Golden Week in Japan: The Ultimate Self-Drive Travel Guide

Imagine this: You're on a train hurtling at top speed through blooming cherry blossom landscapes, while snow-capped mountains whiz by outside. Sounds like a dream, right? That's exactly what you can expect during Golden Week in Japan, one of the most exciting travel periods of the entire year.

But what exactly is Golden Week, and why do so many people travel to Japan during this time? It's simple: Golden Week is a collection of several Japanese public holidays that occur from late April to early May. This means the whole country switches into holiday mode, and there's something to experience everywhere you go.

In this travel guide, we'll show you everything you need to know as a self-driver to plan your trip perfectly. From the best destinations to practical tips for avoiding the crowds and hidden gems off the beaten path. Whether you're a first-time traveler to Japan or a seasoned pro, you're guaranteed to find valuable information for your next adventure here.

Golden Week 2026: All Public Holidays and Dates at a Glance

Golden Week 2026 officially runs from April 29 to May 6, making it one of the most exciting, but also busiest, travel periods in Japan. It comprises a total of four official national holidays, which, combined with the surrounding weekends, merge into a continuous block of 8 days. Imagine it like Christmas in Germany, but with all of Japan going on holiday at the same time. The booking pressure is just as intense, and experts recommend reserving hotels, trains, and tickets 3 to 6 months in advance.

An important note for 2026: Since Constitution Memorial Day (May 3) falls on a Sunday, it will be moved to Wednesday, May 6. This is typical of the Japanese holiday system and not a calendar error.

Here are all the holidays of Golden Week 2026 at a glance:

Many Japanese also take the days bridging the holidays as vacation, meaning some enjoy up to 10 consecutive days off. This makes Golden Week by far the biggest travel period of the year in Japan, even surpassing New Year and the Buddhist Obon festival.

Practically important for your travel planning: During the holidays, some train and expressway connections run on a special schedule, which can significantly extend travel times. So always plan for some buffer, especially for connections to popular destinations like Kyoto or Hakone.

Why Golden Week is worth it despite the hustle and bustle

Yes, Golden Week is crowded and noisy. But there are really good reasons to travel to Japan during this time. Here are the top five benefits you should know about:

1. Pleasant spring weather to enjoy

Late April and early May in Japan offer simply wonderful weather. In central Japan, around Tokyo and Kyoto, temperatures typically range between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. It's warm enough for light clothing, but not unpleasantly hot. The rainy season has not yet begun, and the air is clear and fresh. In short: Golden Week is one of the most comfortable travel periods of the entire year.

2. Late cherry blossoms in the north

While the cherry blossoms in Tokyo are already over, they are still in full bloom in northern Japan. In Aomori, especially in the famous Hirosaki Park, and in Hokkaido, the Sakura season is at its peak during Golden Week. If you haven't yet experienced this unforgettable event, this is a last chance in the year.

3. Everything remains open

This is a real difference from Europe: In Japan, attractions, restaurants, and shops practically do not close during the holidays. On the contrary, many places even have longer opening hours and offer special Golden Week events. So you don't have to worry about finding closed doors.

4. Festivals and authentic Japanese culture

Golden Week is dotted with local Matsuri festivals. Koinobori, the colorful carp streamers, hang everywhere. Street festivals, parades, and cultural events take place, such as the Cambodia Festival in Yoyogi Park in Tokyo. This gives you an authentic insight into everyday Japanese culture that you wouldn't experience at other times.

5. Tokyo is surprisingly quiet

Here's the best insider tip: Most Tokyoites leave their city during Golden Week. They go to Okinawa, Hokkaido, or amusement parks. This means that Tokyo itself is unusually relaxed and accessible. According to travel experiences from the community, this is one of the smartest tricks for Golden Week travelers. Museums, parks, and neighborhoods like Yanaka or Shimokitazawa are much more pleasant to explore than usual.

The big problem: Trains, hotels, and tourist crowds

As wonderful as Golden Week sounds, it has a downside that many travelers only experience on site. Japan travels collectively during this week, and you can feel it everywhere.

1. Shinkansen tickets are often sold out months in advance

Those who plan spontaneously are out of luck. Travel experts unanimously recommend booking Shinkansen tickets, hotels, and popular entry tickets 3 to 6 months in advance. This sounds like a lot, but it's necessary, as connections between Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are regularly fully booked weeks before departure during Golden Week. Those who book shortly before their trip will simply find nothing left, or pay significantly more for the little that is still available.

2. Hotel prices skyrocket

Overnight stays in popular destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, or Okinawa can be 50 to 150 percent more expensive during Golden Week than during normal travel periods. Even simple accommodations command premium prices during this time. Those with a limited budget should seriously consider this travel period or book very early before prices fully increase.

