In 2026, public holidays fall on April 29 and May 4 to May 6. Since May 2 to May 3 is a weekend, many people will already have a five-day break. By taking a few extra days off before and after, it’s possible to stretch this into a 12-day holiday from April 29 to May 10.

With such a long break, where are people in Japan planning to travel?

According to Rakuten Travel’s domestic ranking, Tokyo once again takes the top spot, followed by Hokkaido in second and Osaka in third. During Golden Week, these major destinations aren’t just packed with international visitors—they also draw large numbers of domestic travelers from across Japan.

Rakuten Travel also reports that overall domestic bookings have increased by about 1.1 times compared to last year. The biggest growth has been seen in trips involving women, including women-only groups (over 1.3 times), solo female travelers, and mixed-gender groups (over 1.2 times).

Hokkaido and Okinawa have both seen growth of over 1.2 times. In Hokkaido, this is largely driven by group travel among women, while Okinawa continues to attract families and couples, supported in part by a wave of new hotel openings.

Outside the top five, several rising destinations are also worth noting. Niigata ranks first in growth, boosted by major concerts and events. Nagasaki follows, fueled by media exposure and new theme park attractions. Toyama comes in third, drawing attention with the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and the upcoming closure of the historic Tateyama Hotel.

Other trending spots include Shimane, popular for drama-related travel, and Oita, where social media buzz and Beppu’s hot springs continue to attract visitors during Golden Week.

According to Hankyu Travel’s overseas rankings, the top three destinations for travelers from Japan are Europe in first place, followed by Taiwan and South Korea. Nearby Asian destinations like Taiwan and South Korea remain especially popular thanks to their affordability and easy access. Within Europe, Italy and Spain rank among the most sought-after countries.

As for rising destinations, Singapore leads the way, driven by the growing popularity of “fly & cruise” travel styles. Central and South America rank second, with 8 to 10-day itineraries gaining traction, while India comes in third.

Peak departure dates are expected around April 29, May 2, and May 3. Because of this, expect airports to be more crowded around this period. Overall, travel trends show a clear split. Some travelers are taking advantage of the long holiday to splurge on long-haul, higher-end trips, while others are opting for shorter, more affordable getaways to nearby Asian destinations, especially in the latter half of the break.

Major cities like Tokyo & Osaka: Pre-book popular attractions
At busy spots such as teamLab Planets Tokyo or Shibuya Sky, tickets often sell out in advance during peak seasons like Golden Week. Booking ahead lets you skip long lines and guarantees entry at your preferred time.

Long-distance travel: Reserve transport early
For intercity travel, booking Shinkansen seats or airport transfers in advance can save a lot of time, especially during peak travel periods. Even though Japan’s transport system is efficient, queues at ticket counters can get long during holidays.

Theme parks & major attractions: Use paid passes to skip lines
At places like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan, express passes and timed-entry tickets are worth considering. They reduce wait times significantly and help you cover more in a single day.

Overall, planning ahead and spending a little extra where it counts can make your Golden Week trip to Japan far more comfortable and efficient.

Now that you know where people in Japan are heading for Golden Week, it’s easy to see just how crowded things can get during this period.

This is where the idea of “spending money to save time” really comes in handy. By booking key parts of your trip in advance, you can avoid long lines, packed transport, and last-minute stress. Below are some of the most in-demand experiences in Tokyo, Hokkaido, and Osaka—three of the most popular Golden Week destinations. If you’re planning to visit any of these areas, reserving early can make your trip far more comfortable.