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When traveling in Japan, be aware of the Peak Travel Seasons

Busy periods of the year to avoid - For international tourists traveling in Japan

The average Japanese worker does not have extensive holidays like most western countries, and major holiday periods are enjoyed together as one country.

There are scheduled national holiday periods that basically allow the whole country to take a holiday simultaneously. So be forewarned, there is usually a mass exodus of travellers from the city to the country and then in the opposite direction. All trains, ferries, airline flights and accommodations, etc. will be close to capacity and reservations completely booked in these holiday periods. 

Try to avoid traveling during the periods listed below: 

New Year's Holidays

December 27 to January 4 and adjoining weekends. 

Golden Week Holiday Season

Around April 29 to May 5 and adjoining weekends.

OBon Festival

One week season around August 13 and 15.

Silver Week

Around September 23 for 4 or 5-days (A period of consecutive national holidays)

Also be aware of School Holidays: Winter Break

From the end of March through the beginning of April and from the end of July through August.

Rainy Season

Approximately lasts for about 1 month, usually from mid June to mid July. The Typhoon season is in summer.

Three-day Consecutive Holidays

Some of Japan's National Holidays are of floating holidays and varied each year to make 3-day consecutive holidays as it encourages tourism in Japan.

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