Golden Week 2018 in Japan

Hello everyone,

We are planning to spend 8 days in Tokyo and Kyoto after our cruise ends in Yokohoma on April 26, 2018. Unfortunately this coincides with the Golden Week this year. Has anyone been in Japan during the Golden Week and is it very crowded in general in Tokyo and Kyoto, and what about on the trains between Tokyo, Kyoto, Arashiyama and Osaka? How far in advance do you think we need to reserve our train tickets during this period and what are the likelihood we don't need to reserve?

Do you think there would be problems getting a pocket wifi and/or private airport transportation during this week or should I reserve as soon as possible like now? Luckily we have booked our accommodations already. Thank you!

Japanese generally have far fewer family holidays than other developed countries. When they finally do get a chance to go on holiday, EVERYBODY does so at the same time. That's Golden Week.

In a country that is already very crowded on a normal day, an extra 100 million people on holiday in a space the size of California pushes things out of control very quickly.

Every seat on every train and airplane is booked well in advance. Every hotel room is occupied. Every good restaurant is fully booked for the week. Every tourist attraction is over capacity with very long lines for every hour of every day. Taxis are full; buses are full. It is very difficult to even get into a subway or train station.

Renting a pocket WI-FI should not be a problem. The locals do not need them, and many tourists stay away from Japan that week. Anything else you may want to do will be a challenge.

Book well in advance for anything you need.

Tokyo hotels - no problem.

Kyoto hotels - a bit difficult

Osaka hotels - possible, but probably not anyplace you want to stay, try outlying areas or Kyoto.

Tokyo should be less crowded than normal, but more of the crowds will be off work.

Osaka will be slammed with tourists.

Kyoto, well, it will ave more tourists than normal.

Be careful of anything you try and schedule, make certain it will be open. Many Imperial Household places will be closed on several of the dates, as will many other places and tours.

Trains will be crowded, if you are getting a JR Pass (recommended) get a Green Car pass. Reservations should not be too much of an issue, but get them at least a few hours early for shinkansen.

Wifi and Sim cards - no issue.

Transport to airport shouldn't be an issue.

We'll be arriving Apr 28 for the week prior to our cruise on May 6 and have hit up several Japanese forums to get advice (and figure out how much has changed since I lived there in the early 90's).

Answer to the second - a LOT.

Tokyo hotels - no problem.

Kyoto hotels - a bit difficult

Osaka hotels - possible, but probably not anyplace you want to stay, try outlying areas or Kyoto.

 

Tokyo should be less crowded than normal, but more of the crowds will be off work.

Osaka will be slammed with tourists.

Kyoto, well, it will ave more tourists than normal.

 

Be careful of anything you try and schedule, make certain it will be open. Many Imperial Household places will be closed on several of the dates, as will many other places and tours.

 

Trains will be crowded, if you are getting a JR Pass (recommended) get a Green Car pass. Reservations should not be too much of an issue, but get them at least a few hours early for shinkansen.

 

Wifi and Sim cards - no issue.

 

Transport to airport shouldn't be an issue.

 

We'll be arriving Apr 28 for the week prior to our cruise on May 6 and have hit up several Japanese forums to get advice (and figure out how much has changed since I lived there in the early 90's).

 

Answer to the second - a LOT.

I first lived in Japan as an exchange student in 1990, and yes a LOT has changed--most of it for the better when it comes to tourism.

My tips for Golden Week are to remember that banks and post offices are closed for national holidays. Shops and tourist spots are generally open, but may be operating under special hours. If you want to be out and about, you'll need to be extra patient (long lines) and extra tolerant of invasions of personal space (crowded). This also means, of course, you will accomplish less and that you need to give yourself more of a cushion time-wise.

What are the dates of the Golden Week?

Thank you.

Officially starts Monday April 30 with Showa Day, but things start when people get out of work Friday April 27.

Then you have May 3, Constitution Day, May 4, Greenery Day, and Saturday May 5, Children's Day. With people going back to work Monday May 7.

Because of the number of National holidays in 1 week many places simply close and give their workers the entire week off. One company even booked the NCL Jewel for the week for their employees.

Hi everyone! Thanks for your replies and tips. They will help us to plan and be more patient during our vacation in Japan. Thanks for the heads up on closures of banks and post offices during the national holidays too. Hope most of the department stores, regular shops and restaurants will not close for the week.

Depending on where you are thinking of going you may also want to check out this:

https://www.japanvisitor.com/japanese-festivals/festival-may

Officially starts Monday April 30 with Showa Day, but things start when people get out of work Friday April 27.

Then you have May 3, Constitution Day, May 4, Greenery Day, and Saturday May 5, Children's Day. With people going back to work Monday May 7.

Because of the number of National holidays in 1 week many places simply close and give their workers the entire week off. One company even booked the NCL Jewel for the week for their employees.

Thank you.

Which company booked the Jewel?  The golden week cruise is no longer showing up on the NCL site, and I booked 2 cabins on it and I'm not sure why it has dissappeard!