3. Kyoto is simply overwhelmingly crowded

Temples, shrines, and the picturesque old town streets of Kyoto are among the most photographed places in Japan, and that's exactly where the crowds flock. During Golden Week, a relaxed stroll through Gion or a quiet visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine is almost impossible. Trivago aptly describes Golden Week as "absolute travel chaos", and Kyoto is at the top of the list of overcrowded destinations.

4. Train stations and trains turn into a crush

Even those who book in time and have a reserved seat experience long queues and packed platforms at large Shinkansen stations. Travelers report trains that seem almost impossible to board despite reservations because the aisles are blocked with luggage and people. Traveling from A to B simply takes longer than usual, often significantly longer.

5. Popular domestic destinations come under additional pressure

Japanese tourists prefer to travel to Okinawa, Hokkaido, and Tokyo Disneyland during Golden Week. This means that resort regions and amusement parks, which are usually a bit quieter, are bursting at the seams this week. If these places are on your bucket list, you should either visit them early in the morning or save them for a quieter travel period.

The underestimated alternative: Traveling through Japan by rental car

If you really want to enjoy Golden Week, you might reconsider and simply get in a car. This may sound unusual at first, but it is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your trip to Japan.

1. Overcrowded train stations? Just drive around them.

While everyone else is crowding into Shinkansen queues, you can calmly drive your own way. With a rental car, you can completely avoid major railway hubs like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto and discover smaller roads and side routes that are not in any travel guide. Especially during Golden Week, when trains are often booked out weeks in advance, this is a real advantage.

2. Book early, absolutely.

Yes, rental cars also become scarce during Golden Week. Similar to hotels and train tickets, the rule here is: those who come too late miss out. Ideally, you should book your rental car 3 to 4 months in advance, i.e., by January or February at the latest for a trip at the end of April. This way, you secure the best vehicle classes and prices.

3. Rural treasures that are worth it.

Regions like the Kii Peninsula, the Tōhoku region in the north, or the picturesque Shimanami Kaidō are difficult or cumbersome to reach by public transport. By car, however, you are completely flexible. You stop at a small shrine by the roadside, explore a quiet village, or take a shortcut through rice fields. This is Japan as most tourists never see it.

4. Cheaper than the Shinkansen, especially for two people.

For groups of two or more, a rental car often pays off more than you might think. Several Shinkansen tickets quickly add up, while with a rental car, you share the costs. Even with expressway tolls, driving yourself can be cheaper.

5. Freedom on four wheels.

No fixed schedule, no missed connections, no crowds. You decide when you drive, where you stop, and how long you stay. This is perhaps the biggest advantage of driving yourself in Japan.

An important note for travelers from Germany, Switzerland, France, or Belgium: You do not need an international driving permit in the classic sense to drive in Japan, but a JAF-certified driver's license translation. DriveDocsJapan issues this document quickly and easily online. Conveniently: With the Print-at-7-Eleven service, you can even print the translation directly in Japan if you need it at short notice.

The best self-drive destinations during Golden Week

Traveling through Japan by rental car is a really smart decision, especially during Golden Week. But where should you go? Here are five regions that are particularly well-suited for self-drivers, either because they are less crowded or simply best explored by car.

1. Nara and surroundings

Nara is probably the best answer to the question of how to avoid the chaos of Kyoto without sacrificing culture. The sprawling Nara Park with its free-roaming deer, the impressive Kasugataisha Shrine, and the enormous Todai-ji Temple can be experienced here in a much more relaxed atmosphere. By rental car, Nara is reachable from Osaka in about 45 minutes and from Kyoto in about 40 minutes, making it a perfect day trip or stopover. Parking facilities around the sights are significantly more pleasant than in the big city, and the overall atmosphere is more relaxed.

2. Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island, has a crucial advantage during Golden Week: the cherry trees often only bloom here from late April to early May. This means you can experience the cherry blossoms while they are long gone in Tokyo or Osaka. The Furano Valley offers vast landscapes and hardly crowded roads away from Sapporo. With a rental car, you can choose your own rhythm and let Hokkaido's nature work its magic on you, without any crowds at the train station.

3. Aomori and Tōhoku

The Tōhoku region in northern Honshu is one of the least visited Golden Week destinations. Yet, the nature here is breathtaking: dramatic coastal roads, deep forests, and some of Japan's last late-blooming cherry blossoms, including the famous Hirosaki Castle Park in Aomori. Japan Guide lists Aomori as a distinct travel region with great potential for nature lovers. By car, you can drive routes here where you sometimes won't encounter another tourist for hours.

