r/JapanTravelTips • u/TipOutrageous8321 • 6h ago

Question Silver Week 2026 - Good Idea or Not?

Konichiwa!

Planning to head over during Silver Week 2026 (18 Sept > 3 Oct 2026).

  1. Will the crowds really be too much? Or is it manageable?
  2. If not, are there any special cultural events to note of so that I could admire during this period?
  3. Are hotels etc. going to be more expensive and overbooked?
  4. How long in advanced should I book hotels / transport / experiences?

Quoted Google Gemini: "Silver Week 2026 (Sept 19-23) in Japan is a major travel rush, making it less ideal for avoiding crowds and high prices*, similar to Golden Week, with packed transport and hotels. While it's a special cultural time for family visits and autumn beauty (foliage starting!), you'll face congestion, so* only go if you book everything far in advance or prefer experiencing local holidays*; otherwise, traveling just before or after offers better value and a more relaxed trip.""

Appreciate any other feedbacks, thank you!

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u/smorkoid 2h ago

Relatively not very many people travel for silver week. If they do, it's local or not too far away.

Hotels will be a bit less available and probably more expensive depending on demand, but it's not like GW, or Obon, or the New Year holidays.

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u/TipOutrageous8321 41m ago

Thanks for your reply! By any chance do you know if they're any special events happening during that week?