April 29th is Japan's National holiday, Showa no hi. This day leads Japan into Golden Week, a succession of holidays. When Saturdays and Sundays are included, the week becomes the longest holidays . The weather is warm and suitable for excursions at this time, therefore many Japanese make trips during Golden Week and it is one of the busiest travel times.

Showa no hi (Showa Day) April 29:
It used to be Emperor Showa's birthday celebration. After his death in 1989, it was designated as "Midori no hi (Greenery Day)," a day for the appreciation of nature. It was decided to change the name of this day to "Showa no hi" as of 2007.

Kenpo kinenbi (Constitution Day) May 3:
The present Constitution of Japan was put into effect on this day in 1947.

Midori no hi (Greenery Day) May 4:
"Midori no hi" used to be celebrated on April 29, until 2006. Before being declared "Midori no hi," May 4 was a national holiday as it falls between two other holidays.

Kodomo no hi (Children's Day) May 5:
A day to wish for the health and happiness of children.

* Some companies give employees a day off on May 1, which is May Day.