Substitute Holiday

📣 Traveler notes

Japan, an East Asian island nation, blends ancient East Asian traditions with modern life. Culture values tranquility and natural beauty. Key commemorative events include New Year (Oshōgatsu), spring cherry blossom viewing (Hanami) in March/April, and seasonal festivals (Matsuri). A major holiday period is Golden Week (April 29 - May 5).

• Oshōgatsu (New Year) is the most significant holiday, often leading to country-wide closures (Dec 30 - Jan 3).
• Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) occurs in spring (Mar/Apr) and can draw large crowds.
• Golden Week (Apr 29 - May 5) is a consecutive holiday period, resulting in high congestion and increased costs.
• Summers feature numerous local festivals (Matsuri) and fireworks (Hanabi), with specific celebrations like Tanabata.
• Eat most food with chopsticks, but avoid placing them upright in rice, passing food, pointing, or skewering. Do not lick chopsticks; return disposable ones to the wrapper. Use provided hand towels. Use a spoon for main-dish soups; other broths may be drunk directly from the bowl. In restaurants, signal staff for assistance, and pay at the counter, not on the table. Tipping is not expected.