4. Shimanami Kaidō

The Shimanami Kaidō route connects Honshu with Shikoku via a series of islands and bridges and is considered one of Japan's most beautiful drives by motorists. Panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, small quiet villages on the islands in between, and hardly any mass tourism make this drive a real highlight. The route is manageable and well-signposted, making it ideal for anyone driving in Japan for the first time.

5. Kii Peninsula and Kumano Kodō

If you really want to escape the hustle and bustle during Golden Week, the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture is highly recommended. Sacred forest paths of the Kumano Kodō, secluded ryokan right by the sea, and little-known coastal roads await you here. This region is difficult to reach by public transport, but wonderfully flexible to explore by rental car. Wander in Japan recommends exactly such remote destinations for relaxed travel during Golden Week.

One thing applies to all these routes: In order to drive a rental car in Japan, as a traveler from Germany, Switzerland, France, or Belgium, you need a JAF-certified driver's license translation. DriveDocsJapan takes care of exactly that, quickly and easily, so you can focus on what matters most: the road ahead.

Beware of traffic jams: What drivers need to know about Golden Week

Traveling through Japan by rental car is tempting, and for good reason. But anyone driving on Japan's highways during Golden Week should know one thing: 渋滞 (jutai), or traffic jams, are a daily occurrence on Japanese expressways during this period.

1. Know the worst routes

Two main axes are particularly affected: the Tōmei Expressway between Tokyo and Nagoya and the Meishin Expressway between Nagoya and Osaka. These two routes connect Japan's three largest metropolitan areas and are chronically overloaded during Golden Week. Traffic jams lasting several hours are not an exception here, but the norm.

2. Use NEXCO forecasts as a planning basis

NEXCO, the state-owned operator of Japanese highways, publishes detailed traffic jam forecasts every year in the run-up to Golden Week. These show on which sections and at what times the most delays are to be expected. If you check these forecasts on the NEXCO website before your trip, you can specifically adjust your departure times and avoid unpleasant surprises.

3. Avoid the busiest days

Experience shows that two periods are particularly critical: April 29th, when millions of Japanese start their holidays at the same time, and May 5th and 6th, when everyone returns home. The days in between, roughly May 1st to 3rd, are significantly more relaxed. If you are flexible, consciously plan your arrival and departure around these peak times.

4. Drive smartly instead of being stuck in traffic

There are some proven strategies that really help. Very early departures before 6:00 AM or late starts after 9:00 PM avoid the worst waves. For shorter distances, national roads (kokudō) can be a sensible alternative to expressways. Even better: divide the travel route over several days and plan stopovers, for example, a night in Nagoya or Hamamatsu. This not only relaxes the schedule but also opens up new travel experiences.

5. Be sure to request the ETC card with your rental car

The ETC system (Electronic Toll Collection) is Japan's electronic toll collection system. With an ETC card in the vehicle, you simply drive through the green-marked lane at toll booths without having to stop and pay cash. Especially during Golden Week, when long queues form at toll stations, this noticeably saves time. Important: Foreign credit cards do not work in the Japanese ETC system. The ETC card must be provided by the rental car company and is usually available for a small daily fee. Therefore, you should explicitly ask for it when picking up the vehicle.

If you keep these five points in mind, you will be significantly better prepared than the average traveler on Japan's roads during Golden Week.

Important for Europeans: No International Driving Permit, but a JAF translation

Anyone wishing to drive a rental car through Japan encounters a legal peculiarity that completely surprises many Europeans. Because the International Driving Permit, which can be easily applied for at ADAC or similar institutions in Germany, Switzerland, France, or Belgium, is not valid in Japan for holders of these driver's licenses. This sounds incredible, but it is a fact: Japan does not recognize the International Driving Permit under the 1949 Geneva Convention as a sufficient document for these four countries. The Japanese Consulate General Düsseldorf confirms this unequivocally on its official website. So, anyone who shows up at the rental car counter with an International Driving Permit in their luggage will not get a car.

What you need instead: the JAF translation

The document you really need is called a JAF-certified driver's license translation. It is issued by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and is an official translation of your national driver's license into Japanese. Important: This translation does not replace your driver's license; it supplements it. You must always carry both, the JAF translation and your original driver's license from your home country. Both the police and every rental car company in Japan require exactly this combination before you are even allowed behind the wheel.

Without JAF translation: no car, no exceptions

Driving without the correct JAF translation is simply illegal in Japan for German, Swiss, French, and Belgian driver's license holders. There is no gray area and no room for negotiation. Rental car companies will not hand over the key, no matter how you argue or what other documents you present. The risk of driving without the correct document is simply too great, both legally and financially.

