Golden Week Caution: Why Now Might Not Be the Best Time to Visit Japan

A Warning from a Resident of Japan: Travel Considerations During Golden Week

As the Taiwanese dollar fluctuates, enticing opportunities for international travel arise. However, seasoned traveler "日本人的歐吉桑 (Nihonjin no Ojisan)" has issued a word of caution to those considering a trip to Japan, particularly during a specific period.

In a recent Facebook post, "日本人的歐吉桑 (Nihonjin no Ojisan)" advises against visiting Japan during the "Golden Week," a period between late April and early May. This time encompasses a long holiday, ranging from 5 to 11 days, during which many Japanese residents travel. He warns that despite the appeal of favorable exchange rates, the reality of a Golden Week trip can be challenging.

He highlights the experience during this period, citing crowded tourist attractions, significant traffic congestion on highways, and inflated hotel prices. Additionally, securing reservations for hotels, restaurants, and rental cars becomes difficult. Even the high-speed "Shinkansen" trains are often fully booked. "For those working in the service industry," he explains, "Golden Week can feel like a week in hell."