In Japan, as with Christmas holidays and the Spring Festival, there are periods when many people have time off from work or school. During these times, not only international tourists but also many Japanese travelers flock to tourist destinations, causing incredibly crowded conditions. To ensure a more comfortable experience exploring Japan, it’s recommended to avoid these peak periods listed below when planning your visit.
1. Golden Week: Late April to Early May
With the implementation of the Holiday Act in Japan, there has been a concentration of holidays and public days off from April 29th to May 5th. This period, known as Golden Week, includes weekdays and Saturdays. Even when there are workdays in between, many companies and individuals take additional days off to enjoy an extended vacation. As a result, Japan experiences crowded conditions throughout this period.
2. Obon: August 13th to 16th
In Japan, from August 13th to 16th, there is a four-day period known as “Obon,” during which families welcome their ancestors back home for memorial services. Most companies and schools are closed during this time. Traditionally, families visit graves together, but in recent years, this custom has somewhat diminished, with many people using the Obon holiday to travel instead. Consequently, accommodation prices in hotels and other lodging facilities are high, and tourist destinations are crowded throughout the Obon period.
3. New Year Holidays: December 29th to January 3rd
In Japan, there isn’t a designated Christmas holiday, but the New Year period typically runs from December 29th to January 3rd. Schools generally close from around December 25th to January 5th, 6th, or 10th, totaling approximately two weeks. Consequently, hotels and tourist spots experience significant crowds around the December 29th to January 3rd period, when many parents also have time off from work.
In addition, periods such as spring break, summer vacation, and winter break, which are long school holidays, see a slight increase in crowds compared to normal times, but it’s not as congested as during Golden Week, Obon, and the New Year holiday period.
When planning your trip to Japan, consider incorporating Japan’s holidays for a more enjoyable experience!