Japan celebrates 16 national holidays annually, each offering a glimpse into the country’s unique culture, history, and traditions. These holidays are a mix of modern celebrations and centuries-old customs, many of which align with seasonal changes or significant events in Japanese history.
In this guide, we’ll explore every national holiday in Japan, explaining their origins, traditions, and how they’re celebrated. Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious about Japanese culture, this guide will give you insight into these special days.
At Coto Academy, we’re dedicated to not only teaching the Japanese language but also helping our students connect with the culture and customs that make living in Japan such a rewarding experience. By understanding the meaning and traditions behind these holidays, you’ll gain deeper insight into life in Japan and how these special days bring people together.
2025 Japanese National Holiday Calendar 🗓️
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
| 1 January | Wednesday | 🎉 New Year’s Day |
| 13 January | Monday | 🎈 Coming of Age Day |
| 11 February | Tuesday | 🇯🇵 National Foundation Day |
| 23 February | Sunday | 🎂 The Emperor’s Birthday |
| 24 February | Monday | 🎂 The Emperor’s Birthday Holiday |
| 20 March | Thursday | 🌸 Vernal Equinox Day |
| 29 April | Tuesday | 🏯 Shōwa Day |
| 3 May | Saturday | 📜 Constitution Memorial Day |
| 4 May | Sunday | 🌿 Greenery Day |
| 5 May | Monday | 🎏 Children’s Day |
| 6 May | Tuesday | 🌿 Greenery Day Holiday |
| 21 July | Monday | 🌊 Marine Day |
| 11 August | Monday | 🏔️ Mountain Day |
| 15 September | Monday | 👵 Respect for the Aged Day |
| 23 September | Tuesday | 🍁 Autumnal Equinox Day |
| 13 October | Monday | 🏃 Health and Sports Day |
| 3 November | Monday | 🎭 Culture Day |
| 23 November | Sunday | 👷 Labour Thanksgiving Day |
| 24 November | Monday | 👷 Labour Thanksgiving Day Holiday |
For more details about the official holidays, you can refer to the Japanese Government Cabinet Office’s overview of national holidays here.
January
1. New Year’s Day (January 1 – 元日, Ganjitsu)
- What it’s about: New Year’s Day marks the start of the year and is one of Japan’s most important holidays. It’s a time for families to come together, reflect on the past year, and pray for good fortune.
- Traditions: Many people visit shrines for hatsumōde (初詣), the first shrine visit of the year, and eat osechi ryori (おせち料理), traditional New Year’s dishes. Other customs include sending nengajo (年賀状), New Year’s postcards, and giving otoshidama (お年玉), money envelopes, to children. A particularly important tradition on New Year’s Eve (Ōmisoka, 大晦日) is eating toshikoshi soba (年越しそば), or “year-crossing noodles.” These buckwheat noodles symbolize letting go of the hardships of the past year and inviting good fortune in the year ahead. The long, unbroken noodles are also thought to represent longevity.
Learning the vocabulary and cultural customs around national holidays in Japan can greatly enhance your language experience. Our Intensive Course provides deep dives into topics like Japanese celebrations, helping you confidently navigate traditions like hatsumōde. Join us to learn Japanese in a fully immersive environment!
2. Coming of Age Day (Second Monday of January – 成人の日, Seijin no Hi)
- What it’s about: This holiday celebrates young people who turn 20, the legal age of adulthood in Japan. It recognizes their transition into adulthood and encourages them to contribute to society.
- Traditions: Municipalities hold ceremonies for new adults, who often wear traditional furisode (long-sleeved kimono) or formal Western attire.
February
3. National Foundation Day (February 11 – 建国記念の日, Kenkoku Kinen no Hi)
- What it’s about: This holiday commemorates the founding of Japan, traditionally linked to the ascension of Emperor Jimmu, the country’s legendary first emperor.
- Traditions: While the celebrations are generally subdued, some people display the national flag and reflect on Japan’s history.
