Mar 28, 2018
Osaka on Golden Week
Is it advisable to go on a vacation in Osaka and Kyoto on the Golden Week? If yes, any tips? On where to eat, sleep and where to go around the area. Thanks!
Best Answer
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on Mar 29
I’d largely echo the sentiments of the previous answers. However, if golden week is really the only chance you have then you might as well do it. Get onto booking tickets / accommodation asap. It’ll be easier to find accommodation for Osaka. There are a bunch of cheap hotels southeast of the Umeda/Osaka stations although the area is a bit seedy but should be OK if you are traveling with someone. In Kyoto I’ve enjoyed my stay a K’s hostel - clean, comfortable and laidback. In Kyoto perhaps avoid Shijo Dori area and head to some of the sights a bit further out. No matter how busy it gets I still think Nanzenji and around is a great place.
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on Mar 29
Personally I don't like traveling at all during Golden Week if I can avoid it! Made that mistake one year and I vowed never again. Everything is just so much more crowded, accommodation goes through the roof price wise, and the sheer volume of people makes a lot of attractions less enjoyable. If it's absolutely the only time you can go, then I understand (and would say start booking accommodation ASAP) but my husband and I did a lot of travel in previous years in the week before and the week after Golden Week - and it was SO much nicer!
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on Mar 29
If wouldn’t advise to anywhere on Golden Week except for very rural areas. It’s so crowded in all major areas. If you go be prepared for a lot of lining up. Trains and roads are very full, too. I once made the mistake to go by bus to Mt. Fuji during Golden Week. It was delayed by 3 hours. If you can, take the Shinkansen and make sure to get a seat reservation. Tickets can be bought a month before the desired date.
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on Mar 29
I agree, it's quite crowded anywhere popular with Japanese tourists during Golden Week. If that doesn't bother you and the cost isn't an issue, there are affordable (at least not during the holidays) hostels, guesthouses, and business hotels in both Kyoto and Osaka. A smaller city that isn't as popular could be a better choice for that week - maybe Nara, Kobe, or Hikone in that area? I guess it depends on where you're coming from and how you plan to travel. I'd personally go for the staycation during any of the main traveling seasons in Japan. It's a great week to stay at home and get to know your own area better. There are probably day trips or exploring in your own city you've been wanting to do and the weather should be great.
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on Apr 18
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on May 1
If you have the option to go to those places on any other weekends, do that instead and aim for somewhere more rural for your GW. The crowds will be crazy, restaurants will be full, and it's just overall more chaotic. On the other hand, this temp right now is perfect to enjoy the outdoors, in my opinions, so if there's been some inaka spots you want to visit, GW would be perfect for it.
6 Answers