Golden Week.
A time when all of Japan begins to bustle with activity.
But not everyone plans to travel far during this season.
“I can’t take the entire week off…”
“It looks too crowded everywhere and sounds exhausting…”
“Still, I want to do something special during the holidays!”
For you who feel this way, we recommend taking a small trip close to home—a journey that captures the essence of Japan without going too far.
Here are seven ideas for small but memorable trips during Golden Week.
Experience Japanese Culture in the City: Shrine and Temple Visits
Even nearby, there are places you may have never truly visited.
Why not explore local power spots this holiday?
Example:
In Tokyo: Nezu Shrine’s Tsutsuji (Azalea) Festival
In Kyoto: The fresh greenery at Shimogamo Shrine
Small local shrines in rural towns are often hidden gems rich in history.
Nezu Shrine’s Tsutsuji (Azalea) Festival
At Nezu Shrine in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward, the “Bunkyo Azalea Festival” is held every spring. Approximately 3,000 azaleas of around 100 varieties bloom across the shrine grounds.
2025 Festival Dates: April 1 (Tuesday) to April 30 (Wednesday)
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily
Admission Fee: 500 yen
Visitors can enjoy a variety of azaleas that bloom at different times, creating vibrant and ever-changing scenery.
Traditional events like children’s parades, portable shrine processions, antique markets, and food stalls create a lively yet nostalgic atmosphere.
Access: About a 5-minute walk from Nezu Station or Sendagi Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line).
Enjoy Collecting Goshuin (Temple and Shrine Stamps)
Recently, shrine and temple stamps (goshuin) have become more artistic and colorful.
Bring a special notebook and collect memories of your journey!
Early Morning Visits Recommended
To avoid crowds, visit shrines and temples around 7:00 AM.
The serene and quiet atmosphere will make your experience even more special.
Feel the Season at Japanese Gardens
Gardens are another iconic symbol of Japanese beauty.
Urban Oasis Examples:
Tokyo: Rikugien Garden, Hamarikyu Gardens
Kyoto: Murin-an Garden, Heian Shrine Garden
Osaka: Keitakuen Garden
These gardens offer peaceful retreats from the busy city life.
Explore Local Train Journeys
Sometimes, just riding a train can be the purpose of the trip itself!
Recommended Local Lines:
Enoden (Kanagawa): Retro train along the coastline
Eizan Electric Railway (Kyoto): Through a lush green tunnel in spring
Sagano Scenic Railway (Kyoto): Along the Hozugawa River
Watarase Keikoku Railway (Gunma to Tochigi): Through beautiful valleys and riversides
Enjoy Seasonal Food Adventures
Golden Week falls between spring and early summer—a perfect season for fresh, delicious foods.
Seasonal Delights:
Mountain vegetables (tara no me, kogomi, warabi)
Early summer fruits (strawberries, cherries)
Fresh green tea (especially from Shizuoka, Kagoshima, and Uji)
Recommended Food Spots:
Kanazawa’s Omicho Market: Fresh seafood bowls
Hakata’s Nakasu Kawabata: Local street food
Osaka’s Kuromon Market: Croquettes and takoyaki
Refresh with a Short Stay
Even a one-night stay nearby can bring a huge change in mood.
Recommended Stay Styles:
Traditional hot spring inns
Machiya (traditional townhouse) stays
Local homestays (Airbnb)
Tips for Enjoying Golden Week to the Fullest
Make a loose “places to visit” list to avoid overplanning.
Use the morning hours when places are less crowded.
Bring small items like a good camera, a fresh notebook, or a special book to enhance your travel experience.
Recommended for International Visitors Too!
If you’re visiting Japan from abroad, Golden Week is an amazing opportunity to experience Japan’s local life.
Discover Japan’s Hidden Beauty:
Shirakawa-go (Gifu): Traditional gassho-zukuri thatched houses
Magome-juku (Nagano): Edo-period post town
Gono Line (Aomori–Akita): Scenic train ride along the sea and mountains
Savor the Seasonal Beauty of Japan
Spring to early summer is a time of vibrant life.
Let your senses open fully and experience Japan’s seasonal transitions firsthand.
Conclusion: Find Extraordinary Moments in Everyday Places
Golden Week doesn’t have to mean exhausting long-distance travel.
Even short trips can fill your heart.
This year, why not rediscover the beauty of Japan—and yourself—through a simple, close-to-home journey?
You’re sure to find special moments waiting for you.
