advance sale date and time admission ticket (specified date and time)
Kaigandōri, Minato Ward, Osaka
6. Try Japanese Food
No trip to Japan is complete without trying its delicious cuisine. During Golden Week, many restaurants offer special menus or discounts, so it's a good time to try new foods. You can try traditional dishes such as sushi, tempura, and ramen or try regional specialties such as okonomiyaki in Hiroshima or takoyaki in Osaka.
Soba making experience in Tokyo
Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Original taiyaki making experience!
Taito-ku, Tokyo
Traditional sweets making experience in Kyoto
Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
In conclusion, Golden Week is an excellent time to visit Japan. With so many things to do, you'll never run out of things to see and experience. Whether you want to enjoy the cherry blossoms, attend a festival, explore the countryside, or try new foods, Japan has something for everyone.
Frequently asked questions
QWhat is Golden Week in Japan?
AGolden Week is a week-long holiday in Japan that typically falls at the end of April (29th/04) and the beginning of May (07th/05).
QWhat are some popular shrines and temples to visit in Japan during Golden Week?
ASome popular shrines and temples to visit in Japan during Golden Week include Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, and Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima.
QWhat are some ways to explore the countryside in Japan during Golden Week?
ASome ways to explore the countryside in Japan during Golden Week include hiking in the mountains, visiting hot springs, and seeing the countryside by bike.
QWhat amusement parks are popular to visit in Japan during Golden Week?
APopular amusement parks to visit in Japan during Golden Week include Legoland Discovery Center and Dino Park, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Fuji-Q Highland near Mount Fuji, and Nago Pineapple Park in Okinawa.
QWhat are some traditional Japanese dishes to try during Golden Week?
ASome traditional Japanese dishes to try during Golden Week include sushi, tempura, and ramen, as well as regional specialties such as okonomiyaki in Hiroshima or takoyaki in Osaka.
