The 2024 Golden Week in Japan is right around the corner. What is Golden Week? When is it happening? Should I visit Japan during Golden Week?
In this guide, we answer all your questions about Golden Week, what to do, what to see, and some travel reminders to keep you in the loop.
Golden Week is a sequence of 4 national holidays—all happening within 7 days. Typically, this week-long holiday occurs at the end of April and the start of May every year.
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In 2024, the total number of days off will be 10, including the weekend before the official start of Golden Week and May 2 and 3, which are not official holidays. It will begin on April 27 (Saturday) and end on May 6 (Monday).
As one of the longest series of holidays in Japan, it is the perfect opportunity for locals to take some time off work. And what that usually means is that popular tourist spots around Japan tend to get crowded with local tourists.
Nevertheless, Golden Week is a great time to visit Japan since traditional festivals also take place. If you’re planning to visit Japan during these dates, this guide can help you prepare for your trip.
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Japan Golden Week 2024 Schedule
The 2024 Golden Week starts on April 27 (Saturday) and ends on May 6 (Monday). If you’re visiting Tokyo, here are the dates of Golden Week:
April 27 - Saturday weekend
April 28 - Sunday weekend
April 29 - Showa Day
May 1 - no holiday (
May 2 - no holiday
May 3 - Constitution Memorial Day
May 4 - Greenery Day
May 5 - Children’s Day (observed on May 6)
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Golden Week Festivals in Tokyo
Here are some festivals and events you can witness during Golden Week in Tokyo:
Wisteria Festival
Location: Ashikaga Flower Park
Dates: April 13 - May 12, 2024
Admission: 1,000 yen
Tokyo Rainbow Pride
Location: Yoyogi Park
Dates: April 21, 2024, 12 noon
Admission: Free
Ryogoku Nigiwai Festival
Location: Ryogoku Kokugikan
Dates: April 28 - 29, 2024
Admission: Free
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Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival
Location: Kameido Tenjin Shrine
Dates: April 6 - 30, 2024
Admission: Free
Shiofune Kannon Azalea Festival
Location: Shiofune Kannon Temple
Dates: Mid-April to early May
Admission: 300 yen
Odaiba Dinosaur Expo
Location: Fuji TV Headquarters, Odaiba
Dates: March 20 - May 6, 2024
Admission: 2,200 yen
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Meiji Shrine Spring Grand Festival
Location: Meiji Shrine
Dates: April 30 - May 6, 2024
Admission: Free
Kurayami Festival
Location: Okunitama Shrine
Dates: April 30 - May 6, 2024
Admission: Free
Ōme Grand Festival
Location: Ome City
Dates: May 2 - 3, 2024
Admission: Free
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Cambodia Festival
Location: Yoyogi Park
Dates: May 3 - 4, 2024
Admission: Free
Tokyo Sea Life Park - Free Admission Day
Location: Kasai Rinkai Park
Dates: May 2024
Admission: Free
Ueno Toshogu Shrine Spring Peony Festival
Location: Ueno Toshogu Shrine
Dates: Mid-April to early May
Admission: 1,000 yen
Shiki no Kaori Rose Garden Festival
Location: Shiki no Kaori Rose Garden, Nerima, Tokyo
Dates: Late April to late May
Admission: Free
Golden Week 2024 Travel Tips
If this is your first time in Japan for Golden Week, remember some tips to help you have a smooth experience:
Make reservations ahead of time. Hotels, trains, flights, and tours get fully booked early. Be sure to plan your trip at least 2 months ahead.
Allow extra time for everything. Lines are longer during this time, so make sure to give ample time for everything you do, whether it’s paying at the counter or waiting in line at the train stations.
Be flexible. Some attractions might have too many people, more than they can accommodate. Be sure you have a backup plan.
Since Golden Week tends to be really crowded at every turn, consider activities like relaxing at a sauna or experiencing capsule hotels.
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