There seems to be a national holiday in Japan for just about everything. Some are official national holidays, meaning a day off work, while others are unofficial days or mini-seasons of celebration, but with no official day off work. They come around so often in fact that it feels like as soon as one has finished, the next begins. Below, you’ll find a list of official national holidays in Japan. Some have historic significance, while others seem to have been created just to stop the quintessential Japanese salaryman from going to the office, forcing everyone to take a well-earned rest. The dates below are for 2023, however some of these dates vary from year to year.
Coming of Age Day (January 9, 2023: fluctuates yearly)
This holiday is celebrated on the second Monday of January. It was traditionally a day for young people who turn 20 to celebrate their transition into adulthood. However, recently with adulthood in Japan officially switching from 20 to 18, there is some confusion, as some seem to now celebrate at 18, while others wait until 20, and the 19 year olds are left wondering. On this day, those ‘coming of age’ dress in traditional Japanese clothing and attend ceremonies, or just enjoy a day out with friends, all dressed up to the nines. This generally means a kimono for the ladies, while men usually prefer a formal western suit. Coming of Age Day is an important rite of passage in Japanese culture, and is a time for young people to reflect on their responsibilities as adults and to look forward to their future.
National Foundation Day (February 11: fixed)
National Foundation Day, also known as ‘kenkoku kinen no hi’, commemorates the traditional founding of Japan by the legendary emperor Jimmu in 660 B.C. The holiday was established in 1872, during the Meiji era, as a way to promote a sense of national unity and to honor the emperor as a symbol of the nation. Ceremonies and events are held at the Imperial Palace, and at shrines and temples across the country. It is also a day for people to reflect on their responsibilities as citizens and to celebrate the culture of Japan.
In recent years, the holiday has come under criticism from some who argue that the idea of a single emperor founding Japan is a myth and that it should be celebrated in a way that is more inclusive of Japan’s diverse history and peoples.
Emperor’s Birthday (February 23: fixed)
In 2019, Emperor Hirohito who had been emperor since 1989, abdicated and thus handed the reigns over to his son and now emperor, Naruhito. February 23rd is Emperor Naruhito’s birthday, and therefore starting in 2020 this day became an official national holiday on the Japanese calendar. The previous emperor’s birthday (December 23rd) was reverted back to a regular old working day, instead of the national holiday that it had been from 1989 to 2019. Many a foreigner was a little annoyed at this change as December 23rd always used to be a handy extra day when heading home for the holidays. Alas, no longer the case.
Traditionally, a ceremony is held at the Imperial Palace on the emperor’s birthday, where gifts are offered to the emperor, and a parade is held in the palace grounds to celebrate the occasion.
Spring Equinox (March 21, 2023: fluctuates yearly)
The Spring Equinox, also known as ‘shunbun no hi’ or Vernal Equinox Day, is a national holiday in Japan and is celebrated around March 20th. It marks the astronomical start of spring and the equal hours of daylight and darkness.
In Japan, the equinox is considered a time for purification and renewal. Many people visit shrines and temples to participate in rituals and ceremonies that are associated with the new season, such as the custom of visiting graves to pay respects to ancestors, and the custom of cleaning the house and locals surroundings to welcome in the spring.
Golden Week (April 29 to May 5th)
Golden Week is a string of national holidays in Japan that typically takes place in the first week of May. It is one of the most popular vacation periods of the year in Japan, as the weather is usually ideal. Most companies and all government offices are closed, and many people take the opportunity to travel or to spend time with family and friends. Traffic out of Tokyo can be heavy at this time, as people venture back to their hometowns.
