Japanese Public Holidays & Peak Travel Times
On Japanese public holidays and during the three big peak periods, trains and hotels are full and expensive. Here you'll find every public holiday for your travel year – plus Golden Week, Obon and New Year, which travellers should avoid where possible.
⚠️ Peak periods
Public holidays
Plan around the peak periods.
In Tabiyume the calendar marks holidays and peak times automatically on your travel days – so you book trains and hotels in time.
The three big peak periods
Golden Week (late April – early May)
Four public holidays in one week (Shōwa Day, Constitution Day, Greenery Day, Children's Day). One of the most expensive and crowded travel periods – Shinkansen and hotels sell out early.
Obon (mid-August)
Not a public holiday, but a nationwide travel rush as many Japanese visit their hometowns. Book trains and accommodation early.
New Year (29 December – 3 January)
The quietest yet busiest time: many shops and restaurants are closed, families travel, trains are packed.
Frequently asked questions
When is Golden Week?
Late April to early May (around 29 April – 5 May). One of the busiest travel periods: trains and hotels sell out early and cost more. Avoid if possible.
When is Obon?
Usually mid-August (around 13–16 August). Not a public holiday, but a nationwide travel rush – book early.
Should I avoid public holidays in Japan?
Avoid the three main peak periods (Golden Week, Obon, New Year) if possible. Individual holidays across the year are usually fine.
Holidays are computed algorithmically according to current Japanese law (valid from 2022, including Happy Monday rules, substitute and citizens' holidays; equinoxes as an approximation). Obon and New Year periods are indicative. No guarantee.