Golden Week: How Japan’s Favorite Holiday Can Inspire Your Self-care Rituals

Golden Week is one of Japan’s most celebrated and anticipated spring long holidays. The official public holidays mark four different and respected days on consecutive days off. It is a rare long vacation, allowing locals to take a break and rest and international travelers to explore the best sightseeing spots and destinations across Japan’s travel spaces.

Japanese Golden Week celebrates the philosophy of mindful pauses and appreciation of living in the present and uses this holiday period as a time to recharge and reconnect with nature and family. Similarly, ILEM JAPAN also brings this ethos to their japanese skincare and wellness rituals that transform your daily routine into moments of peace and tranquility. 

Golden Week’s National Holidays And Their Valuable Lessons

Golden Week in Japanese is referred to as Gōruden Wīku, or even as Ōgata Renkyū, meaning long consecutive holidays. The weeklong celebrations are also a blessing for the employees to get additional time off at work, but also symbolize the importance of four important days in Japanese history, the time to relax and reflect on that period.

1. Shōwa Day (29th April) - Honors Emperor Shōwa’s birthday and encourages reflection on his legacy and Japanese history.

2. Constitution Memorial Day (3rd May) - Monumentalizes the establishment of Japan’s postwar constitution.

3. Greenery Day (4th May) - Celebration of Japan’s connection with nature, and also being grateful for the blessings of nurturing the country with richness.

4. Children’s Day (5th May) - Celebrates the growth, happiness, success, and future of children.

A succession of these public holidays leads millions of visitors to travel within Japan, driving a major seasonal surge in Japanese tourism, offering foreign travelers the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in authentic Japanese culture. 

Best Japan Travel Places To Visit During Golden Week

The warm and mild weather accompanies the liveliness of the country, adorned with festivities, making Golden Week the ideal time to explore the crowded, hidden, and picturesque places:

1. Tokyo - Tokyo adventures are unique with a dynamic mix of historic sites and temples like Senso-ji or modern architecture like the world’s tallest building, Tokyo Skytree.

2. Kyoto - Spring into the festive atmosphere and vibrant cultural experience while enjoying the mountain cherry blossoms and fresh greenery.

3. Okinawa - A tropical paradise with pristine beaches and stunning island culture, or take a deep dive with marine sports activities for a fun leisure time.

4. Matsue - The perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of towns to get fascinated with the traditional samurai culture, castles, and beautiful scenery.

5. Fukuoka - This hidden southwestern island is known for its traditional performances, live music, and unique culinary experiences.

Japan offers a blend of natural beauty with the traditional local culture in its full bloom, and if you are looking for not-so-crowded places to visit, explore cities like Tatebayashi and Osaka. The cities are packed with diverse attractions, local traditions, and a lively atmosphere. 

The themes of renewal, reflection, and reconnection with nature during Golden Week in Japan align with the deep-rooted philosophy of ILEM JAPAN. It beautifully depicts the Japanese philosophy “Ma,” meaning the beauty of pause, peace, and silence. Take this holiday period as a pause to reconnect with nature and family, both spiritually and physically. 

ILEM JAPAN offers plant-based Japanese skincare essentials specially formulated and designed to promote long-term wellness and mindful living. Self-care starts with you, and our skincare products are crafted to support your skin, spirit, and senses, no matter where your journey takes you.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What does Golden Week celebrate?

 Golden Week is a long collection of four national holidays that are consecutively celebrated: Shōwa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day.

2. Is it worth visiting Japan during Golden Week?

Answer: Yes! Golden Week is undoubtedly the best time to experience the real essence, traditions and culture of Japan, making it an unforgettable experience for first-time visitors.

3. Which places are suitable for traveling during Golden Week in Japan?

The famous sight-seeing places include Tokyo for adventurous sports activities, Okinawa for a tropical getaway, Matsue if you want to avoid overwhelming crowds, and Kyoto for picturesque cherry blossoms.

4.  How are Golden Week’s philosophies aligned with skincare and wellness rituals?

Golden Week monumentalizes with the philosophy, ‘Ichigo Ichie’ (embracing mindfulness, gratitude, and cherishing the present moment). It deeply aligns with ILEM JAPAN’s skincare and wellness philosophy of peaceful and mindful living while improving health and longevity.