7 Best Destinations and Events to Visit During Golden Week in April and May

Japan's Golden Week explained

Golden Week in Japan, extending from late April to early May, comprises several consecutive national holidays along with regular weekend days. Many locals typically take off two to three weekdays in between to enjoy a longer break. Golden Week falls between April 29 and May 5 and includes four holidays: Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children's Day.

April 29 marks Showa Day, commemorating the birthday of the late Emperor Showa, also known as Hirohito, who reigned over Japan between 1926 and 1989.

Constitution Memorial Day falls on May 3, honoring the ratification of Japan's constitution in 1947.

May 4 is celebrated as Greenery Day, dedicated to honoring the environment, inspired by Emperor Showa's appreciation for nature. Initially celebrated on April 29, Greenery Day was moved to May 4 due to a law stipulating a holiday between national holidays.

Children's Day on May 5 is celebrated by displaying carp streamers outdoors to bless young children with strength and prosperity in life.

Travel tips for Golden Week

During Golden Week, many locals take advantage of the consecutive holidays to travel within Japan or abroad, resulting in overcrowded airports, train stations, and highways, as well as popular attractions and sightseeing destinations. Read on for some useful tips to make sure your Golden Week vacation goes to plan.

Reserve transport tickets and seats in advance

Typically during peak travel seasons, Japan Railways (JR) trains only guarantee seating for reserved tickets on limited express trains, and there may be restrictions on using special tickets for certain shinkansen or limited express trains. However, exceptions include the Japan Rail Pass designed for international tourists, as well as some special promotional tickets.

Tickets for reserved seats on limited express trains tend to sell out fast, so it's smart to book them at least one month in advance. You can check seat availability for different lines during Golden Week on JR's official website (in Japanese only.)

No matter which prefecture you're planning to travel to, WAmazing Transport offers a variety of great value passes that cover popular destinations across Japan. These passes are not only affordable but also highly convenient, making them a compelling option for travelers.

Book accommodations early

If you're heading to Japan during Golden Week, it's a good idea to secure your accommodation well in advance before they're fully booked.

Beat the crowds and buy your souvenirs tax-free through WAmazing

During Golden Week, major department stores and shopping malls across Japan also tend to draw crowds. However, you can easily skip long queues by buying all your souvenirs online through WAmazing Shop. Find a variety of tax-free cosmetics, snacks, alcoholic beverages, anime merchandise, and more, and collect your order directly at designated airports before heading home.

7 popular destinations and events to visit during Golden Week

Throughout Golden Week, the country hosts many fun and engaging festivals to enjoy. Continue reading to discover the top seven must-visit destinations across Japan during this extended holiday period.

Aomori Prefecture: Enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival at Hirosaki Park

From late April to early May, cherry blossoms burst into full bloom in Japan’s northern Tohoku Region. Among the top spots for cherry blossom viewing in Aomori Prefecture is Hirosaki Park.

During Golden Week, the park hosts the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, complete with food stalls selling a variety of typical festival treats. Additionally, you can hop on a rowing boat and navigate through a tunnel of stunning pink blooms.

In the evening, enjoy the illuminated cherry blossoms for a magical atmosphere.

Hirosaki Park
Address: 1 Shimobashiri-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori Prefecture
Access: 10-min taxi ride from Hirosaki Station (JR Ou Main Line)
Official website: https://www.hirosakipark.com/en/

When visiting Japan’s Tohoku Region, opt for the JR East Pass (Tohoku area,) which allows unlimited rides on trains and shinkansen, including access to Hirosaki Station.

Tochigi Prefecture: Snap photos of the Great Wisteria tree at Ashikaga Flower Park

Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture is famous for its 160-year-old Great Wisteria tree, growing along an expansive trellis, spanning an impressive 1,000 square meters. Its enchanting nighttime illumination has earned it recognition as a "Japanese Night View Heritage."

In addition to the Great Wisteria tree, the park features an 80-meter-long tunnel of white wisteria, and over 350 other varieties including delicate pale pink and yellow blooms.

To get the best views of these colorful flowers, visit between April and May, coinciding with Golden Week, during the park’s Ashikaga Great Wisteria Festival. Along with breathtaking nighttime views, you can also shop for a variety of popular wisteria-themed souvenirs.

Ashikaga Flower Park
Address: 607 Hasama-cho, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi Prefecture
Access: 3-min walk from Ashikaga Flower Park Station (JR Ryomo Line)
Official website: https://www.ashikaga.co.jp/english/index.html

Ibaraki Prefecture: Marvel at blue nemophila fields at Hitachi Seaside Park

Another must-visit flower destination during Golden Week is the Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka City. From late April to early May, the park's 4.2-hectare Miharashi Hill is blanketed with stunning sky-blue nemophila, also known as baby blue eyes.

From the hill, you can take in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean stretching out under the blue sky, creating a harmonious blend of three different shades of blue—an unforgettable sight that's worth the journey.

