Greenery Day and Golden Week

Today, April 29th, is Japan's Greenery Day (Midori-no-hi), a holiday that marks the start of the most-awaited Golden Week. April 29th used to be the birthday of Emperor Shouwa, and following his death in 1989, this day has become a day of nature appreciation since the late emperor had a strong fascination for nature and plants. In patronage to this holiday and for self-enjoyment, we went strolling at the splendid 14-ha Ueno Zoo in downtown Tokyo. The weather wasn't cooperative, though, so we arrived home earlier than expected. Nevertheless, we enjoyed what we had seen there so far. Check out my other blog for some stories.

So, the Golden Week has finally arrived. Why golden? According to Web Japan, it was "first used by movie companies to get people to take advantage of the "golden" opportunity to go see a film. The term gradually began being used by other people to refer to this string of holidays."

Yup, string of holidays. What are these holidays, by the way? Here's a detailed description from Japan-Guide.Com:

April 29
Greenery Day (Midori no hi):
April 29 used to be the birthday of Emperor Showa, who died in the year 1989. After his death, the day was changed into a national holiday for environment and nature, since the emperor loved plants and nature. From 2007, this national holiday will be renamed Showa Day, while Greenery Day will be moved to May 4.

May 3
Constitution Day (Kenpo kinenbi):
On this day in 1947, the new post war constitution was put into effect.

May 4
"Between Day" (Kokumin no kyujitsu):
According to Japanese law, a day which falls between two national holidays is also declared a national holiday, unless the "between day" is a Sunday, in which case it will be just a regular Sunday. From 2007, Greenery Day, currently celebrated on April 29, will be moved to May 4.

May 5
Children's Day (Kodomo no hi):
The Boy's Festival (Tango no Sekku) is celebrated on this day. Families pray for the health and future success of their sons by hanging up carp streamers and displaying samurai dolls, both symbolizing strength, power and success in life. The Girl's Festival, by the way, is celebrated on March 3.

Golden Week is thus one of the busiest holiday in Japan. Especially so in this year, it will be a 10-day g-r-a-n-d vacation to many. Most people travel on this season, either around Japan or overseas (check out Japan-Guide.com's 2000 survey). As for us, we have no grand plans but we want to see some nice places around.

More about Golden Week at: Web Japan and Go Japan

Have a wonderful week everyone! ;)