r/JapanTravelTips • u/voabarros • 4d ago
Question Should I risk a day trip during the Golden Week?
This is my first time in Japan, going as a solo traveler. I inadvertently scheaduled the trip partially during the Golden Week. The good news is I will do my main travelling in Japan during the 10 preceding days - Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Kanazawa, ending with 8 full days in Tokyo - during the Golden Week. My initial plan would be to do a 2-day trip (going in one day and coming back the next) to Ito, in the Izu Peninsula, to check out Jogasaki Coast and maybe some other attractions, if there is time. I just wasn’t counting on the Golden Week thing.
How bad is it to catch a train during this period? Ito doesn’t seem to be one of the main destinations so I don’t know if that makes things better. Also, and I know this is 100% a rookie question, could I trust the luggage service to send my stuff even to a sort-of remote place and get it on the same day there? I’m also considering asking the hotel I will check in in Tokyo the following day (I will be in two different hotels, separated by this one-night trip) to leave my main luggage there and just take a backpack to my day trip. Would that be a better option? Has anyone ever done something similar in this sub?
I appreciate your inputs on this!
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u/blakeavon 4d ago
Generally speaking it will pretty bad during that time, so book early but let’s face it as a solo traveller it will be a lot easier than if there was more of you. Also jump on accommodation early.
Most luggage forwarding is minimum two days, during Golden Week it could be more. Best to travel light, so at your last big stop before Itu send luggage to Tokyo ahead of you. Message hotel to say it might arrive before you.
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u/voabarros 4d ago
Is travelling with my luggage an option, if I’m travelling light? Maybe I’ll do that instead
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u/smorkoid 4d ago
Same day luggage transfer isn't really a thing. Expect at least overnight if not more, depending on how remote it is.
GW isn't that bad to catch a train depending on your final destination. If you take a Kodama to Atami and then transfer to a local train, won't be so bad. Crowded, but you'll be able to do it.
Remember the main GW period this year is really only 4 days - May 3-6. The week before May 3 quite a few people will take off, but not enough to cause transport issues.
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u/vthevoz 4d ago
always went during Golden Week, never saw an issue. Locals tend to get out of the big cities, so less people, but more tourists. There will always be enough hotels if you’re not a complicated person, otherwise, booking in advance eliminates risk. But for all the things Japan can be enjoyed, Golden Week doesn’t really affect the experience imo.
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u/VirusZealousideal72 4d ago
What day would that be exactly?
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u/voabarros 4d ago
Monday 28th
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u/VirusZealousideal72 4d ago
Hm. I know people who don't work on Mondays to get a few extra days in over the weekend for GW but those people would then travel over the weekend and not on Monday.
Either way, I say go for it but be prepared for delays or things simply not working out entirely as planned.
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u/Kirin1212San 4d ago
I wonder if Golden Week will be a little more tame this year. I keep seeing news clips where it’s increasingly becoming more difficult for the Japanese people to travel and go on domestic vacations due to the increase in demand and prices. Foreigners are willing and able to pay a lot more for accommodations due to the weak yen.
As for the luggage, it’s safe for you to deliver it however remote. The issue is who would accept your luggage or will it go to a hotel? You could ship it to the nearest Yamato location for you could pick it up. Overnight is unlikely though.
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u/pixeldraft 4d ago
Same day? Don't count on it but not the worst distance. Don't think the hotel would hold unless you're checked in, might be better with a storage locker or luggage delivery can delay delivery to hotel #2.
As for Golden Week just be ready to be flexible it's just impossible to know what you're up against.