Japan

Planning a trip to Japan? It’s important to be aware of the country’s major national holidays and school breaks, as these periods can greatly impact your travel experience. From New Year festivities to cherry blossom season and summer festivals, here’s a helpful overview of Japan’s busiest travel times and what to expect.

1. New Year Holidays (Nenmatsu Nenshi)

Dates: December 29 – January 3 (can extend)

Why Busy: Japanese people return to their hometowns for family gatherings and shrine visits for the start of the New Year. (Hatsumode). 

Many traditional or family run stores are closed during this time. While chains and major shrines or some sightseeing is still open the overall energy is a lot quieter due to stores being closed. A good opportunity to see a quieter Japan for a few days, however many stores may be closed so food tours and shopping can be limited.

2. Golden Week 

Dates: Late April to early May (typically April 29 – May 5, but varies slightly)

Why Busy: A string of national holidays allows for extended travel opportunities for domestic travelers. The slightly warmer weather in the beginning of May after the winter period, coupled with the almost week long holiday many domestic travelers use this time to do most of their sightseeing where possible so sightseeing may be very crowded during this time.

3. Obon Week 

Dates: Around August 13 – 16

Why Busy: Many return to their hometowns to honor deceased ancestors; a time for reunions and family travel. Although many return to their hometowns, the younger generation such as college students use this time, coupled with their summer vacation to do as much traveling as possible, thus the atmosphere can feel a bit more like a university getaway with all the university students, however is still a great opportunity to see Japan. With the summer heat, however, we recommend maybe putting a kayaking or river rafting experience in the itinerary to break away from the intense humidity. 

Note: during this period Geisha/Maiko Experiences will be limited as this is one of the few times in a year they are allowed to return to their hometowns after spending almost 8 months in their boarding homes with their “Housemother”.

4. Spring School Holidays & Sakura Blossom

Dates: Late March – Early April

Why Busy: Aligns with cherry blossom season and graduation/start of school year. Popular for family trips. 

If you’re planning to visit Japan during the cherry blossom (sakura) season, be sure to book your tours and accommodations as early as possible. The peak bloom usually occurs from late March to early April, depending on the region. This is Japan’s busiest travel period and availability becomes limited months in advance. Early booking ensures better hotel options and access to top viewing spots before they sell out.

5. Summer School Holidays

Dates: Late July – August 31

Why Busy: Families travel during this long school break. Coincides with Obon and major festivals. A great time to see local festival the energy in summer is unmatched, but in the same breath the heat is almost just as unmatched! We recommend light clothing and bringing lots of water with you as you explore Japan. 

Adding a water based activity like a walk along the upper banks of Kamo-gawa River which runs through Kyoto or a river rafting experience in the countryside is highly recommended to get away from the summer heat.

6. Silver Week 

Dates: Mid-to-late September (only in certain years when holidays align)

Why Busy: If several holidays line up, people take long weekends similar to Golden Week.