Japan: Golden Week celebrations to take place nationwide April 29-May 5

Event

Japan will observe four separate national holidays during the 2021 Golden Week period April 29-May 5. Many businesses, along with nonessential government offices, will remain closed during the holiday period. Banks will suspend operations, though some limited services may continue.

Golden Week typically results in a surge in travel within the country several days before and after the official holiday celebration. However, flight and rail reservations have drastically decreased amid COVID-19 concerns, though transport providers report an increase in travelers from 2020. Government authorities also continue to warn residents against traveling during the holiday due to rising COVID-19 activity in some locations. Regardless, some increase in travel is likely and could cause increased congestion and delays at transport terminals due to social distancing measures. Traffic disruptions on national and regional expressways may occur, as some people may use private vehicles since many may view it as a safer means of transport. If traffic disruptions occur, they are most likely on highways linking major urban centers, particularly as the holiday period begins and concludes.

Advice

Follow official health and travel recommendations. Consider minimizing unnecessary trips during the holiday period. If travel is unavoidable, arrive at airports and train stations earlier than usual due to potential delays at check-in counters and security checkpoints. Make arrangements for banking transactions before or after the holiday period.