Showa Day
昭和の日
The opening national holiday of Golden Week, dedicated to reflecting on the Showa era.
- This year
- Apr 29 (Wed)
- April 29
History
April 29 was Emperor Hirohito’s birthday and a national holiday during his reign. After his death it became Greenery Day; in 2007 the name Showa Day was restored for April 29, and Greenery Day moved to May 4. The holiday encourages thinking about the Showa period’s upheavals and recovery.
How it is observed
Public ceremonies are limited; most people treat it as the start of Golden Week travel. Parks and outdoor spots fill as weather warms.
Travel tips
Golden Week crowds and prices begin here. Book Shinkansen reserved seats and hotels weeks ahead. See our Golden Week hotel guide for strategies to dodge peak congestion.
Related shrines & temples
Places often visited around this day — open a shrine page or search the directory.