Japan has a rich cultural calendar filled with unique public holidays. These holidays reflect the country’s deep traditions, seasonal changes, and modern values. Here’s a full list of official annual public holidays in Japan, along with their meaning and when to expect them.
January 1 – New Year’s Day (元日, Ganjitsu)
The most important holiday in Japan 🎍
Families visit shrines for hatsumode (first prayer), eat osechi ryori and relax at home.
👘 2nd Monday of January – Coming of Age Day (成人の日, Seijin no Hi)
Congratulates everyone turning 20 🎊
Young adults wear kimono 👘 and attend ceremonies across Japan.
February 11 – National Foundation Day (建国記念の日, Kenkoku Kinen no Hi)
A patriotic day celebrating the founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu ! 🏯
🎂 February 23 – Emperor’s Birthday (天皇誕生日, Tennō Tanjōbi)
Celebrate Emperor Naruhito’s birthday with a rare public appearance at the Imperial Palace 👑
🗓️ Only changes if a new emperor ascends.
🌸 March 20 or 21 – Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日, Shunbun no Hi)
A day to appreciate nature and honor ancestors. Families visit graves 🕊️
🗓️ Date depends on the sun’s position, it usually falls on March 20 or 21.
📖 April 29 – Showa Day (昭和の日, Shōwa no Hi)
Honors Emperor Showa’s birthday and marks the start of Golden Week 🏖️
Golden Week : A cluster of holidays (Showa Day, Constitution Day, Greenery Day, Children’s Day) that often gives people a full week off. It’s one of the busiest travel periods in Japan.
📜 May 3 – Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日, Kenpō Kinenbi)
Commemorates Japan’s post-war constitution, signed in 1947 🖋️
🌱 May 4 – Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no Hi)
A day to give thanks to nature 🌳 and enjoy Japan’s beautiful outdoors 🌼
🎏 May 5 – Children’s Day (こどもの日, Kodomo no Hi)
Families pray for children’s health and happiness.
🌊 3rd Monday of July – Marine Day (海の日, Umi no Hi)
Honors the ocean’s bounty and Japan’s maritime history 🌊⛵
Many people take trips to the beach!
🏔️ August 11 – Mountain Day (山の日, Yama no Hi)
Celebrate Japan’s stunning mountains ⛰️ Perfect time for a hike or outdoor getaway 🥾
August 13–16 – Obon (お盆)
Though not an official holiday, Obon is a deeply spiritual Buddhist tradition where families honor the spirits of their ancestors. Many people take time off to travel to their hometowns.
👴👵 3rd Monday of September – Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日, Keirō no Hi)
A day to honor and thank the elderly for their contributions to society.
🍁 September 22–24 – Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日, Shūbun no Hi)
A moment to reflect, visit family graves, and enjoy the beauty of changing leaves 🍂
🗓️ Date changes yearly due to solar calendar, usually around Sept. 22–24.
🏃 2nd Monday of October – Sports Day (スポーツの日, Supōtsu no Hi)
Promotes sports and healthy living. Originally created to commemorate the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
🎨 November 3 – Culture Day (文化の日, Bunka no Hi)
Museums and schools celebrate Japanese arts, culture, and science 🎭📚
🙏 November 23 – Labor Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日, Kinrō Kansha no Hi)
A day to honor workers and express gratitude for hard work and production.
✅ Helpful Tips:
- 🚫 Government offices and banks are closed on national holidays.
- 🛍️ Shops, konbinis, and restaurants usually stay open.
- 🚅 Expect crowds and higher prices during New Year, Obon, and Golden Week.
- 📆 Many holidays move to Mondays to create long weekends (Happy Monday System).
