Golden Week Festivities 2022
Golden Week has become one of Japan’s busiest holidays, next to New Year’s and Obon Week. Golden Week or Gōruden Wīku,ゴールデンウィーク, Ōgon shūkan 黄金週間, are several national holidays that are celebrated in a span of over a week. During this time, Japanese businesses big and small are closed to take advantage of the extra-long opportunity for rest, relaxation, and festivities.
In 1948, the National Holiday Laws announced nine official holidays, many of which occurred in a span of seven days, from the last week of April to the beginning of May. Most of Japan’s businesses, including the film industry, experienced a great increase in their revenues during this time of the year compared to others, hence its name “Golden Week.”
Check out some of the festivities to enjoy this year around Tokyo.
Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival
Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Koto Ward is famous during Golden Week because it’s about that time of year when the stunning hanging purple wisteria are in full bloom. It becomes one of the most picturesque sites in central Tokyo. The festival is a wonderful way to enjoy other cultural activities as well as local foods in the outdoor food stalls.
Location: Kameido Tenjin Shrine, , 3-6-1 Kameido, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Tokyo Midtown: Open the Park
Tokyo Midtown’s Open the Park event is an annual spring activity that hosts a number of open-air activities. This year, a stunning decoration of some gigantic koi-nobori are on display by 112 artists are on display. Other things to look forward to are koinobori workshops for kids, a Street Art Museum, an outdoor library, a Hawaiian inspired café and more! Open the Park runs through May 29.
Location: Tokyo Midtown Grass Square, 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Showa Memorial Park Flower Map
The Tachikawa’s Showa Memorial Park is hosting the annual Flower Festival this year! The park showcases thousands of lovely tulips and other colorful spring flowers. It’s the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is open until May 22.
Location: Showa memorial Park, 3173 Midori-Cho, Tachikawa-Shi, Tokyo
If you want to avoid the crowd during Golden Week, there are several hiking trails to discover and get a dose of nature. Have a great vacation when in Japan!
