Why You Should Avoid Traveling During These 3 Major Holidays in Japan | Guidable - Your Guide to a Sustainable, Wellbeing-centred Life in Japan

Why You Should Avoid Traveling During These 3 Major Holidays in Japan

By Virya Lim Jul 24, 2024

Japan is a country brimming with captivating destinations, rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences. However, planning your trip around holidays in Japan can make or break your travel experience. Here’s why you should avoid traveling during these 3 major holidays in Japan: Golden Week, Obon, and New Year’s.

Avoid These Major Holidays in Japan

When planning a trip, it’s essential to be aware of the major holidays in Japan to avoid potential travel hassles, especially if this is your first trip to Japan. The three major holidays to keep in mind are Golden Week, Obon, and New Year’s.

Golden Week (Late April to Early May)

busy temple during major holidays in japan

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Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク) or Ōgon Shūkan (黄金週間) is one of Japan’s busiest holiday seasons, combining several national holidays into an extended break. While this sounds like the perfect time to visit, it’s the opposite.

Crowds: Tourist hotspots, including popular cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, are teeming with both domestic and international travelers. Temples, shrines, and attractions are often packed, making it hard to fully enjoy their beauty and serenity.

Higher Prices: Expect to pay premium prices for flights, hotels, and even train tickets. Accommodation fills up quickly, and last-minute bookings are either unavailable or exorbitantly priced.

Limited Availability: Many people book their travel months in advance, so finding a decent place to stay can be challenging if you’re not prepared. Accommodations around major tourist attractions will be fully booked, so it is a wise idea to search for accommodations months in advance before your trip is scheduled.

Obon (Mid-August)

summer festival lanterns

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Obon (お盆) is a traditional Buddhist festival held in mid-August, where Japanese families honor the spirits of their ancestors. It’s a time for family reunions, leading to a mass exodus from cities to hometowns.

Heavy Traffic: Major highways, airports, and train stations are extremely congested. Traveling from one place to another can be a nightmare due to the sheer volume of people on the move. Japan, mainly Tokyo, is already known for its congested train stations, imagine the crowd when it comes to a major festival like Obon.

Closures: While some tourist attractions remain open, many local businesses, restaurants, and shops close or operate on reduced hours, limiting your options for dining and entertainment. This may not always be the case since many stores around major tourist destinations will be open, but be mindful that stores in rural areas may not be open. Thus, it is recommended to call them up before hand or check availability on their webpage.

Crowded Attractions: Temples and shrines, especially those known for their Obon celebrations see a significant increase in visitors, diminishing the overall experience. This is without a doubt one of the major reasons why traveling in any of the major Japanese holidays is not recommended.

New Year’s (End of December to Early January)

water purification

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New Year’s, or Shogatsu (正月), is the most important traditional holiday in Japan. Celebrations start on December 31st and continue until January 3rd, with various customs and rituals to welcome the new year.

Closures: A significant number of businesses, including restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions, close for several days. Even some convenience stores might have reduced hours.

Crowds: Temples and shrines are swarmed with people participating in Hatsumode (初詣), the first shrine visit of the year. This means long lines and crowded spaces, which can be overwhelming.

Limited Services: Public transportation operates on a holiday schedule, and taxis are in high demand, making it difficult to get around.

Smart Travel Strategies

Traveling smart can significantly enhance your experience in Japan, especially during peak holiday seasons. To start, always plan ahead.

Plan Ahead

If you must travel during these peak times, meticulous planning is essential. Here are a few strategies to help you navigate the crowds and high costs:

Early Reservations: Book your flights, hotels, and train tickets well in advance. Not only will this secure your spot, but it can also help you avoid the steep price hikes that occur as these holidays approach. We have an article for everything you need to know about the train system in Japan.

Flexible Itineraries: Be flexible with your travel dates and routes. Sometimes, flying into a less popular airport or taking an alternate train route can save time and money. Most of the touristy spots in Japan will be crowded with local and foreign visitors, so it is to your advantage to go to find hidden gems in other parts of Japan. We have various articles on hidden gem spots for you to discover for yourself all across Japan.

Insider Knowledge: Utilize local travel agencies or traveling blog webpages to get insider tips on avoiding the busiest spots and finding hidden gems. 

Local Festivals

Another great strategy is to explore local festivals that occur throughout the year. Japan is home to countless regional festivals throughout the year, offering unique cultural experiences without the overwhelming crowds of major holidays. Here are a few to consider:

Sapporo Snow Festival (February): Held in Hokkaido, this festival features stunning ice sculptures and a variety of winter activities. Should you not be able to visit Sapporo in the winter, we have provided some tips on how to travel to Sapporo in the summer.

Takayama Spring Festival (April): Located in the Gifu Prefecture, this festival is known for its beautifully decorated floats and traditional performances.

Awa Odori (August): This dance festival from Tokushima Prefecture showcases lively traditional dance and music, providing an immersive cultural experience.

Alternative Dates

Flexibility is also key; be open to adjusting your travel dates or exploring alternative routes and destinations to circumvent the busiest spots. Consider visiting Japan during off-peak seasons to experience the country at a more relaxed pace. Here are a few suggestions:

Late Winter (January to February): Japan becomes significantly quieter after the New Year’s rush. This is a great time to visit hot springs, try some of what Japan’s cuisine can offer in the winter, and enjoy winter sports in places like Hokkaido.

Early Autumn (September to October): This period offers mild weather, beautiful autumn foliage, and fewer tourists. It’s ideal for exploring nature and historical sites. While going to a public onsen might not be on your itinerary, visiting some of the best hot spring towns might change your mind.

Mid-Spring (March to Early April): Before Golden Week, you can enjoy cherry blossom season with fewer crowds. Be mindful of the specific dates, as the sakura season can attract many visitors too.

Final Thoughts on Navigating Major Holidays in Japan

While Japan’s major holidays like Golden Week, Obon, and New Year’s offer a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural traditions, they also bring about significant challenges for travelers. From overcrowded tourist spots and inflated prices to limited availability and service interruptions, these peak times can make your trip less enjoyable and more stressful. By planning ahead, choosing alternative dates, and exploring regional festivals, you can experience Japan’s beauty and culture more authentically and peacefully. Avoiding these busy holidays will not only save you time and money but also allow you to immerse yourself in the true essence of Japan without the hassles of the holiday rush. Happy travels!

More reads:

Overtourism in Japan: The Do’s and Don’ts

 

Featured image credits: Canva.com