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Golden Week Events Japan 2026

Golden Week runs April 29 to May 6 in 2026 — Japan's longest holiday period and the most festival-dense week of the year. Browse every event happening across Japan during Golden Week, filterable by city and category.

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About Golden Week in Japan

Golden Week clusters four national holidays into a single block from April 29 to May 5, with a substitute holiday on May 6 in 2026. It is the most travelled period of the Japanese calendar — millions of people move across the country simultaneously, and cities that are normally quiet roar to life with festivals, markets, and outdoor events. The standout Golden Week events are the Hakata Dontaku Festival in Fukuoka (May 3–4, over two million attendees), the Hiroshima Flower Festival (May 3–5), the Hamamatsu Festival (May 3–5), and the Nakanoshima Festival in Osaka (May 3–5).

Frequently Asked Questions

Golden Week 2026 runs from Wednesday April 29 (Showa Day) to Wednesday May 6 (substitute holiday). Many Japanese workers take April 30 and May 1 as annual leave, creating an eight-day consecutive holiday.
The biggest Golden Week events are Hakata Dontaku in Fukuoka (May 3–4), Hiroshima Flower Festival (May 3–5), Hamamatsu Festival (May 3–5), and Nakanoshima Festival in Osaka (May 3–5). Most are free to attend.
Yes, if you plan well in advance. Golden Week offers extraordinary festival energy and perfect spring weather. Book shinkansen and hotels at least 2–3 months in advance — they sell out quickly.
Very crowded at popular destinations. Kyoto, Tokyo's major attractions, and coastal resorts are extremely busy. Cities like Fukuoka and Hiroshima handle crowds better. Travelling against the flow — arriving as others leave — makes a significant difference.

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Local Tips

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    Check event pages for special requirements or registration details.

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    Plan ahead during peak seasons and popular holidays.

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    Follow local tourism boards for real-time updates and announcements.