Today marks the start of Golden Week in Japan, a week where several public holidays align. This was a week that The Japan Concierge so looked forward to back when she lived in Japan. If you’re visiting over this time, it’s an incredible week of celebrations and festivities. It’s worth knowing that it’s also one of the busiest weeks in the Japanese calendar with many people visiting family or choosing to travel domestically and abroad.

In a country where the gift of leisure remains somewhat elusive with a mere average of 10 annual holidays (in contrast to Australia's 20), the opportunity to take four (or, if the stars align, five) extra days of respite propels airports, trains, and sights into a vibrant frenzy. But it also means that there is a myriad of festive events to participate in, just be aware that accommodation and travel prices will likely be higher than normal.

Even Japanese residents can get caught short as local bank and post office ATMs shut over the period (yes, you read that right, not just branches but ATMs as well, which can be tedious given the prevalence of cash in Japan. Thankfully, foreign visitors can always rely on 7-Eleven ATMs to withdraw cash.

So, what occasions do these holidays mark?

• 29th April is Showa Day celebrating the birthday of Emperor Showa (Japan’s prior Emperor)

• 3rd May is Constitution Day recognising the day the new Japanese Constitution came into effect igniting a new era of governance

• 4th May is Greenery Day, a day dedicated to nature and the environment fostering a collective sense of environmental stewardship.

• 5th May is Children’s Day, honouring and respecting children

If you find yourself in Japan at this special time, prepare to be enraptured by a tapestry of events and embrace the art of anticipation. No doubt it will be busier and more crowded but your patience will be rewarded with the Golden Week festivities unveiling moments of connection that show the true essence of this captivating nation.