Traveling early May. Will the holidays be an issue?

[Bob Jones]

First time poster in the house! I've been lurking in the shadows reading quite a bit & I guess it's time to actually ask questions...

My wife & I will be traveling to Japan early May. Getting to Tokyo May 3rd for 2 weeks. I'll be asking many questions about itinerary later on but for now, I would like to know if we will have issues, seeing how it's a national holiday on Saturday the 3rd (Constitution Day) & Monday the 5th (Children's Day) making it a long weekend.

I've read two conflicting stories:
1- It will be packed in Tokyo & accommodations will cost double.
2- It will be empty in Tokyo as most people will go outside of the city to visit Family etc...

So what should I expect when our flight lands on the 5th?

 

[ArmandV]

First time poster in the house! I've been lurking in the shadows reading quite a bit & I guess it's time to actually ask questions...
My wife & I will be traveling to Japan early May. Getting to Tokyo May 3rd for 2 weeks. I'll be asking many questions about itinerary later on but for now, I would like to know if we will have issues, seeing how it's a national holiday on Saturday the 3rd (Constitution Day) & Monday the 5th (Children's Day) making it a long weekend.
I've read two conflicting stories:
1- It will be packed in Tokyo & accommodations will cost double.
2- It will be empty in Tokyo as most people will go outside of the city to visit Family etc...
So what should I expect when our flight lands on the 5th?

1. 2. I don't know about double, but they do jack up the prices for accomodations. You'd be better off making your reservations now so you know what to expect for cost. Many Tokyo residents will leave the city to be with relatives outside of Tokyo. Tokyo is pretty spread out so I doubt crowding will be much of an issue.

You can make room reservations online, so you can possibly get discounts and lock in your prices. Welcome aboard!

 

[Nisei88]

Isn't May 5th the start of Golden Week? Or is that the week after?

 

[mr.sumo.snr]

I would do Tokyo upon arrival - it should be relatively peaceful that weekend extending to Tuesday 6th May. Then I'd hit Kyoto the following weekend - or better still the week after (from Monday 12th). Whatever, but it WILL be busy in Kyoto 3rd through 6th.

BTW - here's a nice little thread from fj.life.in-japan a few years ago which revolved, to some extent, around my request for something to do with my parents when in Tokyo. The one-day tour advice from "CL" was followed and we had an excellent day out.
Checking In

I must say I do miss "fjlij" when compared to JREF. But needs must as the devil drives a red-hot poker up your alternative passage.

--

 

[Bob Jones]

Thanks for the help

We booked tokyo upon arrival & the prices seem to be the same as advertised!
Mr. Sumo I will check out the link much appreciated!