Public Holidays & Celebrated Days in Japan

Japan celebrates a wide range of holidays throughout the year. Many public holidays have fixed dates, and if they fall on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a substitute holiday.

Some of these holidays can make cities very busy, with higher accommodation prices and crowded transport, particularly during:

• New Year’s holidays (late December–early January)
• Golden Week (late April–early May)
• Obon Festival (mid-August)
• Cherry blossom season (March–April, varies by region)
• School summer holidays (late July–August)

Public Holidays in Japan

These are official national holidays, and some attractions, businesses, and government offices may be closed on these days.

New Year & Winter Holidays

• New Year’s Day (Shōgatsu) – January 1st
  • One of the most important holidays in Japan, often celebrated with shrine visits and family gatherings.
• Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi) – Second Monday in January
  • A celebration for those turning 20, marking their entry into adulthood.

Spring Holidays

• National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) – February 11th
  • Celebrates the legendary founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu.
• Vernal Equinox Day (Shunbun no Hi) – Around March 20th (date varies slightly each year)
  • A day to celebrate nature and ancestors. Many people visit graves.

Golden Week (Late April – Early May)

• Shōwa Day (Shōwa no Hi) – April 29th
  • Honors Emperor Shōwa’s birthday and reflects on Japan’s history.
• Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpō Kinenbi) – May 3rd
  • Celebrates the establishment of Japan’s post-war constitution in 1947.
• Greenery Day (Midori no Hi) – May 4th
  • A day to appreciate nature and the environment.
• Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) – May 5th
  • Families celebrate the happiness and health of children, with carp streamers (koinobori) displayed outside homes.

Summer Holidays

• Marine Day (Umi no Hi) – Third Monday in July
  • Celebrates the ocean’s importance to Japan as an island nation.

Autumn Holidays

• Respect for the Aged Day (Keirō no Hi) – Third Monday in September
  • Honors Japan’s elderly population.
• Autumn Equinox Day (Shūbun no Hi) – Around September 23rd (date varies slightly each year)
  • Similar to the Vernal Equinox, it’s a time to honor ancestors.
• Health and Sports Day (Taiiku no Hi) – Second Monday in October
  • Encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. Originally created to commemorate the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Cultural & National Holidays

• Culture Day (Bunka no Hi) – November 3rd
  • Promotes the arts, culture, and academic achievements.
• Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrō Kansha no Hi) – November 23rd
  • A day to honor workers and express gratitude for labor efforts.
• Emperor’s Birthday (Tennō no Tanjōbi) – February 23rd (formerly December 23rd, changed in 2019 with Emperor Naruhito’s reign)
  • The Imperial Palace opens to the public, and celebrations take place across Japan.

Other Celebrated Days in Japan

While not official public holidays, these special days hold cultural and traditional significance.

• Setsubun (Beginning of Spring) – February 3rd
  • Celebrated by throwing beans (mamemaki) to drive away evil spirits.
• Valentine’s Day – February 14th
  • Women traditionally give chocolates to men.
• Doll’s Festival (Hinamatsuri) – March 3rd
  • Families with daughters display decorative dolls to wish for their health and happiness.
• White Day – March 14th
  • Men return gifts to women who gave them chocolates on Valentine’s Day.
• Tanabata (Star Festival) – July 7th (date varies in some regions)
  • People write wishes on colorful paper strips and hang them on bamboo.
• Obon – Mid-August (dates vary by region)
  • A Buddhist festival honoring ancestors, with lanterns and traditional dances (Bon Odori).
• Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3 Festival) – November 15th
  • Families celebrate children aged 3, 5, and 7 by dressing them in traditional kimono and visiting shrines.
• Christmas – December 25th
  • A secular holiday in Japan, celebrated with KFC meals, illuminations, and Christmas cakes.
• New Year’s Eve (Ōmisoka) – December 31st
  • Many visit shrines at midnight for hatsumōde (first shrine visit of the year), and eat soba noodles for good luck.