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Golden Week is a week-long holiday period in Japan from April 29 to May 5. It includes Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, Showa Day, and Children’s Day. Many companies give employees the week off, and it is a popular time for tourism and travel. The week was named “Golden Week” due to its positive effect on movie revenue. Popular destinations include Hawaii, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, traditional inns, and beach resorts.
Golden Week is a collection of Japanese holidays that runs from April 29 to May 5 each year. Many companies give employees the entire week off, often devoted to tourism and travel around the world. Along with the Japanese New Year and the Obon Festival, Golden Week is one of the longest holiday periods in Japan.
In 1948, a law was passed declaring nine annual Japanese state holidays. The Emperor’s birthday, Remembrance Day and Boy’s Day were all within a week of each other. Due to consecutive vacation days, all leisure activities significantly increased revenue during this vacation period. Because of its positive effect on movie revenue, a film company director dubbed the week “Golden Week” after a Japanese radio term for hours that attract the most listeners.
Until 1988, April 29 was celebrated as the “Emperor’s Birthday” for the reigning Emperor Showa. After his death, the holiday was renamed “Greenery Day”. On this day, Japanese citizens are supposed to enjoy nature by visiting forests, gardens and mountains. In 2007, April 29 was again renamed “Showa Day” in memory of the emperor, while Greenery Day was moved to May 4.
Constitution Memorial Day, held on May 3, is in honor of the signing of the 1947 Constitution of Japan. In honor of the day, the Legislative Government Buildings are open to the public, the only time in the entire calendar year. Citizens should use this Golden Week day to reflect on democratic ideals, and a 21st-century tradition is large-print editorials on controversial government topics.
Boys’ Day, also known as Children’s Day, is the May 5 celebration of children and gratitude to their mothers. Families hang up colorful carp-shaped kites and banners, one for each child. Boys are given special samurai dolls that represent famous legendary heroes. Kashiwamoshi, a sweet and filled rice cake, is a customary food on this day.
A common practice during Golden Week is to take vacations to popular tourist destinations. Hawaii, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle experience peak Japanese tourism in early May due to Golden Week. Some families choose to stay in Japan, but go to traditional inns, called ryokan, and beach resorts.
Golden Week is a wonderful time to visit Japan. The nation takes on a carnival aspect due to the numerous festivals and offers the tourist the opportunity to experience different customs and rituals. The traveler should book well in advance, however, as travel prices rise in anticipation of the holidays and hotels tend to be busiest during this time.
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