Are you planning a trip to Japan during Golden Week and still need to finalise your plan?
Japan’s Golden Week is one of the busiest and most exciting times to visit. You might think, why? The Golden week spans from the end of April to the beginning of May and is a time for celebration, as four national holidays occur during this time. This means it gives Japanese citizens a much-needed week-long break. However, this also means that the country sees a surge in domestic tourism, making it one of the busiest times of the year to travel.
So, you can quickly find yourself overwhelmed by the crowds. With so many people on the move, accommodations, flights, and popular attractions can quickly book up. Therefore, planning is essential to make the most of your trip.
Having said that, if you still need to create a plan, a still looking for places to go. Relax! I have created 7 budget-friendly itineraries for last-minute planners to help you explore some of the most beautiful places in Japan. From Tokyo to Hokkaido, each itinerary has something unique to offer, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, our itineraries will help you make the most of your time in Japan.
Buy Japan Explorer’s Package: 7 Unforgettable Itineraries
So let’s dive in and explore the best place to travel in Japan’s Golden Week together.
Best Things to Do During Golden Week
Here are some of the best things to do during Golden Week that can be planned within the next 2 weeks:
Cherry Blossom Viewing
Golden Week is a perfect time to see Japan’s famous cherry blossomsJapan’s famous cherry blossoms. You can visit places like Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi Park in Tokyo, Osaka Castle Park, and Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path for a beautiful hanami experience.
Visit Historical Sites
Japan is rich in history, and Golden Week is an excellent opportunity to visit some of the country’s famous historical sites. You can explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum or the Tokyo National Museum in Tokyo. You can visit the Osaka Castle or the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka.
Day Trips
There are many beautiful places near Tokyo and Osaka that you can visit for a day trip. For example, Kamakura, Nikko, and Kawagoe near Tokyo or Nara, Kobe, and Himeji near Osaka are great options. You can also include island like Odaiba to see Rainbow Bridge.
Experience Japanese Culture
You can try traditional Japanese cuisine, participate in a tea ceremony, or watch a kabuki or sumo performance.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities
If you enjoy outdoor activities, there are many options during Golden Week, such as hiking, cycling, and camping. Mount Takao and Mount Mitake near Tokyo or Mount Kongo and Mount Rokko near Osaka are great hiking destinations. Enjoy Yamagata prefecture with Mt. Zao ropeway, and onsen.
Visit Theme Parks
Japan is home to many exciting theme parks, including Tokyo Disneyland, DisneySea, and Universal Studios Japan. During Golden Week, these theme parks may be crowded, but they offer a unique experience for families and thrill-seekers.
Relax in an Onsen
Golden Week is also a perfect time to visit an onsen or a hot spring resort. Japan has many natural hot springs, and there are many onsen towns located near Tokyo and Osaka. Some popular onsen towns include Hakone, Atami, and Kusatsu.
Attend Festivals
Japan has many festivals throughout the year, and Golden Week is no exception. You can attend the Kanda Matsuri festival in Tokyo or the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri in Osaka. These festivals offer a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture and traditions. Check Yamagata four season to plan your next trip.
Explore Nature
Japan is also known for its beautiful natural scenery. During Golden Week, you can visit places like the Fuji Five Lakes, the Izu Peninsula, or the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto to experience the beauty of nature.
Shopping
You avoid touristy places and outdoor activities and enjoy shopping. You can visit famous shopping districts in Tokyo and Osaka, such as Electronic Market in Akihabara, Ginza, Harajuku, Omotesando, Tokyo Solamachi or Shinsaibashi, and enjoy discounts and special sales during the holiday.
Overview of the 7 Golden Week Itineraries
Here’s a brief description of each itinerary, including details about locations, estimated average cost, best for, and interest areas. You can find good package deal included hotel, and flight on Rakuten Travel. (not sponsored)
1. Tokyo City Adventure Itinerary
- Explore Tokyo’s top attractions, including the famous Yanaka Ginza and the serene Meiji Shrine.
- Estimated Average Cost: ¥10,000 ($90) per day
- Best for First-time visitors to Tokyo
- Interest areas: History, Culture, and Shopping
2. Yokohama Bay Escape Itinerary
- Enjoy stunning ocean views and vibrant nightlife in Yokohama.
- Estimated Average Cost: ¥8,000 ($70) per day
- Best for Beach lovers and party-goers
- Interest areas: Ocean Views, Nightlife, and Shopping
3. Nagano Mountain Retreat Itinerary
- Experience the beauty of the Japanese Alps, drive across Venus line and relax in a traditional Japanese onsen.
- Estimated Average Cost: ¥12,000 ($110) per day
- Best for Nature lovers and those seeking relaxation
- Interest areas: Mountains, Onsen, and Traditional Culture
4. Hokkaido Nature Adventure Itinerary
- Explore the rugged wilderness of Hokkaido and witness stunning natural landscapes.
- Estimated Average Cost: ¥15,000 ($140) per day
- Best for Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers
- Interest areas: Mountains, Wildlife, and Scenic Views
5. Kyoto Cultural Journey Itinerary
- Discover the rich history and culture of Kyoto, Japan’s former capital city.
- Estimated Average Cost: ¥10,000 ($90) per day
- Best for History and culture buffs
- Interest areas: Temples, Gardens, and Traditional Culture
6. Osaka City Break Itinerary
- Experience the lively atmosphere and delicious food of Osaka, Japan’s foodie capital.
- Locations: Osaka
- Estimated Average Cost: ¥12,000 ($110) per day
- Best for Foodies and urban explorers
- Interest areas: Food, Nightlife, and Shopping
I created 7 different itineraries based on your interests, budget, number of days, etc. Buy itineraries to maximise your experience .!!
Buy Japan Explorer’s Package: 7 Unforgettable Itineraries
Japan is a popular travel destination year-round, with millions of international tourists coming, but it can be exceptionally crowded during Golden Week. If you find yourself planning a last-minute trip to Japan during this time, don’t worry! With some planning and knowledge, you can still have a fantastic experience. Also I created top list of places in Tokyo where you don’t need to buy ticket.
Here are some recommendations for last-minute planners
Tips for Planning a Trip to Japan in a Short Amount of Time
- Decide on your must-visit destinations and create an itinerary based on those locations
- Look for flights and accommodations early in the morning or late at night when prices are likely to be lower
- Consider booking a package deal through a travel agency to save time and money
- Prioritize activities and attractions to ensure that you don’t miss out on anything important
Suggestions for Accommodations and Transportation
- Look for hotels or hostels that are located near public transportation, making it easier to get around
- Consider staying in a capsule hotel for a unique and budget-friendly experience
- Use a mobile app like Hyperdia or NaviTime to navigate the train and subway systems
- Purchase a Japan Rail Pass or JRPass if you plan on traveling around the country by train
Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling During Golden Week
- Avoid traveling on the first and last day of Golden Week, as these are the busiest days
- Book tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid long lines
- Check the operating hours of your desired attractions, as some may have limited hours during Golden Week
- Be prepared for large crowds and be patient when navigating through busy areas
Following these tips and suggestions, you can make the most of your last-minute trip to Japan during Golden Week.
Conclusion
After reading about the popular activities during Golden Week, tips to avoid crowds, and the overview of the seven budget-friendly itineraries for last-minute planners.
I hope you find some inspiration and will plan to travel during the golden week holidays. With the help of our itineraries, you can save time and money while experiencing the best of Japan.
Whether you’re interested in exploring Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods, soaking in hot springs, or enjoying scenic views of Mount Fuji, itineraries have something for everyone.
So what are you waiting for? Buy Now! Start planning your unforgettable trip to Japan during Golden Week!
