Golden Week in Japan refers to a cluster of public holidays closely spaced together, offering an extended break for many individuals across the nation. This term typically encompasses several consecutive holidays:
1. Showa Day (Showa no Hi): Celebrated on April 29th, this holiday pays tribute to the birthday of Emperor Showa, who reigned over Japan from 1926 to 1989.
2. Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpō Kinenbi): Observed on May 3rd, this holiday commemorates the establishment of Japan's post-war constitution in 1947.
3. Greenery Day (Midori no Hi): Previously marked on April 29th, Greenery Day has been moved to May 4th. It serves as a day for appreciating nature and expressing gratitude for its blessings.
4. Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi): Celebrated on May 5th, this holiday celebrates the individuality and happiness of children. Families often fly koinobori (carp-shaped streamers) and display samurai dolls to wish for the healthy growth of children, particularly boys.
Golden Week stands out as one of Japan's busiest holiday seasons, as many people seize the opportunity to travel domestically or internationally, reunite with family, or indulge in leisure activities. Consequently, transportation, accommodations, and tourist destinations can become congested during this period. It's worth noting that Golden Week may not be the ideal time to visit Japan, as popular sites are likely to be crowded, and securing bookings for public transportation, including the Shinkansen, can prove challenging.