Golden Week Japan 2025: things to do and travel tips

What is Golden Week in Japan?

Golden Week is one of Japan’s busiest—and most exciting—holiday seasons, packed with cultural festivals, family travel, and massive shopping events. In 2025, Golden Week runs from April 29 to May 5, with four back-to-back national holidays that give locals and tourists alike a reason to celebrate.

Whether you're dreaming of seeing colorful parades in Fukuoka, shopping in Tokyo’s trendiest districts, or watching sacred horse races in Kyoto, this is a vibrant time to experience the heart of Japanese culture. But with millions on the move, smart planning is essential.

Here’s your ultimate guide to Golden Week in Japan 2025—what it is, where to go and how to bring those countless souvenirs home with ease.

When is Golden Week?

Golden Week consists of four national holidays: 

• April 29: Shōwa Day (Shōwa no Hi),  which honors the birthday of Emperor Shōwa.
• May 3: Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpō Kinenbi), which elebrates the promulgation of the 1947 Constitution of Japan.
• May 4: Greenery Day (Midori no Hi), dedicated to nature and the environment.
• May 5: Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi), a day to celebrate children's happiness and well-being.
   

Given that some of these holidays may fall on weekends, substitute holidays can extend the festivities, making this one of Japan's busiest travel seasons.

Top Destinations and Events During Golden Week

Golden Week is synonymous with numerous festivals and events that showcase Japan's rich cultural heritage. Here are some highlights:

• Hakata Dontaku Festival in Fukuoka
  One of Japan's largest festivals, attracting millions with its colorful parades and performances.
• Kamo Kurabeuma Horse Racing Ritual in Kyoto
  An ancient celebration featuring sacred horse races and traditional rituals at Kamigamo Shrine.
• Saku Balloon Festival in Nagano
  A mesmerizing display of hot-air balloons filling the skies, offering a unique visual spectacle.

Exploring Japan's Shopping Districts

Golden Week also presents an excellent opportunity to delve into Japan's diverse shopping scenes. Here are some must-visit districts:

Tokyo:

• Shibuya and Harajuku
  Renowned for their trendy fashion boutiques and youth culture, these areas are ideal for those seeking the latest styles.
  
• Nihonbashi
  A district that blends historical significance with modern retail, featuring COREDO Muromachi, a complex filled with stylish shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Osaka:

• Shinsaibashi
  Osaka's main shopping area boasts the Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade, a covered street lined with a variety of retail establishments, from luxury brands to local boutiques.

• Nipponbashi (Den Den Town)
  Comparable to Tokyo's Akihabara, this district is famed for electronics, anime, and manga shops, catering to tech enthusiasts and pop culture fans.

Kyoto: 

• Shinkyōgoku Street
  A historic shopping arcade popular among tourists, filled with souvenir shops and traditional goods, reflecting Kyoto's rich cultural heritage.

Yokohama:

• Motomachi Shopping Street
  Known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and distinctive fashion, this five-block stretch offers a blend of boutiques and shops with Western influences.

What to Buy in Japan: Popular Souvenirs and Must-Have Finds

While exploring Japan’s shopping streets during Golden Week, you'll come across a treasure trove of unique and memorable items. Here’s a guide to some of the most popular things tourists love to bring home.

Souvenirs and Keepsakes

• Traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi)
• Omamori (good luck charms) from local shrines
• Hand-painted ceramics

Custom Japanese Goods

• Japanese teapots (kyūsu) and teacups
• High-quality kitchen knives, renowned for their craftsmanship
• Yukata (light cotton kimono) and tenugui (hand towels) with seasonal prints

Skincare and Beauty Products

• Cleansing oils and skincare sets
• Traditional herbal bath salts
• Natural beauty soaps

Pop Culture and Electronics

• Retro gaming consoles and accessories
• Anime figurines and collectibles
• Japanese stationery and mechanical pencils

Fashion and Accessories

• Trendy streetwear from Harajuku and Shibuya
• Artisan handbags, scarves, and jewelry
• Limited-edition sneakers and shoes

5 Golden Week Travel Tips for Your Japan Trip

Traveling during Golden Week requires some planning:

1. Book in Advance
   Accommodations and transportation fill up quickly. It's advisable to make reservations several months ahead to secure your preferred options.
   
   
2. Plan for Crowds
   Major tourist spots and shopping areas will be crowded. Visiting popular sites early in the morning or exploring alternative destinations can help you avoid the throngs.
   
   
3. Stay Connected
   Utilize portable Wi-Fi devices or SIM cards to navigate, check schedules, and make reservations on the go.
   
   
4. Respect Local Customs
   Familiarize yourself with Japanese etiquette, such as train manners and public behavior, to ensure a harmonious experience.
   
   
5. Avoid Extra Baggage Fees – Ship with DHL Express Easy
   It's common for travelers to accumulate souvenirs and purchases during their trips to Japan, leading to excess baggage that can be bulky and costly to transport home. Instead of dealing with the inconvenience of additional luggage fees and the hassle of carrying extra bags through crowded airports, consider using DHL Express Easy to ship your items directly to your home.
   
   This service allows you to send your belongings from any DHL Service Point in Japan, ensuring a hassle-free return journey. Simply pack your items, create a waybill using the online tool, and drop off your package at the nearest DHL Service Point.
   
   This option helps you travel lighter and more comfortably, leaving you free to enjoy your return journey without the hassle of extra luggage.

Let’s face it—shopping in Japan is irresistible. From kawaii finds in Harajuku to handcrafted ceramics in Kyoto, it’s easy to end up with more than your suitcase can handle.

Instead of stressing over overweight luggage or juggling extra bags through busy train stations, ship your shopping haul home with DHL Express Easy. It’s a traveler-friendly service that lets you:

• 📱 Create a waybill easily online
• 📦 Drop off your items at any DHL Service Point in Japan
• ✈️ Skip the hassle and breeze through the airport with less to carry

Best of all, your items arrive safely at your doorstep — no dragging them through Narita or Haneda required.

Making the Most of Golden Week in Japan

Golden Week isn’t just a string of public holidays—it’s a chance to witness Japan at its most lively and celebratory. From centuries-old traditions to modern street fashion, from spiritual rituals to sky-filled festivals, this is a time when every corner of the country buzzes with energy.

With a little planning (and maybe a few secret travel hacks), you can navigate the crowds, explore unforgettable events, and uncover some of the best places to visit in Japan during Golden Week. So pack your curiosity, book early, and get ready for a once-a-year experience that blends culture, adventure, and memories that last long after your flight home.

And when your suitcase start to overflow with souvenirs and gifts? Ship them home the easy way with DHL Express Easy, and travel light while your treasures make their way safely to your doorstep.

*Delivery may not be possible in some countries or regions due to customs rules, social issues, or natural disasters.

*Certain items, like dangerous goods or restricted items, cannot be shipped internationally.

* This is only available at DHL facilities.