Hitachi Seaside Park
Address: 605-4 Onuma, Mawatari, Hitachinaka-shi, Ibaraki Prefecture
Access: 15-min bus ride from JR Katsuta Station to Kaigan Park Nishiguchi bus stop
Official website: https://hitachikaihin.jp/en/

Opt for the JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata areas,) which covers not only travel in Tokyo and Nagano and Niigata prefectures, but also Ibaraki Prefecture, including access to JR Katsuta Station.

Shizuoka Prefecture: See soaring kites at the Hamamatsu Festival

The Hamamatsu Festival, held annually on May 3-5 in Hamamatsu City, is a massive kite-themed event that attracts around 2 million spectators over three days.

During the day, the main attraction of the festival is the kite-flying competition, where colorful large kites engage in aerial battles, trying to cut each other's strings.

In the evening, 80 elaborately decorated and illuminated goten-yatai festival floats parade through the streets, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Hamamatsu Festival
Address: Various locations in Minami-ku, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka Prefecture
Access: 15-min bus ride from Hamamatsu Station (JR Tokaido Main Line)
Official website: https://www.hamamatsu-japan.com/en/events/1539/

Hiroshima Prefecture: Soak in the lively atmosphere of the Hiroshima Flower Festival

The Hiroshima Flower Festival, held around the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and along the Peace Boulevard, is a three-day celebration that revolves around themes of peace, flowers, greenery, and music. Drawing over 1.6 million visitors annually, it’s one of the largest events during Golden Week.

Throughout the festival, immerse yourself in various attractions, including the iconic Tower of Flowers with over 30,000 potted plants, captivating stage performances, and a grand parade with 8,000 participants.

If you find yourself in Hiroshima during Golden Week, don't miss the chance to stop by the food and souvenir stalls, as well as the bustling flea markets.

Hiroshima Flower Festival
Address: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, 1 Nakajima-cho and 1-10 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture
Access: Short walk away from Genbaku Dome-mae Station (Hiroshima Electric Railway)
Official website: https://www.hiroshima-ff.com/ (in Japanese only)

Explore Hiroshima with the Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass and receive discounts at sightseeing spots, restaurants, cultural experiences, and more.

Fukuoka Prefecture: Watch large-scale parades at the Hakata Dontaku Festival

The Hakata Dontaku Festival, held annually on May 3-4 in Fukuoka City, is one of Japan's largest festivals during Golden Week, attracting over 2 million spectators. Locals parade through the streets dressed in traditional attire, creating a lively atmosphere while singing and dancing.

Aside from the grand parade, the festival offers various stage performances and exciting programs across Fukuoka City. Foodwise, look forward to hearty servings of yakisoba fried noodles, takoyaki (octopus balls,) and more.

Hakata Dontaku Festival
Address: Premises around Tenjin to Hakata, Nakasu Kawabata, and various locations in Fukuoka City
Access: Within walking distance from Tenjin Station or Nakasu Kawabata Station
Official website: https://www.dontaku.fukunet.or.jp

Opt for the Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass, which covers travel in Fukuoka City’s Hakata district, as well as Hiroshima and Yamaguchi prefectures.

Okinawa Prefecture: Watch dragon boat races at the Naha Hari Festival

The Naha Hari Festival, held annually on May 3-5 in Naha City, is the largest dragon boat racing event in Okinawa Prefecture. Watch thrilling races, enjoy free boat rides, catch live performances, and see mesmerizing fireworks displays. This vibrant celebration is popular among both locals and international visitors.

Naha Hari Festival
Address: Naha Shinko (Naha New Port), Minatomachi, Naha-shi, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 10-min walk from Tomari Takahashi bus stop
Official website: https://visitokinawajapan.com/discover/events/naha-hari-hare/

Make the most of your trip to Japan during Golden Week

While it tends to get crowded, Golden Week offers an array of exciting events in various parts of the country. If you're planning a trip to Japan during this busy period, be sure to use this article as your guide to make the most of your holiday.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.

Explore more of Japan by using one of the many different transportation passes.

JR East Pass (Tohoku area) 5 days

・Unlimited rides on all trains and shinkansen in the Kanto and Tohoku regions.
・Available for foreign residents and tourists with non-Japanese passports.

JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata areas) 5 days

・Unlimited rides on all trains and shinkansen in the Kanto, Nagano and Niigata areas.
・Available for foreign residents and tourists with non-Japanese passports.

Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass (1/2/3 days)

・Unlimited rides on all Hiroshima Electric Railway lines, buses, and the "Meipuru-pu" loop bus.
・Exclusively available for non-Japanese passport holders; includes various discount coupons.

Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass (5 days)

・Unlimited rides on JR trains, shinkansen and Chugoku JR buses.
・Tickets can be picked up at ticket machines in JR West stations.