If you are new to Japan, you may be wondering what and when Golden Week is, something that you are probably hearing pretty often. It is an annual long holiday week from late April through early May, which consists of national holidays such as Constitution Day and Children's Day. It is also sometimes shortened to GW, which can be easily found in guidebooks or travel magazines about Japan. Unlike many western countries, in Japan, people rarely have a long vacation.
In 2024, Golden Week is on April 27th(Mon), and May 3rd(Fri) to May 6th(Mon).
Since the weather is usually pretty good during this time of year, it's considered to be one of the best times to travel in Japan. If you want to visit natural wonders and enjoy outdoor activities, GW is the perfect time to do so!
What Holidays Make Up Golden Week?
Shōwa Day (April 29th)
Shōwa Day is a day that honors the birthday of the late Emperor Hirohito, who was the Japanese emperor during the Shōwa period. There is no particular event that is held on this day but is considered as a day to look back on the good old days of the Shōwa period.
Constitution Memorial Day (May 3rd)
This day celebrates the day that the Constitution of Japan was enacted in 1947. The week between May 1st to 7th is known as Constitution Memorial Week and there are many opportunities to study and learn the meaning and roles of the Constitution during this time. The National Diet Building built in 1936 is a beautiful piece of architecture with a combination of Western and modern Japanese styles. You can visit the building and there is a tour available where you can see inside of the building!
Greenery Day (May 4th)
Greenery Day is a day to appreciate nature. It used to be on April 29th in memory of the death of the Emperor of the Showa period, but along with the change of the law regarding the Japanese national holidays, the day and name were changed to Greenery Day on May 4th from 2005. The Emperor of Showa was well-versed in the importance of greenery and the environment, and in memory of him, this day still has a deep connection to the emperor.
Children's Day (May 5th)
Children's Day is a celebration in the hope and honor of children's health and happiness. There are fun traditions that are still carried out today. If you have the time, we recommend that you at the very least try some Kashiwamochi and Chimaki which are special wagashi, or Japanese sweets, for Children's Day.
