Calendar · Culture · Travel
Japanese holidays
祝日と伝統の行事
National public holidays (祝日) and major traditional observances — when they fall, why they exist, and how they shape travel in Japan.
Coming up Mountain Day 山の日 Aug 11 (Tue) Japan’s newest national holiday, encouraging people to get closer to mountains.2026 calendar
New Year's Day
元日
Jan 1 (Thu)
The first day of the year and Japan’s most important holiday period, centered on family, shrines, and quiet be...
Coming of Age Day
成人の日
Jan 12 (Mon)
A national holiday celebrating people who have reached adulthood, often marked by formal ceremonies and kimono...
Setsubun
節分
Feb 3 (Tue)
The traditional “seasonal division” before spring, famous for casting out demons with roasted soybeans.
National Foundation Day
建国記念の日
Feb 11 (Wed)
A national holiday commemorating the legendary founding of Japan and the nation’s beginnings.
Emperor's Birthday
天皇誕生日
Feb 23 (Mon)
The reigning emperor’s birthday, a national holiday and one of the few days the Imperial Palace opens more wid...
Girls' Day (Hinamatsuri)
雛祭り
Mar 3 (Tue)
A traditional festival praying for the health and happiness of girls, marked by tiered hina dolls.
Vernal Equinox Day
春分の日
Mar 20 (Fri)
A national holiday at the spring equinox, tied to Buddhist Higan and visits to family graves.
Showa Day
昭和の日
Apr 29 (Wed)
The opening national holiday of Golden Week, dedicated to reflecting on the Showa era.
Constitution Memorial Day
憲法記念日
May 3 (Sun)
A Golden Week holiday commemorating the 1947 Constitution of Japan.
Greenery Day
みどりの日
May 4 (Mon)
A national holiday for appreciating nature, bridging Constitution Day and Children’s Day.
Children's Day
こどもの日
May 5 (Tue)
A national holiday wishing for children’s health and happiness, famous for carp streamers.
Tanabata
七夕
Jul 7 (Tue)
The Star Festival celebrating the once-yearly meeting of the Weaver and Cowherd stars.
Marine Day
海の日
Jul 20 (Mon)
A national holiday giving thanks for the ocean’s blessings and Japan’s maritime culture.
Mountain Day
山の日
Aug 11 (Tue)
Japan’s newest national holiday, encouraging people to get closer to mountains.
Obon
お盆
Aug 13 – Aug 16 (Sun)
A multi-day Buddhist custom when ancestral spirits are welcomed home — one of Japan’s biggest travel periods.
Respect for the Aged Day
敬老の日
Sep 21 (Mon)
A national holiday honoring elderly people and longevity.
Autumnal Equinox Day
秋分の日
Sep 23 (Wed)
A national holiday at the autumn equinox, again centered on Higan and ancestral remembrance.
Sports Day
スポーツの日
Oct 12 (Mon)
A national holiday promoting health, sports, and an active life.
Culture Day
文化の日
Nov 3 (Tue)
A national holiday dedicated to peace, culture, and the arts — when many museums offer free or special entry.
Labor Thanksgiving Day
勤労感謝の日
Nov 23 (Mon)
A national holiday honoring work and production, with roots in ancient harvest thanksgiving rites.