Every year, Japan has a long holiday period known as Golden Week—a time when millions of people travel simultaneously.
In 2026, Golden Week once again becomes one of the busiest times, with major surges in transportation, accommodation, and popular tourist destinations.
Golden Week as the Busiest Holiday Season in Japan
Golden Week is a series of four national holidays that take place within a seven-day period. These four national holidays include:
- Showa Day (April 29)
- Constitution Memorial Day (May 3)
- Greenery Day (May 4)
- Children’s Day (May 5)
This holiday period is one of the busiest travel seasons in Japan, alongside New Year and Obon (summer holiday).
During Golden Week, train stations, airports, and popular tourist attractions become significantly more crowded than usual. Accommodation in tourist areas is often booked far in advance, and prices can increase significantly.
Accommodation Prices Increase Significantly
During Golden Week, demand for accommodations such as hotels, ryokan, and other lodging options in Japan rises sharply.
Popular cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka typically experience price increases of up to 2–3 times compared to normal days.
For travelers who do not book early, accommodation options may become very limited or even fully booked.
Therefore, it is important to reserve hotels well in advance, especially if you plan to visit major destinations or city centers.
An alternative option is to look for accommodation in suburban areas with easy access to transportation, allowing for a more affordable yet convenient stay.
Some Attractions May Close or Have Different Operating Hours
During Golden Week, some services and tourist attractions may close or operate on different hours than usual, so it is important to check in advance before visiting.
- Small shops and family businesses: Many small businesses choose to close for several days or even the entire Golden Week so owners can spend time with their families.
- Banks and government offices: Services such as banks, post offices, and some government offices are usually closed on national holidays, making administrative services unavailable.
- Restaurants and certain facilities: While many restaurants in tourist areas remain open, some smaller or traditional establishments may close or operate on adjusted hours during Golden Week.
- Attraction hours: Although most major attractions remain open, operating hours may change and places can be very crowded, so checking official websites or the latest information is essential before visiting.
Even on certain Shinkansen services, such as the Nozomi, all cars typically operate with a Reserved Seat system during high to peak seasons, such as New Year, Golden Week, and summer holidays.
Transportation Becomes Extremely Crowded
During Golden Week, various types of transportation in Japan experience a significant surge in passengers, especially in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
High-speed trains like the Shinkansen, particularly the Tokaido Shinkansen line from Tokyo to Osaka, often reach full capacity within the first few days of Golden Week. In fact, tickets for some popular routes can sell out within hours.
Intercity buses and local transportation also face heavy congestion, especially on routes to popular tourist destinations such as Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, or the Mount Fuji area.
Travelers who do not book tickets in advance risk delays or not getting a seat at all.