Apply before your trip, not after

A common mistake: many travelers think they can simply apply for the JAF translation upon arrival in Japan. While theoretically possible, it is anything but easy in practice, especially during Golden Week, when all counters are crowded. The smarter solution is to obtain the translation before departure.

This is where DriveDocsJapan comes in. The service enables a completely online application for the JAF-certified driver's license translation, conveniently from home. You can either have the document delivered to your home by mail or, if you are already on your way or already in Japan, simply use a print code and print the document at the nearest 7-Eleven. This is particularly practical as a last-minute solution. This way, you'll be ready to go on your first day in Japan, without queues, without stress, and without unpleasant surprises at the rental car counter.

How to apply for your driver's license translation for Japan: Step by step

The good news: applying is really easy and takes less than half an hour. Here are the three steps to get you there.

Step 1: Submit online application

Go to the DriveDocsJapan website and fill out the online form. You upload a photo of your driver's license and enter your personal details, and that's it. The entire process takes only a few minutes, you don't need any official appointments, no long waiting times, and no complicated forms. Everything runs comfortably from home.

Step 2: Choose delivery method

Here you have two practical options, depending on how far along you are with your planning.

Option A: Home delivery before the trip. This is the recommended option for everyone who plans their Golden Week trip early. The finished translation comes directly to your home, you pack it and fly relaxed to Japan.

Option B: Digital print code for printing directly in Japan. You get a code with which you can print your document at one of the over 21,000 7-Eleven stores in Japan. These stores are literally everywhere, in big cities as well as in small rural towns.

Step 3: Keep documents safe

Once you have your translation, keep it carefully with your original driver's license. And this is really important: Both documents must always be carried when driving. The translation alone is not enough, and neither is just the original driver's license. If you forget either one, you are not allowed to drive the car.

When should you order?

Since rental cars are typically booked out 3 to 6 months in advance during Golden Week, it is advisable to order the driver's license translation by January or February at the latest. This way, you have everything ready before you book the rest of your trip.

Already in Japan and no translation yet?

No need to panic. If you are already there and don't have the translation yet, simply use the digital print code. A quick stop at a 7-Eleven, print the document, done. With over 21,000 branches nationwide, this is a real lifesaver for all spontaneous decision-makers.

Booking schedule: When to reserve what for Golden Week

Golden Week is one of the most popular travel windows of the year, and those who book spontaneously will be left out. To prevent this from happening to you, here is a concrete timeline that shows you when to do what.

1. 6 months in advance (October to November): Secure hotels and flights

Start here, even if it feels early. Hotels in Kyoto, Osaka, and Sapporo are among the first to be fully booked. Premium accommodations in central locations often disappear first, sometimes as early as the autumn before. So book early, even if your travel plans are not yet 100% fixed. Many hotels offer free cancellation, so booking early is almost always the smarter choice. Secure your flights at the same time, because prices here also rise quickly.

2. 4 to 5 months in advance (December to January): Book Shinkansen and rental car

If you want to use the high-speed train, now is the right time for reservations. And if you want to travel through Japan by rental car, a truly worthwhile plan for Golden Week, you should also book the vehicle now. Especially in tourist regions like Hokkaido or the Kumano Kodo region, vehicle quotas are quickly exhausted.

3. 3 months in advance (February): Attractions and driver's license translation

Now it's about the details. Secure tickets for popular attractions like the Imperial Palace in Kyoto or TeamLab exhibitions, as these are often sold out in advance. February is also the ideal time to order your JAF driver's license translation from DriveDocsJapan. It doesn't take long, but you don't want to leave this task until the last minute.

4. 1 to 2 months in advance (March): Plan your route and factor in traffic jams

Finalize your itinerary now. As soon as NEXCO publishes its traffic jam forecasts, it's worth taking a look at the expressway routes. Plan alternative routes, especially for the heavily trafficked sections around Tokyo and Osaka.

5. Shortly before departure or upon arrival in Japan: Check documents

Go through everything again shortly before departure. Original driver's license and JAF translation must both be present, because without both documents, the rental car cannot be driven legally. If you have not yet printed the translation, no problem: DriveDocsJapan's 7-Eleven printing option allows you to pick up your printout directly in Japan at a convenience store.

10 practical tips for a relaxed Golden Week trip to Japan

With a little planning, Golden Week can be a truly relaxed experience. Here are ten concrete tips to help you make the most of this special travel season.

