When is Golden Week in Japan?

Golden Week is a cluster of public holidays from late April to early May (roughly 29 April to 5 May). It is one of Japan's busiest travel periods: trains, Shinkansen and hotels sell out early and are noticeably more expensive. Foreign travellers should avoid this week if possible.

When is Obon in Japan?

Obon usually falls in mid-August (around 13–16 August). It is not a public holiday, but it triggers a nationwide travel rush as many Japanese return to their hometowns. Book trains and accommodation early.

Should I avoid travelling to Japan on public holidays?

The three main peak periods – Golden Week (late April/early May), Obon (mid-August) and New Year (29 December to 3 January) – are best avoided if possible: full trains, expensive hotels, closed shops. Individual holidays spread across the year are usually not a problem.

Public holidays & peak times

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.

2026

⚠️ Peak periods

🌸 Golden Week

29 Apr – 5 May

Four holidays in one week — the busiest and most expensive travel period.

🏮 Obon

13 Aug – 16 Aug

Nationwide travel rush — book trains and hotels early.

🎍 New Year

29 Dec – 3 Jan

Many businesses close while families travel and trains fill up.

Public holidays

Thu 1 JanuaryNew Year's Day (Ganjitsu)

Mon 12 JanuaryComing of Age Day (Seijin no Hi)

Wed 11 FebruaryNational Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi)

Mon 23 FebruaryEmperor's Birthday (Tennō Tanjōbi)

Fri 20 MarchVernal Equinox Day (Shunbun no Hi)

Wed 29 AprilShōwa Day (Shōwa no Hi)

Sun 3 MayConstitution Day (Kenpō Kinenbi)

Mon 4 MayGreenery Day (Midori no Hi)

Tue 5 MayChildren's Day (Kodomo no Hi)

Wed 6 MaySubstitute holiday (Furikae Kyūjitsu)

Mon 20 JulyMarine Day (Umi no Hi)

Tue 11 AugustMountain Day (Yama no Hi)

Mon 21 SeptemberRespect for the Aged Day (Keirō no Hi)

Tue 22 SeptemberCitizens' holiday (Kokumin no Kyūjitsu)

Wed 23 SeptemberAutumnal Equinox Day (Shūbun no Hi)

Mon 12 OctoberSports Day (Supōtsu no Hi)

Tue 3 NovemberCulture Day (Bunka no Hi)

Mon 23 NovemberLabour Thanksgiving Day (Kinrō Kansha no Hi)

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.

Plan your trip →

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.