Golden Week is here. Starting yesterday, April 29th, Japan enters one of its most exciting — and busiest — times of the year. Running through to May 5th, this cluster of national holidays sees the entire country come alive with festivals, celebrations, and travel. It’s a wonderful time to experience Japan at its most vibrant, but if you’re a wheelchair user or traveling with accessibility needs, a little extra know-how goes a long way. Here’s what you need to know right now.
What Is Golden Week?
Golden Week is a series of consecutive national holidays that fall at the end of April and the beginning of May each year. This year, the holidays run from April 29th (Showa Day), through to May 5th (Children’s Day), with Constitution Memorial Day on May 3rd and Greenery Day on May 4th in between. Because the holidays fall so close together, many people take the entire week off work, making it one of the biggest domestic travel periods in Japan. Expect festive energy, colorful koinobori (carp streamers) flying from buildings in honor of Children’s Day, and a real sense of celebration in the air.
Expect Crowds — and of course — Plan Around Them
There’s no sugarcoating it: Golden Week is busy. Popular tourist destinations, train stations, and airports see large crowds, and transportation and attractions can be difficult to access due to the sheer number of people traveling. For wheelchair users, this is especially important to factor in. Traveling by train in a wheelchair will likely take longer than usual, so if you have any appointments or timed reservations, plan to add extra time — around 15 to 20 minutes per transfer and 10 to 15 minutes for boarding.
Thankfully, Japan’s train network is genuinely one of the most accessible in the world. Station staff are trained to assist wheelchair users with portable ramps, and nearly all major stations have accessible facilities. Our full guide to wheelchair accessible trains and subways in Japan walks you through exactly how the process works, step by step.
Book Your Shinkansen Now
If the Shinkansen (bullet train) is part of your plans, the time to book is right now — though ideally, it would have been better several days ago. Shinkansen and limited express trains are often fully booked during Golden Week, sometimes as early as April. For wheelchair users, there are a limited number of accessible spaces per train, so availability can be even tighter. It’s best to speak directly to a ticket window teller rather than using a machine, as they can check wheelchair-accessible seating and call through to reserve the right space for you. Our dedicated guide to Shinkansen wheelchair accessibility covers everything from how to reserve your seat to what to expect onboard.
If you’re considering a Japan Rail Pass, our guide to the JR Pass for wheelchair users is essential reading. There are some important differences between pass types that matter for accessibility.
Word to the wise: make sure you turn up at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Otherwise, you may face issues boarding, especially if you require assistance.
Consider Quieter Destinations
While major hubs like Kyoto, Osaka, and Asakusa in Tokyo will be at their most crowded this week, there are plenty of alternative destinations where you can experience Japan’s beauty and charm without the stress of overcrowding. Smaller cities, local neighborhood parks, and less-visited attractions are often far more manageable — and can actually be more enjoyable, giving you space to move around freely and take in your surroundings at your own pace. Get some inspiration on the Rakuten Travel website.
If you’re based in or visiting Tokyo, more local spots are often quieter than usual during Golden Week, as many Tokyo residents travel elsewhere during the holidays. It’s a surprisingly good time to explore neighborhoods you’ve had on your list but haven’t gotten around to yet.
For those who love nature, cherry blossoms are still possible in northern Japan right now. Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is one of the last regions to see cherry blossoms, with parks like Goryokaku in Hakodate offering wheelchair-accessible paths and stunning springtime views. Read more in our wheelchair accessible cherry blossom guide.
Practical Tips for a Wheelchair Friendly Golden Week
A few things to keep in mind as you head out this week:
- Get to stations early. Station staff are incredibly helpful, but during peak periods, there may be a short wait for ramp assistance. Give yourself plenty of buffer time.
- Use accessible toilets at stations rather than attractions. During busy periods, accessible toilets at popular spots can get crowded or run low on supplies. Station toilets are a reliable, well-maintained alternative.
- Visit popular spots early in the morning. Popular sites are noticeably calmer before 10 am, which also makes navigating in a wheelchair far more comfortable.
- Have a backup plan. Golden Week has a way of throwing surprises. Knowing of a quieter nearby spot — a local park, a smaller shrine, a neighborhood café — means you can pivot without stress if somewhere is too busy.
- If in doubt, go with a guide! Check out our dedicated travel agents and custom tour planners page for help with booking and/or planning, or our accessible day tours and sightseeing page for options regarding being shown around Japan!
Golden Week is chaotic, joyful, and deeply Japanese. With the right preparation, it can be one of the most memorable times to experience this incredible country. Happy travels! 😊
For more accessible travel planning in Japan, visit Accessible Japan — your go-to resource for barrier-free adventures. For wider Golden Week crowd tips, Japan Guide’s Golden Week overview is also a helpful reference.
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