1. Choose Tokyo instead of Kyoto

This sounds counterintuitive, but it's one of the best insider tips: During Golden Week, many Tokyo residents leave the city to visit relatives in the countryside. Certain districts, parks, and lesser-known corners of the metropolis therefore seem surprisingly quiet. Kyoto, on the other hand, is flooded with international and Japanese tourists during this time. So, if you want relaxed sightseeing days, Tokyo as a base is a much better choice.

2. Travel during the week

The weekends around Golden Week are the worst travel days. The middle days between April 30th and May 2nd are generally much quieter, as many Japanese have already arrived or have not yet left. If your schedule allows, consciously plan your arrival and departure for these days.

3. Getting up early pays off

Between 7 and 9 in the morning, even the most popular sights are often almost deserted. The Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa or Fushimi Inari in Kyoto seem transformed in the early morning hours. So plan your highlights for the early morning and use lunchtime for less popular activities or a break at the Konbini.

4. Always carry cash and an IC card

Japan is still a country that relies heavily on cash. Many smaller restaurants, parking meters, and temple shops do not accept credit cards. In addition, an IC card like Suica or Pasmo greatly simplifies the use of subways, buses, and regional trains. Conveniently: Suica is now also available digitally via Apple Wallet, which makes it easier to obtain before the trip.

5. Konbini as a lifesaver

Restaurants during Golden Week are often twice as expensive as usual and have long waiting times. Japanese convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart are the perfect alternative: fresh onigiri, warm meals, and travel essentials at fair prices, open around the clock. They also offer printing services, allowing you to print booking confirmations or important travel documents directly on site.

6. Use Google Translate with camera function

This app is indispensable, especially for drivers. Simply point the camera at a Japanese sign, a parking meter, or a menu, and the app translates in real time. This saves time and nerves, especially when you end up at unfamiliar toll stations or parking lots.

7. Factor in expressway tolls

Japan's highways are subject to tolls, and the costs can quickly amount to several thousand yen depending on the route. Consciously include this item in your travel budget. Many rental cars are equipped with an ETC card, which enables electronic payment at toll stations and avoids long queues.

8. Apply for JAF translation in good time

Many Europeans assume that an International Driving Permit is sufficient for Japan. Unfortunately, this is wrong. If you are from Germany, Switzerland, France, or Belgium, you need an official JAF-certified translation of your driver's license. DriveDocsJapan offers this service quickly and easily online. If you need the translation in Japan, you can also print the print code directly at a 7-Eleven. This way, you avoid unpleasant surprises at the rental car counter.

9. Discover local Matsuri festivals

Many cities and villages celebrate traditional Matsuri festivals during Golden Week. The Hakata Dontaku in Fukuoka, for example, is one of Japan's largest street festivals. A quick search for events along your planned route is always worthwhile, as these festivals show Japan at its most authentic.

10. Take out travel insurance with rental car coverage

Traffic jams, hectic pace, and unfamiliar roads increase the risk of accidents. Travel insurance that explicitly covers rental car damage and liability in Japan is therefore strongly recommended. Before concluding, check whether deductibles and breakdown assistance are included. This gives you a good deal more safety and relaxation on your trip.

Conclusion: How to make your Golden Week trip a success

Golden Week is chaotic, expensive, and crowded. But it's also magical. Those who travel well prepared will experience one of Japan's most beautiful seasons.

The most important conclusion can be summarized briefly: Early planning wins. Hotels, trains, rental cars, and tickets should be booked at least 3 to 6 months in advance. This also applies to the JAF driver's license translation, which is not an option, but a legal requirement if you are from Germany, Switzerland, France, or Belgium.

If you want to escape the crowded Shinkansen, simply drive yourself. With a rental car, you can reach regions like Hokkaido, Aomori, the Kii Peninsula, or Nara on your own and at your own pace. For individual Japan itineraries off the beaten track, the car is often the best choice.

DriveDocsJapan makes applying for a driver's license translation easy: apply online, have it delivered to your home, or print it last-minute using the 7-Eleven printing option. With the right document in hand, nothing stands in the way of your rental car adventure.

Conclusion

Golden Week in Japan is an unforgettable experience that, with the right preparation, can become the absolute highlight of your travel story. Remember: early planning is the key to success. Book accommodation and transportation as early as possible. Use insider tips off the beaten path to discover the authentic side of Japan. Stay flexible and open to spontaneous adventures, because often it's the unplanned moments that are the most exciting.

Now it's your turn. Grab your passport, create your personal bucket list, and start planning your Golden Week trip today. Japan awaits you with open arms, blooming cherry trees, and unforgettable experiences. Your dream vacation is just a few clicks away. Make it a reality!