Golden Week 2027 in Japan
Golden Week 2027 runs from Thursday 29 April to Wednesday 5 May 2027. With one day of leave on Friday 30 April, it becomes seven days off in a row.
Last updated: 8 November 2026
| Date | Golden Week 2027 |
|---|---|
| Thursday 29 April 2027 | Showa Day (national holiday) |
| Friday 30 April 2027 | Working day — take leave to bridge |
| Saturday 1 May 2027 | Weekend |
| Sunday 2 May 2027 | Weekend |
| Monday 3 May 2027 | Constitution Memorial Day |
| Tuesday 4 May 2027 | Greenery Day |
| Wednesday 5 May 2027 | Children's Day |
What Golden Week is
Golden Week is a cluster of four national holidays in late April and early May: Showa Day (29 April, the birthday of Emperor Showa), Constitution Memorial Day (3 May), Greenery Day (4 May) and Children's Day (5 May). Together with weekends, they create the longest holiday period in the Japanese calendar outside New Year and Obon. In 2027, 1 and 2 May fall on a weekend, so 1–5 May is five days off without leave, and Friday 30 April is the only bridge day needed.
Other Japanese holidays in 2027
The Vernal Equinox Day falls on Sunday 21 March, so Monday 22 March is a substitute holiday. "Silver Week" in September is short in 2027: Respect for the Aged Day is Monday 20 September and Autumnal Equinox Day is Thursday 23 September. The full list is on our public holidays 2027 page.
Travelling in Japan during Golden Week
- Shinkansen trains are at their busiest on the first and last days; reserved seats on popular routes can sell out weeks ahead.
- Hotel prices in Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo rise sharply. If you're picking a base, see these guides to where to stay in Kyoto and where to stay in Osaka.
- Outbound flights from Japan are expensive, so destinations such as Hawaii, Taiwan, Korea and South-East Asia are busy too.
- Carp streamers (koinobori) fly for Children's Day, and many towns hold festivals — a good reason to visit despite the crowds.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Golden Week 2027?
- 29 April to 5 May 2027.
- How many days off is Golden Week 2027?
- Five days in a row (1–5 May) plus Showa Day on Thursday 29 April; take Friday 30 April off to get seven days.
- Is there a substitute holiday in 2027?
- Yes, Monday 22 March, because Vernal Equinox Day falls on a Sunday.
- Is Golden Week a good time to visit Japan?
- It is lively but crowded and expensive; book transport and hotels well in advance.
Sources: Cabinet Office, Japan – National holidays (official) · Japan National Tourism Organization