[Sunday Culture] Where Do Japanese People Travel Domestically... Golden Week Holiday Begins

Travel Spotlight on Suburban Small Towns with Beautiful Natural Scenery... Theme Parks Also in Focus

It feels like just yesterday we welcomed the New Year 2024, but already April has passed and we are heading into May. In May, South Korea also has many holidays such as Labor Day and Children's Day, giving people some breathing room. Japan also enters its golden holiday period called "Golden Week" during this time.

Golden Week refers to a holiday period lasting from about one week to as long as two weeks, spanning late April to early May. It is like a short vacation for office workers. It consists of April 29th "Showa Day," May 3rd "Constitution Memorial Day," May 4th "Greenery Day," and May 5th "Children's Day." This year, it starts on Saturday, April 27th.

What is Japan's Golden Week called 'GW'?

Since it is a golden holiday, just like in South Korea, many Japanese people travel a lot during this period. While overseas travel is popular, I became curious about where Japanese people travel domestically, so I looked it up. The Japanese online media Mynavi reported on a survey about "tourist destinations people want to visit using rental cars during Golden Week." Based on this, today I will introduce domestic travel destinations Japanese people visit during Golden Week.

Popular Resorts Chosen by Residents of the Kanto Region: Mount Fuji, Hitachi Seaside Park, Tokyo Disneyland

For residents living in the Kanto region, including Tokyo, the most popular destinations were Mount Fuji, Hitachi Seaside Park, and Tokyo Disneyland. Those visiting Disneyland during this period should be prepared for large crowds.

A panoramic view of Lake Tanuki at Mount Fuji. The photo was taken by me during Golden Week last year.

First, Mount Fuji can be accessed from Tokyo or Shizuoka. Although the climbing season is open, it is impossible to reach the summit during Golden Week, but you can visit Tanuki Lake and the waterfalls. You can also go up by bus. Festivals are held during this period, so you can fully enjoy the holiday atmosphere. If departing from Tokyo, you can also visit the nearby amusement park Fuji-Q Highland. The appeal lies in being able to see nature without traveling far from the city.

Hitachi Seaside Park is located in Ibaraki Prefecture, about two hours from Tokyo. It is a world-famous flower sightseeing spot. Especially in spring, the flower fields filled with small blue flowers called "Nemophila" are famous. There are said to be 5.3 million flowers. Originally, it was a US military bombing practice site, but after creating artificial hills and planting flowers in the wasteland, it became what it is today.

Nemophila blooming at Hitachi Seaside Park. (Photo by Hitachi Seaside Park)

Popular Resort Chosen by Residents of the Chubu Region: Ise Jingu

The Chubu region refers to the large administrative area located in central Japan. Nagoya is the largest city there. Residents of the Chubu region responded that Ise Jingu is the travel destination they most want to visit. Ise Jingu is the largest shrine in Japan, located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture. It enshrines Amaterasu, the sun goddess who appears in Japan’s founding mythology. Since Japan has an imperial system where the emperor is considered the sun itself, this is essentially a sacred place forming the foundation of that belief. It is also the site where the prime minister pays respects annually at New Year. Additionally, Ghibli Park, a must-visit travel spot in Nagoya, was also mentioned.

Popular Resort Chosen by Residents of the Kansai Region: Awajishima

Residents of the Kansai region, including Osaka and Kobe, chose Awajishima as their desired travel destination. Awajishima is an island located in Hyogo Prefecture and is the seventh largest island in Japan after Okinawa and Tsushima Island. It has beautiful flower fields along with the sea, making it great for photography, and there are many delicious foods, attracting many visitors. Especially famous are the Japanese macaques. There is the Awajishima Monkey Center. However, it is temporarily closed on May 3rd, 4th, and 5th due to expected crowds and accident prevention, so visitors should definitely check the schedule.

A monkey looking at flowers featured on the Awajishima Monkey Center website. (Photo by Awajishima Monkey Center)

Popular Resort Chosen by Residents of the Chugoku and Shikoku Regions: Izumo Taisha

Residents of the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, including Hiroshima and Takamatsu, chose Izumo Taisha as their resort destination. It is a large shrine in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. Izumo Taisha is closely related to Japanese mythology. It was founded based on the story of the great deity Okuninushi-no-Okami, who said he would live there if a magnificent shrine was built as his residence in exchange for handing over Japan. In other words, it enshrines the god who made Japan what it is. So, this place can be considered the headquarters of Japanese gods.

A panoramic view of Izumo Taisha. (Photo by Izumo Taisha)

Therefore, many gods in Japan leave their respective territories and gather here for meetings in the lunar October. This month is called the month when all gods disappear in Japan. They hold their annual regular meeting at Izumo Taisha. In November, local residents hold festivals to celebrate the gods’ meetings and visits.

Izumo Taisha is also famous as a shrine that connects relationships. It is said to connect not only romantic relationships but also relationships between people, between people and objects, and between people and society. Since all the gods from across the country gather here every year to talk about the world’s affairs, they probably complain about their own territories and seek advice. If someone says, "I am a good person but have no one to meet," they would want to connect them with a suitable person. This place well represents the Japanese cultural concept called "Musubi," meaning connection or tying together.

Popular Resort Chosen by Residents of Kyushu and Okinawa: Huis Ten Bosch

Huis Ten Bosch is a theme park located in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. It is considered one of Japan’s three major theme parks. It is modeled after the Netherlands and recreates the atmosphere of medieval Europe. The gray European buildings and cobblestone streets create a feeling of being abroad. During Golden Week, a rose festival is held.

A panoramic view of Huis Ten Bosch. (Photo by Huis Ten Bosch)

We have explored popular hidden domestic tourist spots throughout Japan. In fact, if you travel to Japan during this period, you need to be well prepared. Most popular restaurants become very crowded with a mix of foreigners and domestic tourists, and sometimes the owners also take vacations. If you travel to Japan during this time, be sure to check the schedules of restaurants and major tourist spots before you go.