Japan celebrates a number of national holidays throughout the year. During these national holidays many shops, restaurants and tourists attractions are generally open except on New Year.
Japan has 16 national holidays each year enjoyed by locals, such as New Year’s Day, Coming of Age Day, Emperor’s Birthday, Showa Day, Children’s Day and so on.
If a Sunday is a public holiday in Japan then the following Monday also becomes a holiday. ‘Isn’t it interesting?
If you want to avoid the crowds during your trip to Japan, we highly suggest avoiding these public holidays.
Now get the full list of Japanese Public Holidays for 2025-2026:
Japanese Public Holiday Calendar 2025-2026
| Public Holiday | 2024 | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Year (shogatsu) | January 1 | The day is considered the most important national holiday in Japan. People visit temples & shrines and eat traditional dishes. |
| Coming of Age (seijin no hi) | January 13 (Second Monday of January) | This is a day to congratulate those that have turned 20. |
| National Foundation Day (kenkoku kinenbi) | February 11 | The first Japanese emperor was crowned on this day in 660 BC. |
| Emperor's Birthday (tenno no tanjobi) | February 23 | This is the birthday of the current emperor of Japan. Naruhito is Japan's current emperor, who became the 126th emperor of Japan as of 1 May 2019. |
| Vernal Equinox Day (shunbun no hi) | March 20 | It marks the beginning of astronomical spring. On this day Japanese people have a custom of visiting their ancestral graves. |
| Showa Day (Showa no hi) | April 29 | This is the birthday of former Emperor Showa (Hirohito) and part of Golden Week in Japan. |
| Constitution Memorial Day (kenpo kinenbi) | May 3 | Japanese people celebrate the 1947 Constitution of Japan, which took place after end of World War II in 1947. This is also part of the Golden Week. |
| Greenery Day (midori no hi) | May 4 | The day is observed to honor nature and greenery. It emphasize the importance of environmental issues in the modern time. It's part of the Golden Week. |
| Children's Day (kodomo no hi) | May 5 | On this day, people honor the individuality of children, pray for their happiness, health and future success. It is the final celebration in Golden Week. |
| Marine Day/Ocean Day (umi no hi) | July 21 (Third Monday in July) | This Japanese public holiday celebrates the sea and its importance to Japan. |
| Mountain Day (yama no hi) | August 12 | It honors the mountains and appreciates their important role in Japan and the ecosystem. |
| Respect for the Aged Day (keiro no hi) | September 15 (Third Monday in September) | The day is celebrated to show respect for the elderly and wish for their longevity. |
| Autumn Equinox Day (shubun no hi) | September 22 | The arrival of autumn! The day is a reminder of coming koyo (autumn leaves) season. Japanese people visit their family graves on this day. People also eat ohagi, a traditional Japanese sweet covered in red adzuki beans. |
| Health and Sports Day (taiiku no hi) | October 13 (Second Monday in October) | It commemorates the opening of the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games and exist to promote sports and an active lifestyle. |
| Culture Day (bunka no hi) | November 3 | Said to be one of the most important Japanese holidays, the day is observed to honor traditional Japanese culture and promote the love of freedom and peace. |
| Labor Thanksgiving Day (kinro kansha no hi) | November 23 | Japanese people express their to gratitude to one other for work done throughout the year. |
Japan’s non Public Holidays are:
1. Valentine’s Day – February 14
2. Doll’s Festival (Hina matsuri) – March 3
3. White Day – March 14
4. Star Festival (tanabata) – July 7
5. Obon – August 13-15
6. Tokyo Citizen’s Day – October 1
7. Seven-Five-Three (shichigosan) – November 15
8. Christmas – 24-25
9. New Year’s Eve (omisoka) – December 31
