Did you just arrive in Japan? Why, you might ask. Because this is Golden Week, when the entire country goes on vacation.

They were officially established as national holidays in the late s, but have changed slightly over the decades. What makes Golden Week in Japan unique is that they are a series of paid days off clumped together. Even if working days appear between the holidays, which they do, people go ahead and take the whole week off, especially if they have small children and want to travel or just need the time off.

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Saturday, April 29 - Showa Day: This holiday marks the birthday of the Emperor Showawhose reign lasted from to Previously, the date was called Greenery Date until Wednesday, May 3 - Constitution Day: Thursday, May 4 - Greenery Day: On Greenery Day, Japanese people are supposed to appreciate nature. People are probably more inclined just to appreciate the day off, nature or not.

Girls have their own festival in March, when families with daughters display traditional Japanese dolls. These days, families celebrate the day with sons and daughters, eating rice cakes and celebrating their children. However, April 29 fell on a Saturday this year, doing a nice job of bookending the week. So unless you like dealing with crowds, stay away from Japan. That is, unless you want to experience Golden Week yourself, then, by all means, WELCOME.

Everyone in Japan knows Golden Week is crowded, so people tend to handle the crowds well or, at least, have mentally prepared themselves to deal with them. In short, Golden Week is spring break for the entire nation of Japan. There are exceptions, especially people in the service and tourism industry. But, generally speaking, this is one of the few blocks of vacation time that companies must grant their employees because they are national holidays.

Certain days during Golden Week are truly awful. The worst days are often April 29, when everybody decides to travel, and May 5 to May 8, when everybody decides to return home. For example, according to NHKon April 29 last year the occupancy for unreserved Nozomi bullet train tickets leaving at 6am from Tokyo for Western Japan shot up percent.

Basically, the bullet train is incredibly crowded. Airports are also packed.

According to TV Asahi, on April 29 of last year, a total of 77, people flew internationally out of Narita and Haneda Airports, both of which serve greater Tokyo. These folks are how much money does blizzard make from rmah leaving the country to, perhaps, deal with crowds that are more manageable than the ones in Japan. The numbers for those simply traveling from Narita Airport, domestic and international, are staggering. This is still peak travel season for people in Japan.

Then, the other issue is that even if you are not traveling by bullet train, highway, or airplane, tourist spots within the country are swamped. During Golden Week, do not go to places like Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios, uk stock market blinkx, movie theaters, or pretty much any place children forex factory free signal to go.

Those tend to draw the worst crowds.

Ditto for big shopping areas. Anyplace that is crowded on a weekend in Japan will be infinitely more crowded during Golden Week. Can you still have fun?

Just realize that most places you go are going to be more packed than usual. All is not lost! Website Tokyo Cheapo has good advice, suggesting visiting the areas surrounding the cities i. You can find places that are not crowded, but you must be smart. Basically, think about where people are heading and then go in the opposite direction. Considering the crowds and the higher prices, the best advice, though, might be to pick another time to visit Japan.

The week after, for example. For more on Golden Week, check out these helpful articles on TofuguZooming Japanand Tokyo Cheapo. Kotaku East is your slice of Asian internet culture, bringing you the latest talking points from Japan, Korea, China and beyond.

Tune in every morning from 4am to 8am. Originally from Texas, Ashcraft has called Osaka home since He has authored four books, including most recently, Japanese Tattoos: Video The Bests Steamed Cosplay Compete Snacktaku Highlight Reel Podcast Review.

Do Not Come To Japan This Week.

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