Explore Japan’s national holiday calendar including Golden Week, equinoxes, and cultural events observed across the country each year.
Japan observes a rich blend of public holidays rooted in history, nature, culture, and civic pride. Many of these holidays are anchored in the rhythm of the seasons and include time-honored traditions passed down through generations. Others reflect the country’s modern identity, honoring achievements, health, nature, and the contributions of its people.
Across the calendar year, Japan designates sixteen national holidays, offering residents and visitors regular intervals for rest and reflection. From the symbolic meaning of Coming of Age Day to the communal appreciation expressed on Labor Thanksgiving Day, each holiday carries cultural significance. Families often reunite, local festivities are held, and public institutions may close in observance.
Some holidays shift based on the lunar calendar or astronomical events like the equinoxes. Others move to Mondays as part of Japan’s “Happy Monday System,” introduced to create three-day weekends and reduce weekday fatigue. As a result, annual planning often depends on the updated government calendar for accuracy.
January
New Year’s Day (元日, Ganjitsu) – January 1 This is one of the most important holidays in Japan. Families gather, visit shrines, and enjoy traditional dishes like osechi ryori. Businesses often remain closed for the first few days of January.
Coming of Age Day (成人の日, Seijin no Hi) – Second Monday of January This holiday honors young adults turning 20. Municipal ceremonies and traditional attire such as furisode are common sights across Japan.
February
National Foundation Day (建国記念の日, Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) – February 11 Marks the legendary founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu. Observed with flags and patriotic displays.
Emperor’s Birthday (天皇誕生日, Tennō Tanjōbi) – February 23 Celebrates the current Emperor Naruhito's birthday. The public is granted rare access to the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
March
Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日, Shunbun no Hi) – Around March 20 or 21 A seasonal holiday recognizing nature and the arrival of spring. Families visit graves and clean ancestral tombs.
April
Showa Day (昭和の日, Shōwa no Hi) – April 29 Begins the Golden Week holiday cluster. Reflects on the Shōwa era and its historical impact.
May
Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日, Kenpō Kinenbi) – May 3 Commemorates the post-war constitution enacted in 1947.
Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no Hi) – May 4 Encourages appreciation for nature and the environment. Public parks and gardens often hold free events.
Children’s Day (こどもの日, Kodomo no Hi) – May 5 Celebrates the happiness and growth of children. Colorful koinobori (carp streamers) fly across homes and public spaces.
July
Marine Day (海の日, Umi no Hi) – Third Monday of July Recognizes the importance of Japan’s maritime heritage. Coastal towns often hold festivals and boat parades.
August
Mountain Day (山の日, Yama no Hi) – August 11 Introduced to encourage outdoor appreciation and mountain excursions, aligning with Japan’s geographical identity.
September
Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日, Keirō no Hi) – Third Monday of September Celebrates the elderly and their contributions. Gifts and visits to grandparents are customary.
Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日, Shūbun no Hi) – Around September 22 or 23 Marks the change in season and prompts spiritual reflection. Grave visits are again common during this period.
October
Health and Sports Day (体育の日, Taiiku no Hi) – Second Monday of October Established after the 1964 Tokyo Olympics to promote sports and healthy living. Schools often organize athletic events.
November
Culture Day (文化の日, Bunka no Hi) – November 3 Honors Japanese arts, academics, and culture. Museums offer free admission and award ceremonies take place nationwide.
Labor Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日, Kinrō Kansha no Hi) – November 23 Acknowledges workers and their contributions. Children often create thank-you gifts for local service providers.
Golden Week and Travel Trends
Golden Week is one of Japan’s most anticipated holiday periods. Spanning late April to early May, it combines Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day. Schools and companies may close for the entire week, making it a peak season for domestic and international travel.
Transportation networks, including Shinkansen (bullet trains) and domestic flights, often reach full capacity. Hotels and attractions experience increased demand, so advance planning is crucial for travelers and residents alike.
Substitution Holidays and the Happy Monday System
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, Japanese law mandates a substitute day off the following Monday. Additionally, several holidays have been adjusted to Mondays under the Happy Monday System to allow for extended weekends, supporting work-life balance and tourism.
These adjustments, updated yearly, are communicated by Japan’s Cabinet Secretariat and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
School Closures and Business Hours
During major national holidays, public schools, city halls, post offices, and many private businesses close. Public transportation continues to operate but may follow holiday schedules. Cultural institutions such as temples, museums, and gardens often remain open and offer special programming or extended hours.
