A peek at plans and budgets for Golden Week 2025

Golden Week is just around the corner, and for many, this string of days off is a chance to travel, reconnect with family, or simply recharge at home. A recent Q&A topic from ToneToEdo asked about how fellow expats in Japan will be spending their precious days off, so be sure to join the conversation and add a comment with your intended plans!

On that topic, a recent survey conducted by dating app Happy Mail (IBEC Inc.) asked 200 adults how they plan to spend the holidays, and the results reflected a wide range of lifestyles, priorities, and budgets.

40% plan to head out, 60% staying in

Despite Golden Week’s reputation as a major travel season, only about 40% of respondents said they planned to go out. The remaining 60% preferred to stay home, with many citing crowd avoidance, work obligations, high costs, or family responsibilities as reasons for staying put.

Top Golden Week Activities

Among those who do plan to get out and about, five categories stood out:

• Theme parks & amusement parks – Tokyo DisneySea and USJ remain classic draws, especially for those traveling from rural areas.

• Homecoming trips – Visiting parents or grandparents was also a popular choice, especially for those who live far away.

• Hot springs getaways – Spots like Kusatsu, Ikaho, and Atami are favorites for travelers seeking relaxation.

• Domestic travel – Cities like Osaka and Karuizawa ranked high, with many opting for food-centric or short-distance trips.

• Hobbies & events – Baseball games, concerts, fishing, and movies offer a more personal way to enjoy the break.

Budgeting for fun

The most common Golden Week budget fell between ¥30,000 and ¥50,000, with many planning more modest outings in the ¥10,000–30,000 range. Only a small group expected to splurge beyond that, indicating that even during a major holiday, people are conscious of costs--especially given the surge in pricing that often accompanies the season.

Reasons for staying home

Among those not going out, the reasons varied quite significantly. Crowds were the biggest turnoff, with some respondents stating that it’s hard to enjoy destinations when they’re too packed. Work commitments also played a major role, with many unable to take time off.

High prices deterred some from traveling, with many opting to vacation outside the peak holiday season, and family needs and caregiving responsibilities also factored in. And for others, the appeal of staying home, to rest, catch up on hobbies, or simply enjoy some downtime, was reason enough!