Celebrating Boys Day Koinobori - Carp Streamer By Keigetsu (1876-1963)


Golden Week in Japan is a group of national holidays, beginning with April 29th and ending with May 5th.
With well-placed weekend, this is not only the longest holiday period in Japan each year, but a very popular time for many family traditions, as well.
April 29: Midori no Hi
- Green Day, -April 29 was the birthday of Emperor Hirohito, Showa period, who died in 1989. Following his death, the holiday was changed to Midori no Hi, in honor of the environment and nature.
May 3: Kenpo Kinenbi
- Constitution Day - on May 3, 1947, the new post-war constitution became law.
May 4: Kokumin no Kyujitsu
- "Between Day" This recently created national holiday was added in order to make the Golden Week a continuous holiday period.
March 5: Kodomo no Hi
- Children's Day - This holiday was originally called Tango no Sekku or Boys Day or Festival. Families with boys would celebrate by flying koi nobori or carp streamers and gogatsu ningyo or May dolls.
Now all children celebrate this holiday with their parents and enjoy special foods such as rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves and mochi wrapped in oak leaves. Oak and bamboo symbolize longevity and strength. Hinamatsuri or Girls Day is celebrated on March 3 and is not a national holiday, although there are many that feel it should be.

Travel Hint :If you are going to Japan on business, do not go during Golden Week! However, if you are looking for a lovely time of the year and a cultural experience, by all means, a visit during this week is a great idea!