Japan packs its bags for 10-day imperial succession holiday

The extended ‘golden week’ holiday period begins on Saturday, offering citizens the chance to enjoy a prolonged vacation

Many hotels in tourist hotspots are already fully booked, with travel agencies also selling out of special packages to mark the occasion

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Japan's Emperor Akihito (left) waves to well-wishers alongside his wife Empress Michiko. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:00am, 25 Apr 2019Updated: 11:00pm, 25 Apr 2019

With only days left before the abdication of Emperor Akihito and the enthronement of Crown Prince Naruhito, Japan is preparing itself for the dawning of a new imperial era by taking a prolonged vacation.

Unlike other parts of the world, which mark coronations, weddings and significant royal anniversaries with street parties, celebratory parades and public revelry, such events in Japan are typically far more solemn and serious affairs.

A royal wedding viewing party in Brighton for Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Photo: Bloomberg

Which might explain why so many people are taking advantage of the extraordinary 10-day “golden week” holiday period, beginning on Saturday in honour of the imperial succession, to take a well-earned break. In fact, the holiday is so long, that some have even started referring to it as “platinum week”.

“Every travel package that we offered over the golden week holidays this year is completely sold out,” said Kaori Mori, a spokeswoman for domestic travel giant JTB Corp.

“People so rarely get a 10-day break that they are really taking advantage of the longer holidays and, even though it’s expensive, they are choosing extended vacations both at home and abroad.”

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