Every year, there’s a period of seven days between late April and early May called Golden Week when four days are public holidays in Japan. To make the most of the occasion, many people take off a couple of extra days and use the opportunity to take a trip. One of the best places to visit at this time of year is Kansai for the numerous options for outdoor activities in the perfect spring weather.
Universal Studios Japan
A favorite destination for Golden Week has to be Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. There are various events throughout the year at the amusement park, but Golden Week is a particularly fun time because it coincides with Easter celebrations. In 2025, the main event is called Go! Go! Easter March, which is all about kawaii (cuteness) and includes minions in Easter costumes. There is also seasonal food on sale, like Easter bunny cake and Minion egg cookie sandwiches.
Other Spots in Osaka
If you decide to stay in Osaka for a day or so more, there are plenty more things to do.
A highlight is the Umeda Sky Building, which offers panoramic views of the city. If possible, it’s worth heading up at sunset and staying until the city becomes dark to see the skyline illuminated. During the daytime, check out the flowers. The cherry blossoms may have finished by Golden Week — but now there are roses to enjoy. One of the best places to see them is in Nakanoshima Rose Garden. Located on an island in the middle of the river, it’s a great spot to take a break from sightseeing.
Kyoto
If you haven’t already visited Kyoto, use Golden Week as your opportunity to do so. With a day or two, you’ll have enough time to see highlights like Kinkaku-ji temple with its Zen garden, Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine with its thousands of orange torii gates, Arashiyama with the bamboo grove, and Monkey Park Iwatayama for the snow monkeys.
Castles in Kansai
There are several castles to visit in Kansai, all of which are either several hundred years old or replicas of castles dating back that far. Osaka Castle is one of the most famous in all of Japan, but there’s also Hikone Castle and the beautiful Himeji Castle (both of these are among just five that are designated as National Treasures), Wakayama Castle (which has a traditional tea house), and Nijo Castle in Kyoto.
Arima Onsen
Just behind Mount Rokko is Arima Onsen in Kobe. This is a unique location to enjoy a hot spring that has been a retreat for more than 1,000 years. There are various types of baths, ranging from basic to luxurious and with both naturally carbonated water and radon (which is said to have natural healing powers due to its radioactivity).
Take advantage of the chance to see plenty of Kansai by requesting extra time off during Golden Week. Not only is this a great opportunity to have an extended trip without losing all your vacation days, it’s the ideal time of year to travel to Kansai, due to the perfect weather and plenty of options to keep you entertained.
Jørgen Jørgensen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
