OK. Forget Easter in Japan. There isn’t one. There will be no sign of the Easter bunny or Easter eggs on shop shelves anywhere. Besides it’s too near to one of Japan’s holiday seasons. And when I say holiday seasons such as New Year and Obon, it’s gonna be gridlock anywhere you go. So what is it – Golden Week. It’s a collection of four bank holidays (sometimes within seven days if you’re lucky enough it falls between a weekend).
When:
29th April – Showa no hi (Showa Day)
This is the birthday of former Emperor Showa, who died in 1989. The current one we're in is Emperor Heisei.
3rd May – Kenpo kinenbi (Constitution Day)
This is kinda like Independence Day in the US. On this day in 1947, the new post war constitution was put into effect by the Americans.
4th May – Midori no hi (Greenery Day)
It’s rather new. And only until 2006, Midori no hi used to be celebrated on 29th April, the birthday of former Emperor Showa. The day is supposed to be dedicated to the environment and nature, because the emperor loved plants and nature. Before being declared Midori no hi, 4th May used to be a bank holiday due to a law, which declares a day, that falls between two bank holidays, a bank holiday. So they kinda need to name one up to settle the confusion.
5th May – Kodomo no hi (Children's Day)
It’s actually a double bank holiday nailed into one. The Tango no Sekku (Boy's Festival) is celebrated on this day too (hence, 5/5, for an easy reference). Families usually pray for the health and future success of their sons by hanging up carp streamers (you won’t miss these, they’ll be everywhere) and displaying samurai dolls, both symbolizing strength, power and success in life. The Girl's Festival, BTW, is celebrated on 3rd March or 3/3.
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