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Golden Week 2027 in Japan: dates, closures and busy trains

Golden Week 2027 gives 5 days off in a row, from Saturday 1 May to Wednesday 5 May 2027, after Showa Day on Thursday 29 April. In 2026 the Tokaido Shinkansen's busiest day was Wednesday 6 May, with 311,000 passengers heading to Tokyo.

Updated

5days off in a row in 2027
311,000passengers on the busiest day in 2026
13days of reserved-only Nozomi in 2026

5 days off

Golden Week 2027, day by day

Friday 30 April is not a holiday. It sits between Showa Day and the weekend.

Golden Week 2027: holidays, weekends and bank closures
DateDayHolidayBanks
29 April 2027ThursdayShowa DayClosed
30 April 2027FridayNot a holidayOpen
1 May 2027SaturdayWeekendClosed
2 May 2027SundayWeekendClosed
3 May 2027MondayConstitution Memorial DayClosed
4 May 2027TuesdayGreenery DayClosed
5 May 2027WednesdayChildren's DayClosed

Sources: Cabinet Office (holidays) · Enforcement Order of the Banking Act, Article 5 (banks)

Golden Week 2026, for comparison

In 2026 Constitution Memorial Day fell on a Sunday, so Wednesday 6 May became a substitute holiday and the break ran 5 days.

Golden Week 2026: holidays, weekends and reserved-only Nozomi days
DateDayHolidayBanksNozomi trains
29 April 2026WednesdayShowa DayClosedReserved seats only
30 April 2026ThursdayNot a holidayOpenReserved seats only
1 May 2026FridayNot a holidayOpenReserved seats only
2 May 2026SaturdayWeekendClosedReserved seats only
3 May 2026SundayConstitution Memorial DayClosedReserved seats only
4 May 2026MondayGreenery DayClosedReserved seats only
5 May 2026TuesdayChildren's DayClosedReserved seats only
6 May 2026WednesdaySubstitute holidayClosedReserved seats only

Sources: Cabinet Office (holidays) · Enforcement Order of the Banking Act, Article 5 (banks) · JR Central and JR West (Nozomi)

When the Shinkansen was busiest in 2026

JR Central carried 4,932,000 passengers on the Tokaido Shinkansen in the 13 days from 24 April to 6 May 2026. Every Nozomi was reserved-seat only in those 13 days.

Total passengers
4,932,000
Days counted
13 days
Busiest from Tokyo
297,000 · Sat 2 May
Busiest to Tokyo
311,000 · Wed 6 May

Passengers on the busiest day in each direction (Tokaido Shinkansen)

2026 — leaving Tokyo, Sat 2 May297,000
2026 — heading to Tokyo, Wed 6 May311,000
2025 — leaving Tokyo, Sat 3 May279,000
2025 — heading to Tokyo, Tue 6 May312,000

Source: JR Central — Golden Week 2026: passenger results (7 May 2026)

What is open during Golden Week

Banks close on the holidays. The national museums open on a holiday even when it is a Monday.

Closing days of banks, museums and gardens (each operator's own page)
PlaceUsually closedOn a public holiday
BanksSaturdays, Sundays and public holidaysClosed
Tokyo National MuseumMondaysOpen on a Monday holiday, closed the next day
National Museum of Western ArtMondaysOpen on a Monday holiday, closed the next day
Kyoto National MuseumMondaysOpen on a Monday holiday, closed the next day
The National Art Center, TokyoTuesdaysOpen on a Tuesday holiday, closed the next working day
Shinjuku Gyoen National GardenMondaysClosed the next weekday instead
Imperial Palace toursSundays and MondaysNo tours (unless the holiday is a Saturday)

In 2026 Tokyo National Museum stayed open until 8:00 p.m. on 4 and 5 May.

The four holidays of Golden Week

From the official English translation of the Act on National Holidays.

Showa DayApril 29. This day is for looking back on the Showa era, a period of recovery after tumultuous times, and contemplating the future of the country of Japan.Act on National Holidays
Constitution Memorial DayMay 3. This day is for commemorating the implementation of the Constitution of Japan and anticipating the nation's continued growth.Act on National Holidays
Greenery DayMay 4. This day is for getting acquainted with nature, expressing gratitude for its blessings, and cultivating a rich spirit.Act on National Holidays
Children's DayMay 5. This day is for honoring the personality of children, working towards their happiness, and expressing gratitude to mothers.Act on National Holidays

Frequently asked questions

When is Golden Week 2027 in Japan?

Showa Day is Thursday 29 April 2027. Then 5 days are off in a row, from Saturday 1 May to Wednesday 5 May 2027: a weekend followed by Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day and Children's Day.

Is 30 April 2027 a holiday in Japan?

No. Friday 30 April 2027 is not a public holiday. Showa Day is Thursday 29 April and the five days off start on Saturday 1 May.

Which days of Golden Week are busiest on the Shinkansen?

In 2026 the Tokaido Shinkansen was busiest leaving Tokyo on Saturday 2 May (297,000 passengers) and heading to Tokyo on Wednesday 6 May (311,000 passengers), the last day of the break.

Are museums open during Golden Week?

The national museums in Tokyo and Kyoto open on public holidays, including a Monday holiday. They close on the next working day instead.

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Sources for this page

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Compiled by Japan Japan !! · Updated October 2, 2026