Golden Week in Nikko: When Plans Don’t Go As Expected

🚐 APRIL 2025_

We tried to escape Tokyo during Golden Week with a 3-day van trip to Nikko, hoping for nature, calm walks, waterfalls, and fresh mountain air.

On paper, it sounded like the perfect family getaway. Reality had… other plans.

Between traffic jams, uncomfortable nights in the van, an overpriced onsen, and crowds where we didn’t expect them, this trip constantly surprised us.

Still, we found exactly what we came for in quieter moments: forest paths with no one around, local sweets, grilled dango, a memorable crêpe, and peaceful time together as a family.

This video is a realistic look at traveling in Japan during Golden Week, mixing beautiful nature with the unpredictability of peak travel season.

Sometimes plans don’t work out — and that’s part of the journey.

• 📍 Nikko, Tochigi
  🚐 Van road trip from Tokyo
  🌿 Forest walks, waterfalls, hidden paths
  🍡 Local food, yuzu craft beer, grilled dango
  ♨️ Onsen expectations vs reality
  👨‍👩‍👧 Family travel in Japan during Golden Week

Thanks for watching!

Mata ne. Sabrina