What this solves
Japan has 3 large holiday waves that crush transportation, hotels, and tourist sites: Golden Week (Apr 29–May 5, 9 days), Obon (Aug 13–16, 4 days), Year-end/New Year (Dec 28–Jan 3). Smaller waves include Silver Week (around Sep 21–23, when Sep 21 and 23 are holidays with Sep 22 in between). Train volumes have new starts; cars often don't have reservations. This tool gives the relative crowdedness.
Plan
How to read results
- Golden Week: 9 days (Apr 29 Showa Day, May 3 Constitution Day, May 4 Greenery Day, May 5 Children's Day). Reservations 6+ months ahead for shinkansen & hotels.
- Obon: ancestral spirits return. Trains full (people returning home). Major source of traffic on Aug 13 and 16.
- Year-end / New Year: many shops closed Dec 31–Jan 3. Hatsumode (New Year shrine visit) on Jan 1.
- Ski season: Dec 20–Mar 5. Chinese New Year (late Jan–mid Feb) brings Chinese tourists; very crowded Niseko, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen.
Limitations
Reference for 2026. Silver Week only happens in certain years (when Sep 21 and 23 are weekdays with Sep 22 Tuesday in between). Not all years have Silver Week.
FAQ
When is Silver Week 2026?
Sep 21 (Keiro-no-hi, Mon) and Sep 23 (Autumnal Equinox, Wed) with Tue Sep 22 in between. 3-day weekend + 1 day = Silver Week in 2026.
Is it safe to travel during Golden Week?
Yes, but expensive (hotel rates double). Many Japanese also travel, so expect packed trains.
What's the best time to avoid crowds?
Late January to early February (after New Year, before ski season peak), early March (cold but low crowds), mid-October (after Silver Week).
About this tool
Purpose: predict crowdedness by date. Scope: 4 major holidays. Not affiliated with any tourism authority.
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Disclaimer
Reference for 2026. Always confirm.