Golden Week is a week-long holiday in Japan where most people get the week off work. It consists of four actual holidays and since they fall so closely together, the whole week has become a national holiday.
The days of Golden Week are:
Showa Day - April 29
Constitution Day - May 3
Greenery Day - May 4
Children’s Day - May 5
Showa Day, observed annually on April 29th in Japan, commemorates the birthday of Emperor Hirohito, posthumously honored as Emperor Shōwa, who reigned from 1926 to 1989. This national holiday invites reflection on Japan's history, particularly the Showa era's transformative events, from the turmoil of World War II to the subsequent period of rapid economic growth and social change. It's a day of remembrance and contemplation, highlighting Japan's resilience and progress towards a peaceful future.
Constitution Day in Japan, celebrated on May 3rd, marks the adoption of the post-war constitution in 1947. This vital document, known for its commitment to peace and democracy, is a beacon of Japan's progress and values. It's a day of celebration, reminding us of the nation's dedication to peace, human rights, and democratic ideals since its enactment.
Greenery Day, celebrated on May 4th in Japan, is a time to appreciate nature's beauty and significance. Originally established to honour Emperor Showa's love for plants and nature, it was celebrated on his birthday, April 29th, but was later moved to encourage a deeper connection with the environment. On this day, people across Japan engage in various activities to enjoy and preserve the environment such as tree planting, nature walks, and gardening. It's a joyful celebration of nature's abundance and a reminder of the importance of preserving and nurturing our green spaces for future generations.
Children's Day, celebrated on May 5th in Japan, is a vibrant and joyous occasion dedicated to honoring the nation's youth. Traditionally known as Boys' Day, it has evolved into a day to celebrate the happiness and well-being of all children. Families decorate their homes with colorful carp-shaped windsocks called koinobori, symbolizing strength and perseverance, and display samurai dolls known as "Gogatsu Ningyo" to inspire bravery and success. It's a day filled with festivities, including delicious traditional foods like mochi rice cakes and sweet rice dumplings. Children are often given special treats and gifts to mark the occasion, fostering a sense of love and appreciation within families and communities for the younger generation.
What is Japan like during Golden Week?
For folks living in Japan, it is a week off work, making it a key time for domestic travel. While everyone is out to have a good time, it is a peak travel time which results in crowds, long lines, and peak season pricing. The weather is great pretty much everywhere in the country, before the typhoon season in June, and the hot and humid summer months, but if you are planning a visit to Japan from abroad, you’d be well advised to steer clear of visiting during Golden Week.
Co-founder, Fumi, remembers Golden Week from her childhood as her favourite holiday because she always got to do something fun, and that’s all the week was really about. For other holidays, you always need to visit family, or a temple, or graves, but Golden Week was just about having a good time with no other obligations.
For most of her time living in Japan, co-founder, Jess, would stay put in Tokyo during Golden Week. She once ventured to Fuji-Q Highland, a major amusement park near Mt. Fuji, and immediately regretted it. Her most memorable Golden Week memory was actually visiting Fumi’s hometown in Kyushu where she went octopus fishing, visited Mt. Aso, an active volcano, and had a relaxing time in the countryside.
While we don’t get Golden Week off outside Japan, we can enjoy the essence of the season and are happy to share savings of 10% OFF sitewide on regularly priced products at abokichi.com, all week long. We rarely hold a sale like this, so don’t miss out, April 29-May 5.
Happy Golden Week!
Take advantage of our sitewide sale. Take 10% off all items expect Lovers Sets.