10 Tips to Avoid the Crowds During Golden Week

Apr 24

3 min read

Golden Week is one of the busiest travel seasons in Japan. If you plan to visit during this time, you will quickly notice that all transportation and lodging are full and in full fare. This can make your trip stressful and expensive. But with some smart planning, you can still enjoy your holiday without getting stuck in crowds or paying sky-high prices. Here are 10 practical tips to help you avoid the busiest times and places during Golden Week.

Eye-level view of a nearly empty rural train station platform — Quiet rural train station during Golden Week

1. Travel Before or After Golden Week

The peak of Golden Week usually lasts about a week, but the crowds start building a few days before and linger a few days after. If you can, schedule your trip to start just before or right after Golden Week. This way, you avoid the rush when all transportation and lodging are full and in full fare. For example, traveling in late April or early May after the holiday can save you money and stress.

2. Choose Less Popular Destinations

Popular spots like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka get overwhelmed during Golden Week. Instead, consider less touristy areas such as the Tohoku region, Shikoku island, or the Japanese Alps. These places offer beautiful scenery and cultural experiences but attract fewer visitors. You will find more availability and better prices for lodging and transportation.

3. Use Regional Transportation Passes

Since all transportation and lodging are full and in full fare during Golden Week, booking early is essential. Regional transportation passes can help you save money and avoid busy routes. For example, the JR East Pass covers the Tohoku region and allows flexible travel on local trains, which are less crowded than the Shinkansen during this time.

4. Book Accommodation Early and Consider Alternatives

Hotels fill up fast during Golden Week. Booking months in advance is necessary if you want to stay in popular cities. Alternatively, look for guesthouses, ryokans (traditional inns), or vacation rentals in smaller towns. These options often have availability and provide a more authentic experience.

High angle view of a quiet mountain ryokan surrounded by trees — Traditional mountain ryokan with few guests during Golden Week

5. Avoid Weekends Within Golden Week

Golden Week includes several national holidays, and weekends within this period are the busiest days. If your schedule is flexible, try to travel on weekdays during Golden Week. Trains and buses are less crowded, and attractions are easier to enjoy without long lines.

6. Use Early Morning or Late Night Transport

Trains and buses are packed during the day, but early morning and late-night services tend to be less crowded. If you can, plan your travel during these off-peak hours. For example, taking a train at 6 a.m. or after 9 p.m. can help you avoid the crush of travelers.

7. Explore Urban Neighborhoods Off the Beaten Path

If you want to stay in major cities, avoid the main tourist spots during Golden Week. Instead, explore less crowded neighborhoods. In Tokyo, areas like Koenji, Shimokitazawa, or Yanaka offer unique shops, cafes, and parks without the crowds. This approach lets you enjoy the city’s charm without the stress of packed streets.

8. Use Apps and Websites to Monitor Crowds

Technology can help you avoid busy places. Apps like Google Maps and local transit apps often show real-time crowd levels for trains and stations. Websites for popular attractions sometimes provide visitor numbers or suggest less busy times. Checking these tools before you go can help you plan your day better.

Close-up view of a smartphone showing a transit app with crowd levels — Smartphone displaying real-time transit crowd information during Golden Week

9. Pack Light and Be Ready to Walk

During Golden Week, traffic jams and crowded trains are common. Packing light makes it easier to move quickly and change plans if needed. Walking can also be faster than waiting for packed buses or taxis. Many cities have beautiful walking routes that let you explore quietly away from crowds.

10. Stay Flexible and Have Backup Plans

Even with the best planning, Golden Week crowds can disrupt your schedule. Keep your itinerary flexible and have backup options for transportation and lodging. For example, if your train is full, check for buses or car rentals. If your hotel is booked, look for nearby guesthouses or capsule hotels.