Tokyo Travel Forum

I arrive in Tokyo on May 3-May 8, which is Golden Week.

What should I expect for it being Golden Week in Tokyo? Crowded or less croweded?

Is everything going to be closed during the holidays?

Are there any festivals or special activities I should go see?

This is the first time I'm going to be in Japan. I am so excited. So any help you can provide I will greatly appreciate. Thank you!!!!

Golden week starts on April 29, which will undoubtedly be a busy day on the trains and at the airport. Since you are arriving on May 3, and traveling in the opposite direction you shouldn't have a problem. In fact, by then things should be very quiet. May 5 is the last holiday day, and will be very busy with people returning to japan or traveling within Japan. If you are leaving on the 8th, it should again be VERY quiet as everyone will be back to work and traveled-out. Holiday weeks in Japan are marked by insane first days and insane last days with a sluggish lag in between.

Since many people do take the holiday offered at this time many businesses do close. This doesn't mean that there isn't anything to do though. There are always a small contingent of people that choose to party the holiday away in town, but if you have ever been to Tokyo before you will notice an odd quiet has come over the town, compared to normal. This can make it harder to find happening local action, and can make it sort of boring.

During holiday weeks I like to head for smaller communities, where a lot of people return to their birth home from their big city lives. I go back to Niigata, where the party is always on during holiday weeks, with restaurants and bars, parks, streets, beaches... full of old friends catching up and burning off the stress of their lives.

Hey

Dont know if you have had a look at this website but it is very good. Here's a link for Golden Week,
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2282.html

I was in Kyoto for Golden Week in 2006 and there on Constitution Day there was the carrying of portable shrines in Gion and the carriers all wore traditional outfits.
On Children's Day there should also be somethig going on Im sure. In many parts of Japan the hang up carp streamers everywhere. Looks really nice when they blow in the wind.
Where you have booked your accomodation should be able to tell you where things are going on. A safe card might be to head for Asakusa. Or check out what's happening in Kamakura, it is quite close to Tokyo.

Enjoy your stay,
:)