Cultural Importance of Public Holidays
Public holidays in Japan go beyond legal observance. They reflect deep cultural values including respect for nature, familial duty, and civic pride. Rituals like shrine visits, ancestral veneration, and traditional performances reinforce community and continuity. Each holiday creates space for emotional connection, seasonal mindfulness, and rest.
The Japanese calendar balances historical events, religious traditions, and modern social needs. For those living in Japan or planning a visit, understanding these holidays is key to experiencing the country’s cultural heartbeat.
Observing Japan’s Holidays with Accuracy
Each year brings slight shifts in dates for holidays like Vernal Equinox Day and Autumnal Equinox Day. These depend on astronomical calculations and are confirmed by Japan’s national agencies. It's essential to refer to official government calendars for the most reliable updates.
For official confirmation and scheduling, visit the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Secretariat Calendar or check the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) for a visitor-friendly overview.
Staying updated through these verified resources ensures proper planning for school schedules, travel bookings, and business operations.
Taking the time to understand the nature of Japan’s holidays reveals much about its national identity. Each observance carries meaning, reinforcing harmony between nature, society, and the individual.
Here are insightful FAQs about the Official Public Holiday Calendar in Japan, covering how holidays are observed, their cultural significance, the unique “Golden Week,” and how public holidays shift when they fall on weekends.
1. What are the official public holidays in Japan and how many are there each year?
Japan observes 16 national public holidays annually, as defined by the Act on National Holidays. These holidays are rooted in traditional customs, seasonal changes, and post-war modern values, and they provide regular breaks for both the workforce and students across the country.
Here’s a month-by-month overview of the official public holidays in Japan:
January
- New Year’s Day (元日, Ganjitsu) – January 1
- Coming of Age Day (成人の日, Seijin no Hi) – Second Monday of January
February
- National Foundation Day (建国記念の日, Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) – February 11
- Emperor’s Birthday (天皇誕生日, Tennō Tanjōbi) – February 23 (current emperor’s birthday)
March
- Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日, Shunbun no Hi) – Around March 20 (date varies yearly)
April
- Shōwa Day (昭和の日, Shōwa no Hi) – April 29
May
- Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日, Kenpō Kinenbi) – May 3
- Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no Hi) – May 4
- Children’s Day (こどもの日, Kodomo no Hi) – May 5
July
- Marine Day (海の日, Umi no Hi) – Third Monday of July
August
- Mountain Day (山の日, Yama no Hi) – August 11
September
- Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日, Keirō no Hi) – Third Monday of September
- Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日, Shūbun no Hi) – Around September 23
October
- Sports Day (スポーツの日, Supōtsu no Hi) – Second Monday of October
November
- Culture Day (文化の日, Bunka no Hi) – November 3
- Labor Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日, Kinrō Kansha no Hi) – November 23
These public holidays are legally protected and guarantee a day off for most workers, with exceptions in essential industries. Schools, businesses, and government offices usually close, and cities hold local events to commemorate the days.
2. How does Japan’s “Golden Week” affect travel, work, and daily life in the country?
“Golden Week” is one of the busiest and most important holiday periods in Japan. It takes place from late April to early May, combining four national holidays over seven days, often creating a continuous vacation.
Golden Week includes:
- April 29 – Shōwa Day
- May 3 – Constitution Memorial Day
- May 4 – Greenery Day
- May 5 – Children’s Day
When weekends or “bridge holidays” are added, Golden Week can span up to 10 consecutive days off, especially if employers grant special leave or if a holiday falls on a Sunday and is carried over.
Key impacts of Golden Week:
- Transportation is crowded: Trains, buses, and flights are often booked months in advance.
- Tourism booms: Hotels and tourist destinations are packed and often charge peak-season rates.
- Shopping and entertainment: Retailers offer major sales, and amusement parks run extended hours.
- Workplace slowdowns: Many offices operate with minimal staff or close entirely.
Golden Week is comparable to Western countries’ Christmas-New Year period and is a time when many Japanese travel domestically or take international vacations.
3. What happens when a Japanese public holiday falls on a weekend?
Japan has a unique system to protect the number of public holidays each year. If a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the next working day becomes a substitute holiday (振替休日, furikae kyūjitsu). This ensures that workers do not lose a day off due to calendar alignment.
Example:
- If Children’s Day (May 5) falls on a Sunday, then Monday, May 6 becomes the official substitute holiday.
Japan also has a “sandwich holiday” rule:
- If two national holidays fall with a working day in between, that middle day becomes a Citizen’s Holiday (国民の休日, Kokumin no kyūjitsu).
