As the name suggests, Culture Day is dedicated to all things “culture-related”, namely the arts, science, and academic achievement. First observed in 1948, the holiday commemorates Japan’s Peace Constitution, enacted on November 3, 1946, which enshrined the principles of pacifism, sovereignty, and peace.
Today, Culture Day continues to be celebrated annually on the same date, offering a wide variety of activities for both locals and visitors. As the holiday approaches, many newcomers to Japan often wonder: What is Culture Day, and how should I celebrate it?
This guide will answer those questions and provide an in-depth itinerary for experiencing the best of Culture Day. From vibrant parades and award ceremonies to art exhibitions and traditional performances, there’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. We’ve compiled a list of must-do events to ensure you make the most of this unique holiday. Before diving into the festivities, let’s take a closer look at the significance and traditions of Culture Day!
What is Culture Day in Japan?
Culture Day is an annual holiday that takes place on November 3 all across Japan. The holiday promotes Japanese culture, innovations, and prosperity, celebrated across a vast assortment of events. Themes of freedom and unity are also intrinsic aspects of this holiday, as celebrating peace and stability are equally important facets playing roles in defining Culture Day’s identity.
During this time, the streets of Japan are populated with unique festivals and events aimed at promoting these ideals and uniting people through Japanese culture.
In Japanese, Culture Day is called bunka no hi, written as 文化の日. The Japanese characters for culture are comprised of: 文 (bun) meaning “composition” or “literary arts”, and 化 (ka) meaning “change” or “transformation”. Taking the characters quite literally, culture could also be thought of as “changing composition”, which seems apt as culture evolves over time.
The History of Culture Day in Japan
The origins of Culture Day trace back to the 1800s, having previously been called Meiji-setsu. November 3, 1852, marked the birthday of the late Emperor Meiji of Japan, whose rule lasted from 1867 to 1912. Initially, this date was designed to celebrate the life and achievements of the Late Emperor, although Emperor Meiji’s birthday would not mark the only instance of cultural significance for November 3 in Japanese culture.
The importance of this date only further expanded in 1946, when the modern Japanese Constitution was signed. This ushered in a new era of prosperity and tranquility for Japan, which would play a key role in shaping how Culture Day is perceived today. The themes of art, music, harmony, and unity associated with this Japanese holiday stem from the establishment of the constitution and the celebration of peace.
When is Culture Day in Japan?
Culture Day is an annual holiday in Japan celebrated on November 3 each year. In 2025, it falls on a Monday, creating an exciting three-day weekend that follows the Halloween festivities on Friday, October 31. This makes it a vibrant time in Japan, as the nation transitions from the lively Halloween celebrations to the cultural appreciation and artistic events of Culture Day.
Take a look at the table below for a full breakdown of when Culture Day happens from 2025 – 2035.
| Year | Date | Day of the Week |
| 2025 | November 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | November 3 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | November 3 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | November 3 | Friday |
| 2029 | November 3 | Saturday |
| 2030 | November 3 | Sunday (observed on Monday, Nov 4) |
| 2031 | November 3 | Monday |
| 2032 | November 3 | Wednesday |
| 2033 | November 3 | Thursday |
| 2034 | November 3 | Friday |
| 2035 | November 3 | Saturday |
How to Celebrate Culture Day in Japan
Befitting its name, Culture Day offers a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional and modern Japanese culture, from calligraphy and tea ceremonies to music, literature, and film.
1. Check Out All the Free Museums
Throughout the duration of Culture Day, many museums across Japan offer entry completely free of charge. A few examples of participating museums include:
- Tokyo National Museum. Located in Ueno, Tokyo, this is Japan’s oldest and largest museum, showcasing a vast collection of Japanese art, archaeology, and cultural artifacts.
- National Museum of Modern Art (MOMAT). Situated near Kitanomaru Park, Tokyo, MOMAT features 20th- and 21st-century Japanese and international modern art, including paintings, sculptures, and prints.
- National Museum of Western Art. Also in Ueno, Tokyo, this museum specializes in European art from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, with works by masters such as Rodin and Monet.
- National Museum of Nature and Science. Found in Ueno, Tokyo, this museum offers interactive exhibits on natural history, technology, and science.
- Printing Museum. Located in Bunkyo, Tokyo, this small but fascinating museum explores the history and techniques of printing, from traditional woodblock prints to modern digital methods.
