Golden Week in Japan: How to Plan a Stress-Free Trip During the Busiest Travel Season

A Relaxed Travel Guide with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan

Golden Week, which falls between late April and early May, is one of Japan’s busiest travel seasons. During this time, many locals travel across the country at the same time, making popular cities crowded and accommodation prices noticeably higher.

Traveling by train or staying in major cities during Golden Week often means long queues, fully booked hotels, and limited flexibility. However, traveling by campervan offers a completely different experience.

With a Roam and Roll Campervan Japan, travelers can avoid the crowds, explore lesser-known destinations, enjoy nature, and stay overnight close to the places they want to visit — all at their own pace.

This article shares a detailed road trip guide designed specifically for Golden Week, starting with campervan pickup in Tokyo and branching out to some of Japan’s most scenic and travel-friendly regions. It’s an ideal way to experience Japan during peak season without the stress.

Why Golden Week Is Perfect for Campervan Travel in Japan

Golden Week is one of the busiest travel periods in Japan, but it can also be one of the most rewarding — if you travel by campervan.

Instead of staying in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, campervan travel allows you to escape crowded urban areas and explore regional towns and natural destinations. These lesser-known areas often have more parking options, camper-friendly facilities, and a much calmer atmosphere during Golden Week.

Traveling with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan also means you don’t need to compete for hotel reservations during peak season. Your accommodation moves with you, giving you complete flexibility and peace of mind.

One of the biggest advantages is the ability to adjust your route day by day. If an area feels too crowded, you can simply change plans and drive to a quieter destination — something that’s nearly impossible when traveling by train or relying on fixed hotel bookings.

For travelers looking to enjoy Golden Week comfortably, avoid crowds, and experience Japan at a slower pace, campervan travel with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan is one of the smartest and most flexible ways to explore the country.

1) Near Tokyo & the Kanto Region

Fuji – Yamanashi – Gunma: A Perfect Campervan Route for Golden Week

This route is one of the best choices for travelers planning a Golden Week road trip in Japan, especially for those with limited time who prefer to pick up and return their campervan in Tokyo.

Who This Route Is Best For

• Travelers with a short holiday period

• First-time campervan travelers in Japan

• Couples or small groups looking for a relaxed road trip

• Anyone renting from Roam and Roll Campervan Japan in Tokyo

Suggested Campervan Route (5–7 Days)

Tokyo → Fuji Five Lakes → Yamanashi → Gunma → Tokyo

This circular route allows travelers to explore diverse landscapes without rushing, making it ideal for campervan travel during peak seasons.

Route Highlights

Mt. Fuji & Fuji Five Lakes Area

• Kawaguchiko and Saiko offer iconic Mt. Fuji views with multiple lakeside parking spots

• Early mornings provide the best chance to enjoy the scenery before day-trippers arrive

Onsen Experiences Near the Mountains

• Yamanashi and Gunma are famous for natural hot springs

• Many onsen facilities are located close to campervan-accessible roads and parking areas

Easy & Scenic Countryside Drives

• Well-maintained rural roads with light traffic

• Gentle mountain routes suitable even for first-time campervan drivers in Japan

Why This Route Works So Well During Golden Week

While popular spots like Kawaguchiko can become crowded, the advantage of traveling by Roam and Roll Campervan Japan is flexibility.

• Crowds tend to concentrate only at major sightseeing points

• Driving just a few kilometers away quickly leads to quieter roads and peaceful areas

• The region has many campervan-friendly parking areas and roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki)

With a campervan, travelers can easily adjust daily plans, avoid peak hours, and stay closer to nature — something that is especially valuable during Golden Week.

Why Travel This Route with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan

Starting and ending in Tokyo makes logistics simple, while the freedom of campervan travel allows you to experience Mt. Fuji and the surrounding regions at your own pace. With Roam and Roll Campervan Japan, Golden Week becomes less about crowds and more about discovery.

Route 2: Kansai Region

Nagoya – Nara – Wakayama (Kii Peninsula)

Best for: Travelers who want culture, nature, and coastal drives

Suggested Route (6–8 Days)

Tokyo → Nagoya  → Nara → Wakayama → Kii Peninsula → Tokyo

Highlights

• Quiet temple areas outside central Kyoto

• Scenic coastal roads along Wakayama

• Onsen towns and seaside camping spots

• UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo area (outer regions)

Why Kansai Works During Golden Week

• Major crowds stay concentrated in central Kyoto and Osaka

• Campervan travelers can stay outside cities and visit early or late

• Coastal and mountain areas remain peaceful even during peak season

Traveling with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan allows you to enjoy Kansai’s cultural depth without being tied to busy train schedules or fully booked hotels.

Route 3: Tohoku Region

Northern Japan for True Crowd-Free Travel

Best for: Nature lovers, repeat visitors to Japan, slow travel

Suggested Route (7–10 Days)

Tokyo → Fukushima → Miyagi → Iwate → Akita → Aomori → (Return via expressways)

Highlights

• Vast natural landscapes and scenic drives

• Hot springs surrounded by mountains

• Coastal views along the Sanriku Coast

• Much fewer tourists compared to central Japan

• Possible sakura (cherry blossom) viewing

Why Tohoku Is Ideal for Golden Week

• Japanese travelers tend to stay closer to major cities

• Roads are quiet and spacious

• Plenty of roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki) suitable for campervans

For travelers using Roam and Roll Campervan Japan, Tohoku offers one of the most relaxing Golden Week experiences possible.

Route 4: Chubu Region

Japanese Alps & Traditional Villages

Best for: Mountain scenery, alpine roads, traditional towns

Suggested Route (6–9 Days)

Tokyo → Matsumoto → Kamikochi (outer areas) → Takayama → Shirakawa-go → Nagano → Tokyo

Highlights

• Dramatic mountain landscapes

• Historic towns like Takayama

• Traditional villages near Shirakawa-go

• Cooler temperatures during late spring

Why Chubu Is Great During Golden Week

• Visitors concentrate only in famous villages

• Surrounding areas remain calm and scenic

• Campervan travel makes it easy to stay outside restricted zones

With Roam and Roll Campervan Japan, travelers can explore the Japanese Alps comfortably while avoiding peak-hour congestion.

Helpful Links for Campervan Travelers

• Campervan Models👉 Explore available vehicles from Roam and Roll Campervan Japan/campervan-models

• Rental Guide👉 Everything you need to know before driving a campervan in Japan/renter-guide

• Golden Week Travel Tips👉 How to avoid crowds and travel smart during peak season/golden-week-campervan-guide

Plan Your Golden Week Road Trip with Roam and Roll Campervan Japan

Golden Week doesn’t have to mean crowded trains, packed tourist spots, or overpriced hotels. With Roam and Roll Campervan Japan, you gain the freedom to travel beyond the major cities, adjust your plans day by day, and experience Japan at your own pace.

Wake up by a quiet lake instead of a busy station.Chase mountain views, coastal roads, or hidden countryside towns.Stop whenever you discover something unexpected.

Our campervans are fully equipped with hotel-quality bedding, complete kitchen gear, built-in heating, and premium camping equipment—so you can travel comfortably without worrying about extra rentals. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a flexible and stress-free Japan road trip, even during peak season.

Golden Week is one of the most popular travel periods in Japan, and campervan availability fills up quickly.

🚐 Book early for Golden Week — availability is limited during peak season.👉 Start planning your campervan road trip today at www.roamandrollcampervan.com