Golden Week....

[JoDuncan]

One for those in Japan or with experience of 'Golden Week'.

I was hoping to go over April - May - June ish for my next visit but my Japanese boss said that around April - May is "difficult" (I read a Japanese "no" there).

Having done a little research it turns out that there's this thing "Golden Week" and from internet sources it seems that it would be impossible to move let alone enjoy yourself during this period. I mean, how can everywhere be busy? And, how does it affect people who are just at home?

Basically, should the end of April - May be avoided at all costs or should I ignore the hype?

I guess if I was going somewhere like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka I could maybe understand... but I'm going to Okayama...

I'd appreciate any further intel yous guys might have.

Cheers.

[R Stroud]

I was hoping to go over April - May - June ish for my next visit but my Japanese boss said that around April - May is "difficult" (I read a Japanese "no" there).

"very difficult" and the associated air sucking sound, should be taken as a fairly strong "No" by non-culturally savvy folks like myself. My vote is that you have read it correctly.

From my experience visiting someone during Golden Week is similar to having one of your friends show up from overseas during the Christmas/New Years break.

Let us know what you come up with. It shouldn't be a dull trip if you manage to put it together.

[MikeW]

If you go at Golden week make sure you go see the annual new Detective Conan movie ;)

[NigelSponge]

i was there for golden week last year. I was kinda disappointed to see it was just a 4day weekend (at my school at least) and i spent the whole 'vacation' at a sleep away ensei in Niigata >_< It was fun, i had a great time, but nevertheless some raw free time would have been nice. But everyone was definitely hyped about it. In english class a lot of the worksheet questions had to do with what you planned on doing during Golden Week lol.
I'm sure you'd have a fun time if you went :)

[JoDuncan]

I should maybe add that I'm not going there for a holiday but for something like 1 month+ to do some science in a kind of knowledge exchange. I love my skives like so I was thinking that a holiday during my trip might be a nice erm... "cultural" addition.

And, Detective Conan?!?!?! I'm seeing Arnie in a deerstalker....

Cheers for the responses thus far!

[hl1978]

I have been in tokyo during golden week. The trains were a little less crowded, some small shops/restaurants were closed, but most things stayed open. Tokyo is probably different as people are leaving Tokyo rather than visiting it.

I know airfaire goes up signifigantly, I considered rebooking tickets to leave during it, but it was cost prohibitive.

[Ookami7]

Golden week, more or less you are going to get hit with major travel fees. Depends where your at ie is it a small place in sticks/ tourist trap. Things may or may not be open. Trains will probably be crowded especially on the days before/ right at the end. Otherwise not too much to worry about. Otherwise is just a long holiday and most people take the opportunity to travel.

[JoDuncan]

So if I am there and settled by the time Golden week starts, I shouldn't have too much to worry about?

It only becomes a concern if one travels during the time...

That's the message I'm taking home, doesn't sound like too much of a drama.

[Pizzamancer]

Yes, if you are here and set up, no problems. Just don't hop on a highway, bus, train, or plane. The trains are regularly booked at 250% capacity (and they squeeze them in), and the stations are serious zoos.

Where were you planning to visit?

[JoDuncan]

Okayama, to work for a bit at the university there.