2. Watch a reenactment of a Daimyo procession in Kanagawa at the Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu
The Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu is a parade that takes place in Hakone-Yumoto and features a plethora of activities that attendees are guaranteed to enjoy. The parade will feature a reenactment of a traditional Daimyo procession, with reenactors dressed up as samurai, geisha, and feudal lords to imitate the over-the-top extravagance that was on display during ancient Daimyo processions, along with the feudal lord’s flaunting of wealth. Additionally, there will also be a marching band present during the parade to amplify the vibrant atmosphere.
If you are looking for a historical reenactment with ties to the area’s local history, then the Hakone Daimyou Gyoretsu is a must-do during your Bunka no Hi festivities.
Location: 405 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311
Date: Nov. 3
Time: 11:30 – 15:00
Admission: Free
3. Watch Japanese Cultural Demonstrations at the Meiji Shrine Autumn Grand Festival
The Meiji Shrine Autumn Grand Festival is an annual, three-day celebration (November 1-3) of the late Emperor Meiji of Japan at the Meiji-Jingu Shrine near Harajuku. For festivities on Culture Day, activities such as horseback archery (yabusame), lute performances (satsuma biwa), ancient weapons (kobudo), and martial arts (aikido) the festival for guests to enjoy.
The events in the days preceding Culture Day provide guests with plenty of entertainment. This includes traditional Japanese music shows, known as Sankyoku, and classical Japanese theater, such as Noh and Kyogen. Take the opportunity to visit earlier to fully enjoy all of the festivities.
If you are looking for a varied experience that covers a wide range of Japanese traditions and displays, the Meiji Shrine Autumn Grand Festival will not disappoint. If you have an interest in attending more Japanese cultural festivals throughout the year, take a look at our article listing notable Japanese festivals that you cannot miss out on!
Location: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557
Date: November 1-3
Time: 6:10 – 16:10
Admission: Free
4. Witness Lively Japanese Yosakoi Dance Performances at the Dream Yosakoi Festival
The Dream Yosakoi Festival is a 2-day event taking place in Odaiba on the first day (November 2) and in Marunouchi on the second (November 3). This energetic festival celebrates the Yosakoi dance art form and features thousands of performers.
During this festival, you will experience thousands of dancers from all over Japan coming together and performing their interpretations of the Yosakoi dance, a style of dance that combines traditional Japanese elements with a modern flair. Naruko Rattles are staples of this dance form, and their iconic sound will fill the stages during the festival as the dancers’ spirited performances inspire awe in the audience.
If you are looking for a high-energy spectacle, the Dream Yosakoi Festival is the place to be on Bunka no Hi! To learn more about this must-visit festival, check out our other blog post covering the specifics: What is the Dream Yosakoi Festival?
Location:
1-4-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo 135-0091 (Day 1)
2-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Day 2)
Date: November 2 – 3
Time: 10:30-21:00
Admission: Free and paid viewing options
5. Participate in a Bunkasai
Cultural festivals, also called bunkasai, are events held at high schools and universities across Japan. It often happens during the fall and coincides with Culture Day, where students can celebrate the holiday together. Additionally, many of these institutions invite the general public to celebrate the festivities with them.
The students often provide food, perform live music, display their academic achievements, and host creative activities during their bunkusai to showcase their talents and hard work. Not only is attending a bunkasai a great way to support students and their accomplishments, but these events are also guaranteed to be a fun way to spend your Culture Day with locals and become immersed in Japanese school culture.
If you are looking for an organized event that will give you a glimpse into Japanese life, attending one of the many bunkusai should be at the top of your bucket list!
6. Watch News Coverage of the Prestigious Order of Culture Awards
Tuning into the Order of Culture Awards (Bunka Kunsho) is a significant staple of Culture Day. The event is a highly respectable, private ceremony that is held annually at the Imperial Palace in Chiyoda, Tokyo. This ceremony celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments achieved by those who have played prominent roles in influencing Japanese culture and society.
The award ceremony is a prestigious event, with the recipient of the medal having it personally bestowed upon them by the emperor of Japan himself. Previous recipients of the Order of Culture award span across a diverse portfolio of fields, including prominent scientists, athletes, medical experts, artists, and actors, among many other unique categories. While it may be a closed ceremony, people can still watch coverage of the event on television.
