Golden Week

Origins and history

The National Holiday Laws established in July 1948 created nine official holidays. Many fell within the same week, boosting revenue for leisure industries like film. In 1951, a movie studio executive noted record ticket sales during this busy period. He coined the term Golden Week based on radio lingo for high-rating times. The dates have shifted over time. 29 April was originally the Emperor's birthday but became Greenery Day after his death in 1989. In 2007, Greenery Day moved to 4 May, and 29 April became Shōwa Day to honor the late emperor.

How it is kept

Four days are official public holidays. Workers often take paid time off to create a full week-long vacation. Some companies close entirely during this period. It serves as the longest annual break for many Japanese employees. People use the time for rest, family visits, or domestic tourism. The period is known for heavy travel throughout the country. Businesses in entertainment and hospitality see high demand.

Special events

Various festivals occur during this timeframe. The Takatsuki Jazz Street Festival features live performances in northern Osaka. Over 300 acts play across dozens of locations. Sports also mark the calendar. The Super GT Fuji 500 km car race takes place on 4 May. This event has become closely associated with that specific date. Other regional festivals like the Hamamatsu Kite Festival also resume during this busy season.

Recent changes

The 2019 transition to the Reiwa era made the week exceptionally long. New Emperor Naruhito took the throne on 1 May, creating additional public holidays. The period lasted about ten days that year. The pandemic caused cancellations in 2020 and 2021. Governments urged people to stay home to prevent virus spread. Travel was discouraged, and schools closed. Festivals resumed fully in 2022 as emergency measures ended.

How Golden Week is kept

Workers take paid leave to extend the four official public holidays into a seven-day break. Companies may close completely. Families travel domestically or visit relatives. Entertainment venues and transport hubs experience high traffic. Local festivals and sporting events draw crowds.

When and where

It falls annually from 29 April to 5 May. The dates are fixed by law for the constituent public holidays. Sometimes compensation holidays shift dates if they fall on Sundays.

It is observed nationwide in Japan. Major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima see significant activity. Travel surges across all regions.

What Golden Week means

It represents a major pause in the work year. It honors historical figures and constitutional values through its component holidays. It provides a crucial opportunity for rest and social connection.

Days Golden Week is marked

Questions people ask about Golden Week

See also

HalloweenAn annual observance on 31 October marking the eve of All Saints' Day, rooted in Christian tradition and Celtic heritageHanamiA Japanese spring custom of gathering under blooming cherry trees to eat, drink, and celebrate the fleeting beauty of thHinamatsuriA March festival in Japan where families display ornamental dolls to pray for the health and happiness of young girls.Buddha's BirthdayA festival marking the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, observed across Asia with temple rituals and community gatherings.

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Golden Week (Japan) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.