Golden Week – Japan’s Celebration of Rest and Renewal

Golden Week – Japan’s Celebration of Rest and Renewal

In Japan, late April and early May bring one of the most anticipated times of the year — Golden Week. It's a series of national holidays grouped together, offering a rare stretch of time for people to relax, travel, and reconnect with family and friends.

Golden Week includes four key holidays: Showa Day (celebrating the life of Emperor Showa), Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day (a tribute to nature), and Children’s Day. When the dates align just right with weekends, many businesses close for an entire week — a rare pause in Japan’s normally busy pace.

For travellers, it’s a lively and colourful time to visit. Cities and countryside alike fill with festivals, outdoor events, and traditional displays. Handmade crafts, seasonal sweets, and springtime blooms take centre stage at local markets. It’s also a time when many artisans take inspiration from nature’s renewal, creating new works that reflect the spirit of the season.

At Hands On Workshop, we love the sense of creativity and fresh energy that Golden Week brings. It’s a time that honours tradition while embracing the simple joys of nature, family and artistry — values woven through so many of the handmade pieces we share.

If you're planning a visit to Japan, or simply want to bring a little of its seasonal magic into your home, Golden Week is a beautiful reminder to pause, celebrate, and create.

Just remember that flights, trains and hotels are busy. Unlike New Year where city dwellers return to their families in the smaller towns (like our Christmas), Golden Week is more of a holiday and rest time. 

All Images by: Syzmon Shields