Location: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111 (closed off to the public)
Date: November 3
Other Unique Cultural Experiences You Can Do During Culture Day
Of course, celebrating Culture Day does not always mean attending bunkasai, city events, or doing something elaborate. Simple day-to-day or weekend activities can also be a great way to bond with friends. You can still enjoy and appreciate Japanese culture while keeping things casual.
1. Learn how to do calligraphy at a workshop
A popular activity to participate in during Culture Day is learning how to write calligraphy. The Japanese language created its own unique spin on Chinese calligraphy called shodo, which translates to “the way of writing”. This stylized, intricate form of writing originated in ancient China and was adopted by the Japanese with the introduction of Chinese writing systems.
Participating in a calligraphy workshop can be a tranquil, therapeutic escape from the hustle and bustle of the major festivities, as the zen-like atmosphere and intense focus induce a state of meditation. There are many options to choose from, ranging from one-on-one personal sessions to larger group settings, as well as price ranges to accommodate each budget.
If you wish to increase your understanding of calligraphy before your workshop, feel free to read our article touching on important aspects of Japanese calligraphy.
2. Relax your muscles and soothe your mind at an onsen
Do you prefer a more peaceful and relaxing day away from all the high-energy sounds of festivals? Look no further than a traditional Japanese hot spring, also called an onsen. Bathing in an onsen is a rejuvenating pastime that many Japanese people partake in. Onsens not only provide a soothing effect on the mind and body, but they also have numerous health benefits, which result in people returning time and time again.
Onsen can alleviate muscle and joint pain due to the soothing effects of the warm water and the minerals present within the hot springs. Onsen can also encourage healthy skin and beauty, as silica, a common mineral in Japanese onsen, is known to improve hydration and tighten the skin. Sulfur is another mineral frequently present in onsen, which has been linked to reducing acne and dermatitis.
Both natural onsen (tennen onsen) and artificial onsen (jinkou onsen) provide a well-deserved environment tailored to relaxation and peace. With Halloween weekend having just passed, a day trip to an onsen may be the perfect retreat that your mind and body need during Culture Day. If you are looking for great onsen, including those that are tattoo-friendly, check out our article to give you some must-visit onsen recommendations
3. Participate in a traditional tea-making ceremony
Have you ever wondered why Japanese teas taste so delicious? Have you ever wanted to experience what their tea-making process looks like firsthand? Then a traditional tea-making ceremony (sadou) would be the perfect activity to spend your Culture Day doing! These ceremonies date back over a thousand years and have maintained the ancient Japanese methods for making tea into the modern day.
These ceremonies emphasize the importance of traditional tools, such as bamboo whisks (chasen), tea scoops (chashaku), tea bowls (chawan), ladles (hishaku), cold water containers (mizusashi), and tea clothes (chakin), to name a few. All of these tools, combined with meticulous step-by-step adherence to traditional preparation guidelines, create a unique atmosphere that blends the comfort and warmth of drinking tea with a more profound appreciation of the art form that goes along with it. If you are seeking a tranquil experience that also combines educational and historical value, attending a traditional tea ceremony is a great option for Bunka no Hi, be it by yourself or with friends!
Conclusion
There is a never-ending sea of fun activities and festivities to participate in on Culture Day, which is exactly why we created this guide as a helpful roadmap to navigate Culture Day’s most noteworthy events.
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FAQ
Why is Culture Day celebrated in Japan?
Culture Day is a celebration dedicated to promoting both the achievements stemming from Japanese society as well as the nation’s peace and prosperity.
What do Japanese people do on Culture Day?
People typically attend one of the many parades which occur on Culture Day and take a visit to museums which are offering free entry for all guests during the holiday.
Are places closed on Culture Day in Japan?
Many government buildings, offices, and banks are closed on Culture Day; however, this is not true for many restaurants, shops, and museums, which typically remain open during the holiday. It is best to check how public holidays may affect business hours on their respective websites.
Is Culture Day a national holiday?
Yes, Culture Day is celebrated and recognized all across Japan, with different festivities taking place around the entire country to celebrate the holiday.
What happens in Japan on Culture Day?
On Culture Day, people celebrate Japanese culture by way of academic, artistic, scientific, cultural, and technological achievements. There are numerous festivals and special events that take place all across Japan during this holiday, and many people will partake in these festivities to celebrate Japanese culture and society.
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