4. The Emperor’s Birthday (February 23 – 天皇誕生日, Tennō Tanjōbi)
- What it’s about: Celebrates the birthday of the reigning Emperor Naruhito, born on February 23, 1960.
- Traditions: The Imperial Palace in Tokyo opens to the public, allowing citizens and visitors to offer their congratulations.
March
5. Vernal Equinox Day (Around March 20 – 春分の日, Shunbun no Hi)
- What it’s about: This day celebrates the arrival of spring and is a time to appreciate nature and honor ancestors.
- Traditions: Families often visit graves to clean them and pay respects. It’s also a time for enjoying seasonal blooms, like plum or early cherry blossoms.
April–May (Golden Week)
6. Showa Day (April 29 – 昭和の日, Showa no Hi)
- What it’s about: This day honors Emperor Showa (Hirohito) and encourages reflection on his reign, including Japan’s recovery after World War II.
- Traditions: Many people use this day as the start of Golden Week, a series of holidays perfect for travel and leisure.
7. Constitution Memorial Day (May 3 – 憲法記念日, Kenpo Kinenbi)
- What it’s about: This holiday celebrated the promulgation of Japan’s postwar constitution in 1947.
- Traditions: It’s a day to reflect on democracy, peace, and the rule of law.
8. Greenery Day (May 4 – みどりの日, Midori no Hi)
- What it’s about: Originally a celebration of Emperor Showa’s love for nature, this day now encourages appreciation for the environment.
- Traditions: Many people spend the day outdoors, visiting parks, mountains, or botanical gardens.
9. Children’s Day (May 5 – 子供の日, Kodomo no Hi)
- What it’s about: The last day of Golden Week celebrates children’s health and happiness. Originally a boys’ festival, it now honors all children.
- Traditions: Families display koinobori (鯉のぼり), carp streamers that are symbolic of strength and perseverance, and serve special foods like kashiwa mochi (柏餅), rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves.
July
10. Marine Day (Third Monday of July – 海の日, Umi no Hi)
- What it’s about: This National holidays in Japan celebrates Japan’s relationship with the ocean, recognizing its role in the nation’s culture, history, and economy.
- Traditions: People enjoy beach trips, water sports, and seaside festivals.
August
11. Mountain Day (August 11 – 山の日, Yama no Hi)
- What it’s about: Japan’s newest holiday, established in 2016, encourages appreciation for mountains and nature.
- Traditions: Many people go hiking, explore mountain towns, or simply enjoy the outdoors.
September
12. Respect for the Aged Day (Third Monday of September – 敬老の日, Keiro no Hi)
- What it’s about: This holiday honors Japan’s elderly and their contributions to society.
- Traditions: Families visit grandparents or organize small celebrations. Communities often hold events to celebrate seniors.
Staying connected with Japanese traditions is easier with Coto Academy’s Online Lessons, which allow you to learn cultural phrases and etiquette from anywhere. Whether you’re in Japan or abroad, you can stay in tune with cultural events like 敬老の日 (Keiro no Hi) by learning how to express appreciation and gratitude in Japanese.
13. Autumnal Equinox Day (Around September 23 – 秋分の日, Shubun no Hi)
- What it’s about: Like Vernal Equinox Day, this holiday is about honoring ancestors and celebrating the change of seasons.
- Traditions: Visiting family graves and enjoying seasonal foods are common.
October
14. Sports Day (Second Monday of October – 体育の日, Taiiku no Hi)
- What it’s about: Originally created to commemorate the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, this day promotes sports and physical health.
- Traditions: Schools and communities often hold athletic events and competitions.
November
15. Culture Day (November 3 – 文化の日, Bunka no Hi)
- What it’s about: This day celebrates culture, the arts, and academic achievement.
- Traditions: Museums and cultural institutions often offer free or discounted entry. Parades and exhibitions showcase traditional and modern Japanese culture.