The Golden Week holidays include:
- Showa Day (April 29th) – Commemorates the birthday of the late Emperor Showa
- Constitution Memorial Day (May 3rd) – Commemorates the adoption of the current Japanese constitution (established in 1947)
- Greenery Day (May 4th) – A day to appreciate nature and the environment
- Children’s Day (May 5th) – A day to celebrate children and the hopes for their future
Ocean Day (July 17, 2023: fluctuates yearly)
Marine Day, often called Ocean Day, or ‘umi no hi’ in Japanese, is a public holiday celebrated on the third Monday in July. The purpose of the holiday is to officially give thanks and consider the importance of the ocean to Japan as a maritime nation. It also unofficially marks the start of the summer vacation, when many head to the beach to cool off.
Mountain Day (August 11: fixed)
Mountain Day, also known as ‘yama no hi’ in Japanese, is a national holiday that was established in 2014; it is the newest of Japan’s national holidays. Officially, the holiday was established to celebrate and appreciate the beauty of Japan’s mountains and to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the country’s natural environment. Unofficially, it gives everyone a break from the summer heat. Before 2014, there was no official national holiday in August (only the mid-August Obon holiday period, when most people take a week off, but which isn’t officially on the calendar), so everyone was happy to have one more day off to enjoy the sweltering heat of a Japanese summer.
Respect for the Aged Day (September 18, 2023: fluctuates yearly)
Respect for the Aged Day, also known as ‘keiro no hi’ in Japanese, is a national holiday that is celebrated on the third Monday of September. It was established in 1966 to honor and respect the country’s elderly population and to recognize their contributions to society.
On this day, people often visit and honor their elderly relatives and friends. Municipal governments and many other organizations hold events and ceremonies to recognize and appreciate the contributions of the elderly.
Autumn Equinox (September 23, 2023: fluctuates yearly)
The Autumn Equinox, also known as ‘shubun no hi’ or ‘Autumnal Equinox Day’, is celebrated around September 22nd. It marks the astronomical start of the fall and the equal hours of daylight and darkness.
The autumn equinox is a time for people to reflect on their lives and to think about the changes and new beginnings that come with the arrival of fall. It is also a time for people to honor their ancestors and to visit the graves of their loved ones to pay their respects.
Sports Day (October 9, 2023: fluctuates yearly)
Sports Day, also known as ‘taiiku no hi’ in Japanese, is a national holiday that is celebrated on the second Monday of October. It was established in 1966 to commemorate the opening of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and to promote the importance of sports and physical fitness in Japan.
Schools and other organizations hold sports events and competitions to promote physical fitness and healthy living. The holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Culture Day (November 3: fixed)
Culture Day, also known as ‘bunka no hi’ in Japanese, is a national holiday that was established in 1948 to celebrate and promote the country’s rich cultural heritage and to encourage the appreciation of traditional Japanese arts and culture.
On Culture Day, many museums, art galleries, and other cultural institutions offer free admission or special events and performances. Schools and other organizations hold cultural events and competitions to promote traditional Japanese arts and culture.
Labor Thanksgiving Day (November 23: fixed)
Labor Thanksgiving Day, also known as ‘kinro kansha no hi’ in Japanese, is a national holiday in Japan that was established in 1948 to appreciate the contributions of the country’s workers, and their contributions to modern Japanese society.
Labor Thanksgiving Day is an opportunity for people to reflect on the importance of hard work and dedication.
Japanese New Year (December 31st to January 3rd)
New Year, also known as ‘shogatsu’ in Japanese, is one of the most important holidays in Japan. It is celebrated from December 31st to January 3rd, and it marks the start of the new year according to the Gregorian calendar.
During New Year, families come together to celebrate and participate in traditional customs and rituals such as the ‘hatsu-mode’ (the first visit of the year to a shrine or temple), where people pray for good luck and health for the coming new year.
Another important ritual is the ‘oshogatsu’ or New Year’s food, which is a traditional Japanese meal that is enjoyed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. It typically includes dishes such as mochi (sweet rice cakes), ozoni (a type of soup), and ‘osechi-ryori’ (a type of traditional Japanese food).
New Year is also a time for people to reflect on the past year and to make resolutions for the new year. Many people take the time to visit friends and family, and to extend greetings for the new year.
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