Every spring, Japan celebrates Golden Week—a uniquely Japanese holiday period that transforms the pace of the nation. Running from April 29 to May 5, this series of national holidays brings about one of the longest and most anticipated breaks of the year for workers, students, and businesses alike.

Golden Week in Japan is more than just time off. It’s a cultural, economic, and social phenomenon that affects everything from traffic and tourism to business operations and national sentiment. Whether you’re traveling, living in Japan, or doing business with Japanese companies, understanding the importance of this week gives valuable insight into the country’s rhythms and traditions.

The Four Holidays That Make Golden Week

Golden Week is defined by the clustering of four official public holidays. Although only four days are formally recognized, strategic use of substitute holidays and paid leave often turns it into a week-long or even 10-day vacation.

Here are the key holidays:

• April 29 – Showa Day (昭和の日, Showa no Hi)
  Originally the birthday of Emperor Showa (Hirohito), this day is meant for reflecting on the Showa era — a time of recovery and growth following hardship.
• May 3 – Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日, Kenpō Kinenbi)
  Celebrates the enactment of Japan’s postwar constitution in 1947, symbolizing a new chapter in national governance and democracy.
• May 4 – Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no Hi)
  Encourages people to connect with nature, express gratitude for its blessings, and cultivate an appreciation for the environment.
• May 5 – Children’s Day (こどもの日, Kodomo no Hi)
  Once known as Boys’ Day, it is now a celebration for all children, promoting their happiness and well-being. Families display koinobori (carp streamers) and traditional dolls to mark the occasion.

Due to a law that creates “substitute holidays” when any of these days fall on a Sunday, and with many people taking additional paid leave around these dates, Golden Week can stretch into a much longer break, sometimes reaching 11 consecutive days — as seen in 2019 when an imperial transition extended the holiday to a full 10 days.

The Origin and Meaning Behind the Term “Golden Week”

Despite sounding like an English phrase, “Golden Week” is actually wasei-eigo—a Japanese-invented English term. The name was first coined in 1951 by the film company Daiei, after experiencing an unexpected box office boom during the spring holidays with the movie The School of Freedom. At the time, cinema attendance outside of New Year and Obon was relatively low, so this surprise success led to a branding strategy.

Inspired by the radio industry’s “Golden Time”—referring to peak listening hours—Daiei promoted the phrase “Golden Week” to encourage even more audience turnout during this period. The term caught on quickly, spreading across the entertainment and retail sectors and eventually becoming part of the national vocabulary.

Today, it’s so ingrained in Japanese culture that even travel brochures, event posters, and news outlets frequently refer to it simply as “GW.”

A Nation on the Move

During Golden Week, millions of Japanese people travel, whether to visit family, explore domestic destinations, or enjoy long-awaited vacations abroad. This annual migration causes significant congestion at airports, train stations, and highways, and is one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

For many, it’s a rare chance to relax for an extended period. For others, especially those in tourism and retail, it’s a crucial economic window, with special promotions, seasonal sales, and packed event calendars.

Major festivals and events return during Golden Week, such as:

• Hakata Dontaku Festival (Fukuoka)
• Hamamatsu Kite Festival (Shizuoka)
• Hiroshima Flower Festival
• Takatsuki Jazz Street Festival (Osaka) — featuring over 3,000 jazz artists across dozens of stages

Sports events also thrive, including the Super GT Fuji 500 km race, which traditionally takes place on May 4.

A Cultural Marker

Golden Week reflects not just a break in the calendar, but a deep connection between leisure, tradition, and national identity. It reveals Japan’s balance between modern work culture and a strong desire for rest and connection — with nature, family, and heritage.

The name itself, while commercially inspired, has evolved into something far more meaningful. It now symbolizes celebration, rest, and the changing of seasons, with spring in full bloom and a spirit of renewal in the air.

Notably, public institutions like NHK sometimes use the alternative term “Ōgata Renkyū” (large consecutive holiday) to avoid commercial language, but “Golden Week” remains the widely used and most recognized phrase among the public.

Why It Matters

If you’re doing business with Japan, it’s essential to plan ahead for Golden Week. During this period, many businesses shut down completely, including vehicle auctions, logistics services, and even banks. As a result, no auctions are held, and bank transactions or payment processing may be delayed. This temporary pause can impact shipping schedules, communication, and financial transactions. Understanding Golden Week is not just a matter of etiquette — it’s about anticipating a nationwide slowdown that directly affects international business operations.

Golden Week in Japan is more than a string of holidays. It’s a cultural event, a travel rush, a marketing season, and a reflection of Japan’s modern history — all rolled into one vibrant week. Whether you’re visiting Japan, doing business with the country, or simply fascinated by its customs, Golden Week offers a unique window into how Japan pauses, celebrates, and reconnects every spring.

 nichibo

 nichibo