National holiday
Marine Day
海の日
A national holiday giving thanks for the ocean’s blessings and Japan’s maritime culture.
- This year
- Jul 20 (Mon)
- Third Monday of July
History
Umi no Hi began in 1995 (originally July 20), commemorating Emperor Meiji’s 1876 return by sea to Yokohama. It moved to the third Monday of July in 2003 for a summer long weekend. It is Japan’s first national holiday dedicated to the sea.
How it is observed
Beach openings, fireworks, and maritime museum events are common. Many people head to the coast.
Travel tips
Beach towns and Izu / Boso / Okinawa routes get busy. Bring cash for festival stalls; check jellyfish and swimming flags. Trains toward coastal resorts fill on the Sunday and Monday.
Related shrines & temples
Places often visited around this day — open a shrine page or search the directory.