Golden Week in Japan is more than just a holiday—a nationwide celebration bursting with color, culture, and once-a-year experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Japan traveler, this is your chance to dive headfirst into the heart of Japan’s traditions. From ancient festivals to dazzling parades, Golden Week transforms the country into a grand stage of history, nature, and festivity.
What makes Golden Week special for events?
Golden Week in Japan is one of the most anticipated times of the year. It falls in late April to early May and consists of several national holidays, including Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day. During this period, Japan’s cities, towns, and rural areas come alive with seasonal festivals, parades, and various cultural activities.
Golden Week is especially significant because many Japanese people take time off from work and school to travel, visit family, and participate in festivities. This creates an exciting, yet sometimes crowded, atmosphere throughout the country. This is an excellent time to witness Japan at its most festive, where every region has something special to offer.
Notable festivals and parades
Golden Week is synonymous with some of Japan’s most famous and unique events. Here are a few festivals and parades that you should not miss during your visit:
Hamamatsu Kite Festival (Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka)
The Hamamatsu Kite Festival is a tradition dating back over 400 years. Held every year in May during Golden Week, this exciting event sees huge kites—sometimes as large as 10 meters (33 feet) wide—flown across the skies by teams of kite enthusiasts. The kites are beautifully decorated with vibrant colors and intricate designs.
The festival includes kite battles, where competitors attempt to cut each other’s kites down by using strings with sharp materials attached. It’s a thrilling sight and a showcase of skill and teamwork.
Hakata Dontaku Festival (Fukuoka City, Fukuoka)
The Hakata Dontaku Festival is one of Japan’s largest and liveliest festivals. It is held annually in Fukuoka during Golden Week. It features lively parades, with participants dressed in traditional attire, and colorful floats adorned with flowers and decorations. The streets of Fukuoka become a carnival of music, dance, and excitement.
Expect thousands of people from all over Japan joining the celebration. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Japanese dance or just love the festive atmosphere, this is one festival you won’t want to miss.
Fuji Shibazakura Festival (Fujinomiya, Shizuoka)
The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is a breathtaking springtime event set against the backdrop of the majestic Mt. Fuji. This festival celebrates the bloom of pink shibazakura (moss phlox), which covers the fields in vibrant colors of pink, purple, and white.
Held annually during Golden Week, the festival offers visitors the chance to witness the beauty of these flowers while enjoying the scenic views of Mt. Fuji. It’s a perfect way to experience nature’s beauty while also enjoying food stalls, local crafts, and cultural performances.
Photo for illustrative purposes
Wisteria Season at Ashikaga Flower Park (Ashikaga, Tochigi)
Ashikaga Flower Park is famous for its stunning wisteria displays, which peak during Golden Week. The Wisteria Festival features long cascades of purple, white, and pink wisteria flowers that create a magical, almost dreamlike atmosphere. This natural wonder is a perfect spot for photography, making it a must-see destination for flower lovers.
Children’s Day traditions
Children’s Day (May 5th) is dedicated to celebrating the health, happiness, and growth of children. During Golden Week, you’ll see colorful koinobori (carp-shaped windsocks) flying high, symbolizing strength and perseverance. Families also sometimes celebrate by displaying kabuto (samurai helmets), or samurai dolls, and children often participate in traditional activities like flying kites or playing games.
It’s a day filled with joy, and whether you’re traveling with children or simply exploring, it’s an enriching part of the Golden Week experience.
Unique local experiences
In addition to the big festivals, Golden Week is the perfect time to dive into some unique local experiences in Japan. If you want to get away from the crowds and experience something different, consider these activities:
Traditional craft workshops
Japan is known for its craftsmanship, and during Golden Week, many towns offer workshops where visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts. From pottery in Kyoto to indigo dyeing in Tokushima, you can create your own souvenirs while learning about Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
These workshops are perfect for families or solo travelers looking to immerse themselves in Japanese tradition. Plus, you get to take home a handmade item as a reminder of your unique experience.
Photo for illustrative purposes
Tea picking in Uji
Uji, located in Kyoto Prefecture, is famous for its green tea. During Golden Week, visitors can participate in tea picking experiences, where you can harvest fresh tea leaves and learn about the tea-making process. Afterward, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea in one of the many tea houses in the area. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy Japan’s tea culture.
Rural homestays
For those looking for a more tranquil and authentic experience, staying with a local family during Golden Week is a fantastic way to experience Japan’s rural life. Rural homestays offer a chance to experience Japanese hospitality firsthand, enjoy home-cooked meals, and explore the scenic beauty of rural Japan. Homestays in places like the Japanese Alps or rural villages in Kyushu can provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
How to find events by region?
Every region in Japan has its own distinct way of celebrating Golden Week, making each visit a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a tranquil countryside village, the atmosphere shifts dramatically depending on where you go.
With 47 prefectures, Japan is traditionally grouped into eight regions based on geography and historical significance. Each region features its own dialect, customs, and rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a diverse and immersive experience across the country.
Here’s a brief overview of the major regions and what they have to offer.
