Japan has many national holidays throughout the year, and when these holidays align consecutively, they create what is known as “long holidays.” The most notable long holidays in Japan include New Year’s holidays, Golden Week, and Obon. These periods are important vacation times for Japanese people, but for tourists, they can also bring challenges such as overcrowding and increased prices. In this article, we will provide a detailed introduction to Japan’s long holidays and offer tips for planning your trip accordingly.
１．Japan’s Three Major Long Holidays
①New Year’s Holidays in Japan
In Japan, the New Year’s holiday is one of the most important vacations of the year. Companies and schools close from late December, and many people return to their hometowns or go on trips. During this time, shrines and temples are crowded with visitors for “hatsumode,” the first shrine visit of the year.
However, tourists should be aware of a few challenges. Many restaurants and small shops close during this period, and some tourist facilities may also shut down for the New Year. Additionally, Shinkansen (bullet train) and flight tickets sell out quickly, so early booking is essential.
②Golden Week
Golden Week (GW) is a holiday period in Japan that includes several national holidays from April 29 (Showa Day) to around May 5 (Children’s Day). Some companies and schools extend the break by taking additional days off, creating a holiday period of 10 days or more.
During this time, domestic travel demand in Japan skyrockets. Shinkansen and flight tickets, as well as hotel reservations, tend to sell out months in advance. Additionally, famous tourist destinations become extremely crowded, and theme parks such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan may have wait times double their usual length.
I strongly recommend booking early if you plan to visit Japan during Golden Week. If possible, scheduling your trip outside of peak dates will allow for a more comfortable experience.
③Obon in Japan
Obon is a traditional event in Japan for honoring ancestors, and many people return to their hometowns during this period. As a result, transportation systems become highly congested, and securing Shinkansen and flight tickets can be very difficult.
Additionally, Obon coincides with Japan’s summer vacation period, making tourist spots extremely crowded. For instance, popular destinations like Kyoto and Tokyo Disneyland experience more than twice the usual number of visitors. If possible, I recommend avoiding travel during Obon to have a more pleasant experience.
２．Impact of Long Holiday Periods
①Leisure facilities and transportation become overcrowded, and prices increase.
During long holiday periods, hotel rates, flight tickets, and Shinkansen fares become more expensive than usual. Especially during Golden Week and Obon, domestic travel demand surges, leading to hotels being fully booked well in advance.
Moreover, long lines at theme parks and tourist attractions are common. For example, at Tokyo Disneyland, attraction wait times can be more than twice as long as usual. When planning a trip to Japan, avoiding long holidays can lead to a more comfortable stay.
②Reserved Seating on Shinkansen
Normally, Shinkansen trains have both non-reserved (free seating) and reserved seats. However, during peak travel periods such as long holidays, some major routes, such as the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen, may switch to all-reserved seating. This means that passengers must book a reserved seat in advance to board the train.
If you plan to use non-reserved seating, consider securing a reserved ticket or adjusting your travel schedule to avoid peak hours.
③Highway Traffic Congestion
Japan’s highways are notorious for massive traffic jams during long holiday periods. For example, on May 3, 2024, the first day of Golden Week, the outbound lane of the Chuo Expressway (toward Aichi Prefecture) experienced a traffic jam starting at around 6 a.m., with congestion reaching a maximum of 45 km.
For travelers planning to use cars or buses, it is advisable to travel early in the morning or late at night to avoid traffic congestion.
Japan’s long holidays provide an excellent opportunity to experience Japanese culture, but they also come with drawbacks such as overcrowding and higher costs. Personally, I believe that avoiding travel during long holiday periods is the best way to ensure a smooth trip. However, if you must visit Japan during these times, making early reservations and planning strategies to avoid congestion will allow you to enjoy a more comfortable trip.
コメント