Japan: Extended Golden Week period April 27 – May 6

Event

Japan's Golden Week, a series of public holidays, will be extended to ten days this year, beginning on Saturday, April 27, and running through Monday, May 6; the prolonged holiday period is due to the addition of events surrounding the Imperial succession. Various festivals are expected to be held in nearly every city in Japan and millions of people are expected to travel during the period. Busy conditions at travel hubs (e.g. airports, train stations) are to be anticipated, along with sold-out flights and trains. Transportation disruptions (delays) are possible amid the congestion, and public transportation is likely to be overcrowded in most urban areas. Business and service disruptions are also to be expected due to widespread closures, including at banks, hospitals, and child care centers.

Context

Golden Week is the longest vacation period of the year in Japan. Associated celebrations typically start a few days before and continue a few days after the official holiday dates. Wednesday, May 1, was declared a special national holiday this year to mark Crown Prince Naruhito's accession to the throne. Japanese national holidays in 2019 already include Monday, April 29, Friday, May 3, and Monday, May 6, but Tuesday, April 30, and Thursday, May 2, have also become holidays because the law stipulates that any weekday sandwiched between national holidays becomes a holiday itself

Advice

Individuals present in Japan during this period are advised to plan ahead for service disruptions and allow more time for travel (e.g. arrive earlier than normal at airports in anticipation of long lines).