Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Vlad
If you are planning on visiting Japan this year, knowing when public holidays fall can make a massive difference to your holiday.
- New Year’s Day (January 1): This day marks the beginning of the new year, celebrated with joy, reflection, and traditional customs like visiting shrines and spending time with family. This is the biggest pubic holiday in Japan.
- Coming of Age Day (January 8, Second Monday in January): A day to celebrate young people who have reached the age of 18, symbolising their transition to adulthood. It often involves ceremonies and wearing traditional attire. The legal age of adulthood used to be 20, but was lowered to 18 in 2022.
- National Foundation Day (falls on February 11, Observed on February 12): This holiday commemorates the foundation of Japan and the accession of its first Emperor, Jimmu. It is a day of national pride and reflection on the nation’s history.
- Emperor’s Birthday (February 23): Celebrated to honour the reigning Emperor’s birthday, this holiday reflects respect and reverence for the imperial family.
- Vernal Equinox Day (March 20): This day marks the coming of spring and is associated with the appreciation of nature and living things.
- Shōwa Day (April 29): This holiday honours the birthday of Emperor Hirohito, the reigning Emperor before, during, and after World War II. It is a day for reflecting on Japan’s history and promoting peace. The Shōwa Day marks the start of the Golden Week Period.
- Constitution Memorial Day (May 3): Commemorates the adoption of the post-war constitution of Japan in 1947, emphasizing democracy and government transparency.
- Greenery Day (May 4): A day to appreciate nature, often celebrated by planting trees and participating in environmental activities.
- Children’s Day (falls May 5, Observed on May 6): Dedicated to celebrating children’s personalities and their happiness, it’s a time for families to pray for their children’s well-being and future success. The Children’s Day marks the end of the Golden Week Period.
- Marine Day (July 15, Third Monday in July): A day to appreciate the ocean, maritime activities, and Japan’s rich maritime history.
- Mountain Day (falls on August 11, Observed on August 12): A day for celebrating mountains and appreciating the blessings and opportunities they provide.
- Respect for the Aged Day (September 16, Third Monday in September): This holiday honours elderly citizens, recognising their lifelong contributions to Japanese society and promoting respect for the aged.
- Autumn Equinox Day (falls on September 22, Observed on September 23): Similar to the Vernal Equinox Day, this holiday marks the change of seasons and is a time to pay respects to ancestors and remember deceased family members.
- Sports Day (falls on October 14, Second Monday in October): A day to promote sports and physical health, often marked by sports festivals and events across the country.
- Culture Day (falls on November 3, Observed on November 4): Celebrated to promote culture, the arts, and academic endeavour, with various cultural activities held nationwide.
- Labour Thanksgiving Day (November 23): A day to commemorate labour and production and to give thanks to workers for their contributions to society.