Golden Week

The Golden Week is a collection of 4 national holidays within a week. The end of April through around May 5th is called "Golden Week" in Japan since there are many national holidays during this period.

Many Japanese offices close for about a week to 10 days, depending on the calendar. People take a vacation and travel around the country or abroad, so tourist attractions in Japan are very crowded during Golden Week.

Also, airports and train stations in Japan are overcrowded with people. It is hard to get reservations for accommodations and transportation during Golden Week. Golden week Japan is celebrated across the country as one of the major festivals in Japan.

Golden Week Holidays

The Golden week holidays that make Golden Week are
  • April 29 Showa Day (Showa no hi): April 29 is the birthday of former
Emperor Showa, who died in the year 1989.
  • May 3 Constitution Day (Kenpo kinenbi): On this day in 1947, the new constitution was put into action.
  • May 4 Greenery Day (Midori no hi): Until 2006, Greenery Day used to be celebrated on April 29, the birthday of former Emperor Showa. The day is devoted to the nature and environment because the emperor loved plants and nature. Before being declared Greenery Day, May 4 used to be a national holiday due to a law, which declares a day, which falls between two national holidays, a national holiday.
  • May 5 Children's Day (Kodomo no hi): The Boy's Festival (Tango no Sekku) is celebrated on this day. Families pray for the health and future success of their sons by hanging up carp streamers and displaying samurai dolls, both symbolizing strength, power and success in life.