Visiting Japan is an exciting experience, but did you know that planning your trip around public holidays can have a huge impact on your travel plans？
Knowing Japan’s public holidays not only helps you avoid crowds and potential closures, but also gives you the chance to experience some rare cultural celebrations.
This post explains Japanese holidays, so please save it and make use of it！
Key Things to Know
①If a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday usually becomes a “substitute holiday” （振替休日 – furikae kyūjitsu）.
②Some holidays have been moved to Mondays to create three-day weekends, known as the “Happy Monday System”.
③Be aware of peak travel seasons like “Golden Week” （late April to early May）, “Obon” （mid-August, though not an official public holiday, many companies close）, and the “New Year holidays” （late December to early January）.
During these times, expect significant crowds and higher prices.
④On national holidays, most banks, post offices, and public offices are closed.
Tourist attractions, shops, and restaurants often remain open, but it’s always a good idea to check their holiday schedules in advance.
Holiday List
January
1st: New Year’s Day （元日 – Ganjitsu）
The most important holiday in Japan, celebrating the first day of the year.
Families gather, visit shrines/temples, and eat traditional New Year’s food.
8th: Coming of Age Day （成人の日 – Seijin no Hi）
（Second Monday of January） Celebrates those who have reached the age of majority （currently 18）.
Young adults often wear traditional kimono or suits to ceremonies.
February
11th: National Foundation Day （建国記念の日 – Kenkoku Kinen no Hi）
Commemorates the founding of Japan and the accession of the first Emperor, Jimmu.
23th: Emperor’s Birthday （天皇誕生日 – Tennō Tanjōbi）
Celebrates the birthday of the current Emperor Naruhito.
March
20th: Vernal Equinox Day （春分の日 – Shunbun no Hi）
（Date varies slightly each year） Marks the official start of spring.
It’s a day to appreciate nature and visit ancestral graves.
April
29th: Shōwa Day （昭和の日 – Shōwa no Hi）
Part of Golden Week.
Commemorates the birthday of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito), reflecting on the Shōwa period.
May
3rd: Constitution Memorial Day （憲法記念日 – Kenpō Kinenbi）
Part of Golden Week.
Commemorates the enactment of Japan’s post-war constitution.
4th: Greenery Day （みどりの日 – Midori no Hi）
Part of Golden Week.
A day to appreciate nature.
5th: Children’s Day （こどもの日 – Kodomo no Hi）
Part of Golden Week.
Celebrates the happiness of all children and expresses gratitude towards mothers. Families fly carp-shaped streamers （koinobori）.
July
15th: Marine Day （海の日 – Umi no Hi）
（Third Monday of July） A day to appreciate the ocean’s blessings and hope for the prosperity of Japan as a maritime nation.
August
11th: Mountain Day （山の日 – Yama no Hi）
A day to appreciate Japan’s mountains.
September
16th: Respect for the Aged Day （敬老の日 – Keirō no Hi）
（Third Monday of September） Honors elderly citizens and celebrates longevity.
22th: Autumnal Equinox Day （秋分の日 – Shūbun no Hi）
（Date varies slightly each year） Marks the official start of autumn.
Similar to Vernal Equinox Day, people often visit ancestral graves.
October
14th: Sports Day （スポーツの日 – Supōtsu no Hi）
（Second Monday of October） Promotes sports, an active lifestyle, and physical and mental health. （Formerly Health and Sports Day）
November
3rd: Culture Day （文化の日 – Bunka no Hi）
Promotes culture, the arts, and academic endeavors.
Many museums offer free admission.
23th: Labor Thanksgiving Day （勤労感謝の日 – Kinrō Kansha no Hi）
A day for citizens to express gratitude to one another for their labor and the fruits of their work.
Major Holiday Seasons
①Golden Week （ゴールデンウィーク）
Golden Week is one of Japan’s longest and busiest holiday periods, usually taking place from late April to early May.
It’s formed by a cluster of national holidays: Shōwa Day （April 29）, Constitution Memorial Day （May 3）, Greenery Day （May 4）, and Children’s Day （May 5）.
Expect significant travel congestion and book accommodations and transportation well in advance if you plan to travel during this time.
②Obon （お盆）
Obon is not an official national holiday, but it’s a very important traditional Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of ancestors.
It usually takes place in mid-August （dates can vary by region）.
Many Japanese people return to their hometowns during this period, so transportation （especially trains and highways） becomes extremely crowded.
Some smaller shops and restaurants may also close.
③New Year Holidays （年末年始 – Nenmatsu Nenshi）
The New Year period, known as Nenmatsu Nenshi, is arguably the most important holiday season in Japan.
It typically lasts from around December 29th to January 3rd.
It’s a time for family gatherings, visiting shrines and temples for hatsumōde （the first visit of the year）, and many businesses, including some tourist attractions and restaurants, may be closed or have shortened hours.
Plan accordingly if you’re visiting during this time.
We hope our guide to Japan public holidays helps you plan a great trip！
By knowing these dates, you can avoid the crowds, enjoy unique cultural experiences, and make the most of your time in Japan.
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