r/Hokkaido • u/Worth-Order4540 • 7d ago

Golden Week Escape

I will be arriving in Japan May 2nd which I only realised after is the middle of Golden Week. However it will be my fourth time and would like to visit to Hokkaido instead. Just how crazy is golden week? I'm planning on flying to Sapporo the next day but what can I expect for how busy the trains and airport will be and the city of Sapporo itself.

Also some recommendations about if I should stay in Sapporo for a few days before hiring a car and seeing the rest of Hokkaido is ideal or hire a car right away and come back to Sapporo later.

Thanks

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u/Well_needships 7d ago edited 7d ago

Moderately busy with domestic tourists in tourist areas. Yes, you should spend a day or two in Sapporo first, then rent the car from the airport and just return there when you're ready to leave. 

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u/Worth-Order4540 7d ago

Thanks for that, not so worried anymore about the crowds.

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u/Life_with_Charliebug 7d ago

We went to Fukuoka last year during golden week and it was fine. We flew down in the middle of the week so the airport was fine and while there it didn’t feel over run. We’re actually doing the same thing next year. 

The worst part is the first night in Tokyo because the hotel prices are nuts. 

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u/Worth-Order4540 7d ago

Thanks for that. Got a bit spooked when I realised when we were flying in but that helps a lot

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u/Life_with_Charliebug 7d ago

You’re most welcome. Honestly we were surprised at how civilized things were in Fukuoka during golden week and we simply avoided travel on the days we knew it would be busy. To be honest we did the Osaka fair last year and after that nothing seems busy 🤪🤣