16. Labor Thanksgiving Day (November 23 – 勤労感謝の日, Kinro Kansha no Hi)
- What it’s about: A day to express gratitude for workers and reflect on labor and production.
- Traditions: While not widely celebrated publicly, families may use the day to rest and reflect.
Why Do Many Japanese Holidays Fall on a Monday?
If you’ve looked closely at Japan’s national holiday calendar, you might notice something unique: a lot of holidays fall on Mondays. This is no coincidence—it’s part of a system known as “Happy Monday” (ハッピーマンデー制度, Happī Mandē Seido).
Introduced in 2000, this system was designed to give workers and students more three-day weekends throughout the year. By moving certain holidays to Mondays, the government aimed to promote better work-life balance, encourage domestic travel and boost the tourism industry.
Which Holidays Are Affected by Happy Monday?
Several holidays are tied to this system, including:
- Coming of Age Day (January, second Monday)
- Marine Day (July, third Monday)
- Respect for the Aged Day (September third Monday)
- Sports Day (October, second Monday)
These long weekends, often referred to as “renkyū” (連休), are highly valued by Japanese workers, as they provide much-needed rest or opportunities to travel and spend time with family.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re visiting or living in Japan, it’s a good idea to plan ahead during these long weekends. Hotels, trains, and popular tourist destinations tend to get busier as many people take advantage of the extra day off. At the same time, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore lesser-known areas, attend local festivals, or simply relax.
Conclusion
National holidays in Japan offer a mix of reflection, celebration, and connection with nature. Whether you’re living in Japan or just visiting, these holidays provide a meaningful way to engage with the country’s culture and traditions.
At Coto Academy, we’re here to help you not only learn Japanese but fully immerse yourself in the culture. Our friendly, student-focused environment makes learning enjoyable and practical so you can confidently navigate holidays, traditions, and daily life in Japan. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, we offer flexible courses tailored to your needs.
FAQ
Japan has 16 national public holidays throughout the year. These holidays are officially recognized by the government and often aligned with seasonal changes or historical events.
Most businesses in Japan, including shopping malls, restaurants, and convenience stores, remain open on public holidays. However, banks, government offices, and post offices are typically closed. Tourist attractions such as temples, shrines, and museums are generally open and may even be busier than usual.
The New Year’s holiday (January 1) is considered the most important holiday in Japan. It is a time for family gatherings, traditional meals, and visits to shrines for hatsumōde (first shrine visit of the year). Businesses often close for several days during this period.
The longest public holiday is during Golden Week, which includes a series of four national holidays between April 29 and May 5. Many people take additional days off during this period to create an extended vacation, making it one of the busiest travel times in Japan.
No, most shops, supermarkets, and department stores remain open on public holidays. In fact, public holidays are often peak shopping days, and stores may even have special promotions or sales. However, smaller family-owned businesses or specialty shops in rural areas may close.
Yes, Japan follows the Happy Monday System, which shifts certain holidays, such as Coming of Age Day and Respect for the Aged Day, to Mondays to create three-day weekends. This encourages work-life balance and domestic travel.
Public holidays, especially during Golden Week, Obon, and New Year’s, are some of the busiest travel times in Japan. Expect higher prices for transportation and accommodations, and book tickets and hotels well in advance. Alternatively, visit less crowded destinations during these times.
Public transportation operates as usual on holidays, but trains, buses, and highways can become crowded, especially during peak travel seasons like Golden Week or Obon.
If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a substitute holiday (furikae kyūjitsu). This ensures that people still get a day off to observe the holiday.
Yes, national holidays are observed throughout the country. However, some regions, such as Tokyo, may have additional local holidays like Tokyo Citizen’s Day (October 1).
Public holidays are a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture. Visit temples or shrines, attend seasonal festivals, or enjoy nature by exploring parks and gardens. Many holidays are tied to specific activities, such as hiking on Mountain Day or enjoying the ocean on Marine Day.