A New Emperor

Traditionally, Golden Week sees widespread emptying of major cities as many urban residents return to their ancestral hometowns to visit relatives and participate in local festivities, while others use the holiday for domestic or international travel.

On April 30, Emperor Akihito will formally abdicate his position, and on the following day, the new emperor will be bestowed with the imperial regalia and privy seals in a private ceremony, followed by an address to the prime minister and parliamentary representatives. These are among the many such formal imperial transition events to be held over the coming months.

For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the new emperor in person, the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace will open to well-wishers for a public greeting on May 4 . (This is a late change to the palace’s original plans of not holding formal public events until October.) Traditionally, the inner grounds only open to the public on Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, when the Imperial Family greets visitors.

Anticipating large crowds on May 4, the Imperial Household Agency recommends visitors arrive to the Nijubashi Main Gate in the early morning to allow sufficient time to pass through security screening. The Main Gate of the palace is easily accessible on foot from Nijubashi-mae and Otemachi metro stations, as well as the recently renovated Tokyo Station. Checking the official I.H.A. site for details of the Emperor’s appearances, including timing, is recommended.

Elsewhere, the remainder of Golden Week will be in full swing with traditional events and activities.

Showa Day and Constitution Memorial Day (April 29 and May 3)

The comparatively subdued holidays of Showa Day and Constitution Memorial Day — designed to encourage reflection on Emperor Hirohito and Japan’s postwar constitutional order, respectively — are nonetheless draws for history buffs. Many use these days as an opportunity to visit museums, such as the National Showa Memorial Museum, which provides visitors a slice-of-life view in pre- and postwar Japan.