May comes to an end in Japan, something curious begins to happen: more people start wanting to take time off from work or school.

Why?

Because the excitement of Golden Week — Japan’s biggest spring holiday season — has just ended.

After days of travel, family gatherings, festivals, and relaxation, many people struggle to fully return to everyday routines. In fact, Japan even has a phrase for this feeling: “May Sickness,” or Gogatsu-byo (五月病) — a kind of post-holiday slump that appears after the new school and business year begins in April and the long Golden Week break suddenly comes to an end.

For international visitors, this small cultural phenomenon reveals just how important Golden Week is in Japanese life.

What exactly is Golden Week?

Golden Week, often called “GW” by locals, usually falls between late April and early May. Theme parks, sightseeing spots, shopping districts, and countryside destinations become packed with families eager to enjoy precious time together.

May 5th: Children’s Day

Among all the holidays during Golden Week, May 5th holds a special place. Known as Children’s Day, it is dedicated to celebrating children’s happiness, growth, and future.

Families often spend the day going out together — visiting amusement parks, aquariums, zoos, festivals, or simply enjoying a relaxing meal. The holiday carries a warm feeling of appreciation for childhood and family bonds.

One of the most iconic sights during this season is the koinobori — colorful carp-shaped streamers that flutter dramatically in the spring wind.

The Tradition of Koinobori and Samurai Helmets

In the past, when a boy was born into a Japanese family, it was common to display a large koinobori outside the home. The carp symbolizes strength and perseverance, inspired by an old legend of a carp swimming upstream against powerful currents.

Families also displayed decorative kabuto — samurai helmets representing courage, protection, and hope for a child’s healthy future.

Years ago, these decorations could be enormous:

・Giant carp streamers flowing above rooftops
・Elaborate samurai displays filling entire rooms
・Family heirlooms passed down through generations

Today, however, Japan is changing.

A More Minimalist Japan

Modern Japanese homes are often smaller, and lifestyles have become more minimalist. Many younger families prefer simple living and avoid owning too many large seasonal items.

As a result, today’s Children’s Day decorations are often:

• Compact
• Easy to display
• Easy to store
• Made from natural materials like wood

Small wooden ornaments with gentle craftsmanship have become especially popular. They fit modern apartments while still preserving the spirit of the tradition.

This shift also reflects broader social changes in Japan:

• The rise of minimalist lifestyles
• Smaller homes in urban areas
• More nuclear families instead of multi-generational households
• A preference for practical, beautifully designed objects

Even so, the meaning behind the celebration remains unchanged.

Tradition Continues — Just in a New Shape

Golden Week is more than just a holiday rush. It is a reflection of how Japan balances tradition and modern life.

The giant carp streamers may be fewer than before, but the wishes behind them are still alive:
parents hoping their children grow strong, healthy, and happy.

And perhaps that is what makes Golden Week so special for visitors — beneath the crowds and busy highways, there is a deeply human story about family, memory, and the changing shape of tradition in modern Japan.

Holiday Season	Timing	What to Expect
New Year Holidays	Late Dec – Early Jan 12/30-1/5	Shrine visits, family gatherings, packed transportation
Obon	Mid-August 8-16	Summer festivals, hometown travel, major congestion
Silver Week	September 19-26	Pleasant weather, busy tourist spots, autumn travel crowds