Holidays in Japan

• 2024
• 2025

According to the Public Holiday Law, Japan has 16 official holidays (shukujitsu). Special importance is given to the Golden Week (黄金週間 Ōgon Shūkan), which has four holidays that follow almost consecutively: Shōwa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day and Children's Day.

Since 2000, Japan has had the Happy Monday System Law, under which Japanese holidays such as Coming of Age Day, Marine Day, Respect of the Aged Day, and Health and Sports Day were decided to be celebrated on fixed Mondays, creating longer weekends.

Japan holidays offer a unique combination of cultural traditions and modern celebrations, providing both locals and tourists an opportunity to experience the country's rich history and natural beauty throughout the year.

The guide below contains a comprehensive list of Japan's biggest holidays, giving insight into their significance and how they are celebrated.

Coming of age is a celebration of young individuals who have turned 20, which is the age at which they are entitled to vote, marry without parental authorization, and consume alcohol. A distinguishing feature of this holiday is the ceremony held at temples, where families gather and the celebrants wear their finest attire. Girls dress in colourful winter kimonos, while young men wear hakama trousers and a haori jacket.

This holiday commemorates the founding of the Japanese state by Emperor Jimmu, whose reign began in 660 BC. According to legend, Jimmu was a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu, representing the divine origin of the Japanese imperial family. In earlier times, Foundation Day was celebrated with large national festivities, such as the celebration of Japan's 2600th anniversary of the founding of the Empire in 1940. Today, it is an opportunity to demonstrate patriotism during flag-raising ceremonies and rallies held across the country.

Since 2020, Emperor Naruhito's birthday has been celebrated as a national Japanese holiday, following his ascension to the throne on October 22, 2019. On this day, the public is allowed to visit the Imperial Palace courtyard to see the Emperor and the imperial family. The Emperor greets the crowd, and visitors wave small Japanese flags in return to honour him.

Higan is celebrated at the end of March to commemorate the Vernal Equinox, which marks the transition from winter to spring (March 20-21). Officially, it is described as a day to celebrate nature and show love for all living things. Traditionally, the Japanese spend this time to visit ancestral graves and tidy them up. The celebration lasts for seven days, with the first three and the last three days surrounding the equinox holiday. Throughout the week, people show gratitude for nature, seek spiritual harmony, and perform memorial rites to honour their ancestors.

Originally dedicated to the birthday of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito), who ruled during World War II and the post-war era, this holiday honours the memory of his reign. After his death, the holiday was renamed Greenery Day, but the tradition of meditating on the Emperor's life and deeds remained. Since 2006, the holiday has been known as Shōwa Day, and Greenery Day was moved to May 4. Shōwa Day marks the beginning of Golden Week, a time when holidays are clustered, allowing Japanese people to take extended holidays and travel across the country. Shōwa Day is one of the key Japan holidays that highlights the nation's rich history.

This holiday commemorates the adoption of Japan's present Constitution, which entered into force in 1947 following World War II. Known as the "Pacifist Constitution" due to Article 9, which enshrines Japan's renunciation of war and the maintenance of an army for international conflict resolution, it is a cornerstone of the country’s legal system. On Constitution Memorial Day, visitors can tour Japan’s Parliament building and attend public lectures and debates about the country's legal, social, and future issues.

Greenery Day celebrates the beauty of nature and emphasises the importance of environmental conservation. Originally linked to Emperor Shōwa’s love of nature, the holiday has now evolved into a symbol of environmental awareness. Events such as tree planting and activities aimed at protecting natural resources are organized across Japan.

Children’s Day, or Tango no Sekku, focuses on the health and well-being of boys. Koinobori, carp-shaped windsocks symbolizing strength and success, are displayed on homes. The carp represents courage and perseverance in Japanese mythology, as it is known to swim upstream against the rivers' strong currents. Traditional dishes such as rice cakes with bean paste and chimaki (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves) are prepared for the celebration, which concludes the Golden Week. As one of the important Japanese holidays, Children's Day celebrates family values and cultural traditions.

Marine Day celebrates the importance of the sea in Japanese life. On this holiday, people express their gratitude to the sea and wish for the well-being of Japan. It also marks the end of the school year and the beginning of the swimming season, which lasts until August 15. Officially recognized in 1996, the day is celebrated with maritime festivals, parades, and coastal events. Families and friends gather at the beach to enjoy water sports and festivities.

Mountain Day was introduced in 2016, making it one of the newest Japan holidays. With about 80% of Japan’s territory covered by mountains, these landscapes hold a special place in Japanese mythology and cultural traditions. This holiday was created to give people the chance to reconnect with nature, appreciate the beauty of the mountains, and emphasise the importance of environmental conservation. Mountain Day coincides with Japan’s holiday season, making it a perfect time for travel and outdoor activities in the mountains or natural surroundings.

Respect for the Aged Day is dedicated to showing respect and gratitude to the elderly for their contributions to the country. As Japan has one of the highest percentages of elderly people globally, this day emphasises the importance of caring for the older generation. Special events are held at nursing homes, and grandchildren often give presents and cards to their grandparents.

Similar to the Vernal Equinox, Autumnal Equinox Day is a time to honour ancestors and remember the deceased. Traditionally, no meat is consumed, and the primary meal is ohagi, which are sweet rice cakes filled with red bean paste, served during this season. The holiday also marks the end of the farming season, with many farmers expressing gratitude for the harvest. The exact date is set by the National Observatory, and until 2044, Autumnal Equinox Day will be celebrated on September 22 in leap years and September 23 in other years. As one of the seasonal holidays in Japan, it reflects the deep connection between culture, tradition, and nature.

Originally created to commemorate the opening of the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Health Day was first celebrated on October 10. Since its introduction, it has become an important element of school life in Japan, with many schools hosting “Undokai” – sports competitions involving children and their parents – on this day. The holiday emphasises the necessity of maintaining an active lifestyle for the overall well-being of society.

Culture Day is celebrated as a festival of culture and the arts, with various events taking place nationwide, including open houses at museums, parades, exhibitions, and more. The Imperial Palace also hosts a ceremony to present the Order of Culture, a prestigious award conferred to artists from around the world for their outstanding achievements. On this day, the Japanese dedicate themselves to cultural activities, attending theatres, concerts, and performances featuring traditional Japanese musical instruments. Among the many Japan holidays, Culture Day stands out for celebrating the country’s deep artistic and cultural traditions.

Labour Thanksgiving Day celebrates the value of work and acknowledges the importance of all workers in society. The holiday traces its roots to the ancient ritual of Niiname-sai, during which the Emperor offered freshly harvested rice to the gods of Heaven and Earth in gratitude for a good harvest. Today, it focuses on honouring the contributions of all workers, with events aimed at improving working conditions and raising awareness about the value of labour.