Sunday, April 29, 2018

Golden Week in Japan

In Japan, there are three big holiday (travel) times - New Year's, Golden Week, and Obon.  Everyone has the same holidays so it is very crowded and expensive all over the country.  


Golden Week is made up of four national holidays in a seven day period.  Adding in the weekend days, this makes for a nine day holiday period.


Today (April 29th) is Showa Day, the birthday of the former Emperor Showa, who died in 1989.  Because this falls on a Sunday this year, it is observed on Monday.  


Constitution Day is May 3rd.  The postwar constitution went into effect on this day in 1947.  



Greenery Day is May 4th and is dedicated to the environment and nature. 



Children's Day (Boy's Day) is celebrated on May 5th.  Families hang up carp streamers and display samurai dolls to pray for the future success of their sons.  Girl's Day is celebrated on March 3rd.



I am taking a little trip this week and I'll post all about it when I return!  Have a great week.


8 comments:

Queeniepatch said...

You have found such nice photos to illustrate the Golden Week.
Have a nice holiday, be prepared for crowds!

Janie said...

Sounds fun, colorful and refreshing.
Enjoy yourself Pamela.

Brigitte said...

Have a great week, you too.

froebelsternchen said...

Enjoy your holidays! I found your very intersting blog via Mia recently and I am your newest follower! I am interested in Japan ever since I started an Ikebana workshop 20 years ago.
Maybe you want to visit me as well at
FROEBELSTERNCHEN

Kind regards from Austria
Hugs, Susi

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Be safe and have fun!!
xx, Carol

kiwikid said...

Lovely to have all the holidays together..love the carp streamers...have a wonderful trip.

diamondc said...

Pamela: Have a great week.

Blessings
Catherine

Leonore Winterer said...

I really like the 'style' of Japanese holidays being for everyone and not so much centered around one religious group, as they tend to be in Europe. We still get a lot of holidays in May, though! Hope you had fun on your vacation.