National holiday
Greenery Day
みどりの日
A national holiday for appreciating nature, bridging Constitution Day and Children’s Day.
- This year
- May 4 (Mon)
- May 4
History
Midori no Hi originally fell on April 29 (the Showa emperor’s love of nature). In 2007 it moved to May 4 so Golden Week would have consecutive holidays. A day sandwiched between two national holidays is also protected as a “citizen’s holiday”; May 4 is now named in its own right.
How it is observed
Outdoor recreation, parks, and gardening events are popular themes. Many people are already traveling.
Travel tips
One of the busiest travel days of the year. Highways jam; domestic flights and long-distance trains sell out. Stay put and explore one neighborhood deeply rather than city-hopping.
Related shrines & temples
Places often visited around this day — open a shrine page or search the directory.