- This is designed to encourage continuous rest and has become a feature of long holiday seasons like Golden Week.
This flexible approach helps Japanese workers enjoy more consolidated holiday periods and encourages domestic spending and tourism during these extended breaks.
4. How are Japanese public holidays influenced by the imperial family and historical events?
Many of Japan’s public holidays are deeply rooted in imperial tradition, nature worship, and post-WWII constitutional values.
Examples include:
Shōwa Day (April 29):
- Honors Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito) and encourages reflection on Japan’s recovery and post-war progress.
Emperor’s Birthday (February 23):
- Celebrates the birth of the current emperor, Emperor Naruhito.
- The Imperial Palace in Tokyo opens to the public—a rare occurrence—allowing citizens to greet the emperor.
National Foundation Day (February 11):
- Commemorates the mythological founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor in traditional accounts.
Culture Day (November 3):
- Established to promote freedom, peace, and cultural progress, in line with post-war democratic ideals.
- Coincides with the day Japan’s post-WWII Constitution was promulgated in 1946.
Labor Thanksgiving Day (November 23):
- Evolved from ancient harvest festivals, now meant to honor workers and give thanks for productivity and peace.
Japan’s calendar reflects both modern secular values and traditional reverence for nature and the imperial family, making its holidays a blend of historical reflection and forward-looking celebration.
5. How should visitors and businesses plan around Japan’s public holidays for smoother experiences?
Japan’s public holidays significantly affect transportation, business hours, tourism, and event planning. Whether you're a traveler or a business operator, here’s what to keep in mind:
Travel & Tourism:
- Book flights, trains, and hotels well in advance for Golden Week, New Year’s, and Obon (mid-August, although not a national holiday).
- Expect crowds at temples, shrines, hot springs (onsen), and popular tourist sites.
- Some museums, attractions, and restaurants may close during New Year’s (December 29 – January 3).
Business Operations:
- Most government offices, banks, and post offices close on public holidays.
- Retailers and shopping malls often stay open and host seasonal sales, especially during Golden Week and New Year.
- Some small family-owned businesses may close for multiple days during New Year or Obon, depending on region and tradition.
Local Events and Festivals:
- Many public holidays coincide with matsuri (festivals). Participating in these offers a glimpse into Japanese culture, including parades, traditional dances, and fireworks.
Public Transport:
- JR trains and buses may run on holiday schedules, especially in rural areas.
- During major holidays, the Shinkansen (bullet trains) and airports experience heavy congestion.
Planning ahead ensures a stress-free experience and allows you to enjoy Japan’s holidays as both a cultural experience and a practical break from work or travel routines.
Public Holidays in Japan by Month
January
- New Year’s Day (元日, Ganjitsu) — January 1
- Coming of Age Day (成人の日, Seijin no Hi) — Second Monday in January
February
- National Foundation Day (建国記念の日, Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) — February 11
- Emperor’s Birthday (天皇誕生日, Tennō Tanjōbi) — February 23 (current Emperor Naruhito’s birthday)
March
- Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日, Shunbun no Hi) — Around March 20 or 21 (date varies slightly)
April
- Showa Day (昭和の日, Shōwa no Hi) — April 29 (start of Golden Week)
- Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日, Kenpō Kinenbi) — May 3
- Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no Hi) — May 4
- Children’s Day (こどもの日, Kodomo no Hi) — May 5
(Note: Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day are in May but part of Golden Week)
May
- Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日, Kenpō Kinenbi) — May 3
- Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no Hi) — May 4
- Children’s Day (こどもの日, Kodomo no Hi) — May 5
July
- Marine Day (海の日, Umi no Hi) — Third Monday in July
August
- Mountain Day (山の日, Yama no Hi) — August 11
September
- Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日, Keirō no Hi) — Third Monday in September
- Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日, Shūbun no Hi) — Around September 22 or 23
October
- Health and Sports Day (体育の日, Taiiku no Hi) — Second Monday in October (also called Sports Day)
November
- Culture Day (文化の日, Bunka no Hi) — November 3
- Labor Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日, Kinrō Kansha no Hi) — November 23
Notes:
- Japan’s holidays include several that move to Mondays as part of the "Happy Monday System" to create long weekends.
- Golden Week (late April to early May) is a cluster of multiple holidays and one of the busiest travel seasons.
- If a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday usually becomes a substitute holiday (振替休日, furikae kyūjitsu).
- Some holidays are tied to seasonal changes like equinoxes, which vary by a day or so each year.
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