What is Golden Week?

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Japan’s Golden Week is a collection of four national holidays within a seven-day period.

In combination with well placed weekends, the Golden Week becomes one of Japan's three busiest holiday seasons.

The national holidays making up the Golden Week are:

  • April 29
    Showa Day (昭和の日; Showa no hi):
    April 29 is the birthday of former Emperor Showa, who passed in 1989.

  • May 3
    Constitution Day (憲法記念日; Kenpou kinenbi):
    On this day in 1947, the new postwar constitution was put into effect.

  • May 4
    Greenery Day (みどりの日; Midori no hi):
    Prior to 2006, Greenery Day was celebrated on the birthday of former Emperor Showa. The day is dedicated to the environment and nature in honor of Emperor Showa’s love for plants and nature.

  • May 5
    Children's Day (こどもの日; Kodomo no hi):
    Formerly known as the Boy's Festival (端午の節句; Tango no Sekku), young boys are celebrated on this day. Families pray for the health and future success of their sons by hanging carp streamers and displaying samurai dolls, both symbolizing strength, power and success in life. [Note: Girl's Festival (雛祭り; Hinna Matsuri) is celebrated on March 3.]