Hokkaido
- Notable Festival/Event: Akkeshi Cherry Blossom and Oyster Festival
- Description & Highlights: Held mid-May at Nenohi Park (Eastern Hokkaido), this Golden Week event lets visitors enjoy one of Japan’s last cherry-blossom views—about 1,200 trees including Ezo-yamazakura—while feasting on plump Akkeshi oysters, large clams, and other local seafood grilled on the spot. Live performances, food stalls, and picnic areas create a relaxed hanami atmosphere by the sea.
Kanto
- Notable Festival/Event: Kanda Matsuri
- Description & Highlights: One of Japan’s three great festivals, it offers a unique experience each year. On even-numbered years, the Reitaisai on May 15 features sacred rituals and dance at Kanda Shrine. Odd-numbered years bring lively parades, taiko drumming, and packed streets in Akihabara. Whether solemn or festive, it’s a great Golden Week addition.
Chubu
- Notable Festival/Event: Fuji Shibazakura Festival
- Description & Highlights: For details, see Fuji Shibazakura Festival, above.
Kinki
- Notable Festival/Event: Nakanoshima Festival (Osaka)
- Description & Highlights: A citizen-run Golden Week celebration held May 3–5 across Osaka’s scenic Nakanoshima Park. Since 1973, the festival has offered stage performances—from live bands to traditional dance—alongside riverside food stalls serving yakisoba, grilled skewers, and local craft beer. Family-friendly zones feature handmade game booths, eco activities, and evening lantern displays along the riverbanks.
Chugoku
- Notable Festival/Event: Hiroshima Flower Festival
- Description & Highlights: Held May 3–5 along Peace Boulevard and in Peace Memorial Park, this spring event transforms downtown Hiroshima with vibrant flower displays, a 1.2 km “Flower Parade” of dancers and flower-covered floats, plus about 30 performance stages featuring music, Yosakoi dance, and traditional kagura. Evening illuminations and peace-candle installations create a moving nightscape.
Shikoku
- Notable Festival/Event: Hōjō Kashima Festival
- Description & Highlights: Usually held in early May off the coast of Matsuyama’s Hōjō Kashima Island, this centuries-old celebration honors the once-powerful Kōno Suigun navy. Festival highlights include vigorous kaineri odori dances, the dramatic replacement of a giant shimenawa rope, coastal food stalls, boat parades, and springtime hanami views.
Kyushu
- Notable Festival/Event: Hakata Dontaku Festival
- Description & Highlights: For details, see Hakata Dontaku Festival, above.
Okinawa
- Notable Festival/Event: Naha Hari (Dragon-Boat) Festival
- Description & Highlights: Staged May 3–5 at Naha Port’s Shinko Wharf, this centuries-old boat-racing event prays for bountiful catches and safe seas. Teams of 32 rowers power vividly painted dragon boats across the harbor, while visitors enjoy trial rides, Okinawan music and dance performances, and island-style street food. The festival culminates with fireworks over the bay.
What to expect as a traveler during Golden Week?
Golden Week can also present some challenges for travelers, as it is one of the busiest times in Japan. Hotels and transport may be fully booked, and popular tourist spots can get crowded. However, the energy and excitement of Golden Week make it a unique opportunity to experience Japan in a way that few other times of the year can offer.
If you’re planning to visit Japan during Golden Week, it’s important to plan ahead. Booking accommodation early is essential, and it’s advisable to reserve tickets for events or popular attractions in advance. You may also want to consider visiting smaller towns or less touristy destinations if you prefer a more peaceful experience.
Tips for booking tickets and attending large festivals
Golden Week is a peak travel period in Japan, especially for popular festivals. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:
Reserve Early
Hotels, flights, and event tickets tend to sell out quickly during Golden Week. Make sure to plan ahead and book your accommodations as early as possible. Consider staying in less touristy areas or booking a room with flexible cancellation policies to secure your spot without the stress of last-minute availability.
Check the weather
The weather can vary significantly between regions. Be sure to check the forecast to pack accordingly.
Arrive early
Popular festivals and parades can get crowded, so arriving early will help you secure a good spot to enjoy the festivities.
Use public transportation
Japan’s trains and buses are efficient, but they can get crowded during Golden Week. Be prepared for long lines and wait times. Nonetheless, try to travel early in the morning or later in the evening when transportation is less crowded. The Japan Rail Pass or regional passes can be a great way to save on transportation costs.
Wrap up
If you’re planning to visit Japan during Golden Week, be sure to plan ahead and keep notes of this helpful guide curated for unforgettable events and seasonal wonders. With a little preparation, you can enjoy a memorable and enriching adventure.
So, get ready to immerse yourself in Japan’s incredible cultural heritage and make the most of your once-in-a-year opportunity to experience the enchantment of Golden Week!
Celebrate the magic of Golden Week with Umami bites—your ultimate guide to experiencing Japan’s most vibrant festivals, unique events, and seasonal wonders. From thrilling parades to breathtaking natural displays, we’ll help you navigate the best Golden Week celebrations and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, let us be your trusted companion in uncovering Japan’s festive spirit.
