Some Golden Week trends for 2026

Golden Week is almost here again, but if you're picturing packed bullet trains and airport queues, then 2026 might feel a little different (yay!). A recent survey by PE-BANK has suggested that this year's vibe is far more low-key, which I personally think is a nice change!

The biggest takeaway from their study is that people are keeping things close to home. Around half of respondents said they're not setting aside any special budget for the holiday, and more than 50% are planning to simply relax indoors. Even when people do head out, it's mostly going to be for short, local trips rather than big domestic getaways or overseas travel, which barely registered.

Part of that comes down to rising costs, with about a third of people saying that inflation has made them more cautious with spending.

Time off is another mixed bag. While 5 to 7 consecutive days is the most common break, there's a noticeable split. Some workers are stretching holidays with paid leave, while others aren't taking extra time at all. Even for those officially "off," work doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Roughly 60% said they'll still be checking emails or handling messages, with only a small minority fully disconnecting.

How's your Golden Week shaping up this year? Are you traveling, staying local, or working through the break?