Not only are there more official national holidays in Japan than in almost any other country in the world, there are also a host of other celebrations and festivities in Japan throughout the year. The Japanese are masters at borrowing something foreign, giving it a uniquely Japanese twist and ramping up the celebrations to level 10. Here are some non-official public holiday festivities in Japan. Naturally there are hundreds, of other smaller local festivals at different places and different times throughout the year, but below we have listed some of the major ones.
*For more information on official national holidays in Japan, click here.
Setsubun (February 3: fluctuates yearly)
Setsubun is a traditional Japanese festival that is celebrated on the day before the first day of spring, according to the lunar calendar. The word “setsubun” means “seasonal division” and it marks the end of winter and the start of spring.
One of the main traditions of Setsubun is the ‘mamemaki’, or ‘bean-throwing’ ceremony. This involves throwing roasted soybeans out of the house or temple, while shouting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” which means “Out with demons! In with good luck!” The beans are believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year.
Another tradition is eating ‘ehomaki’, a sushi roll with seven ingredients, all eaten in silence, facing a certain direction; the direction of the deity Toshitokujin’, wherever that be.
Valentine’s day and White day (February 14 & March 14)
Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th in Japan, just as in other countries. On this day in Japan, it is traditional for women to give chocolate gifts to men; colleagues, friends, or significant others. There are two types of chocolate gifts that are given, ‘Giri-choco’ which is given to colleagues or friends as a token of appreciation, and ‘honmei-choco’ which is given to a significant other as a romantic gesture.
White Day, celebrated on March 14th, was created in Japan as a counterpart to Valentine’s Day. On White Day, men are expected to return the favor, and give gifts to the women who gave them chocolate on Valentine’s Day. It is also a day for men to give gifts to their significant others.
Both Valentine’s Day and White Day have been popular in Japan for many years and have become an important part of Japanese culture. However in recent years, there has been a waning in popularity and chocolate sales have been declining, as it is no longer considered a requirement to give gifts to work colleagues. Another interesting trend in the last couple of years has been people buying chocolates for themselves instead of for others.
Hina Matsuri (March 3: fixed)
Hina Matsuri, also known as Girl’s Day or Doll’s Festival, is a traditional Japanese holiday that is celebrated on March 3rd each year. The holiday is primarily for the celebration of young girls and is a time for families to pray for the health and happiness of their daughters.
The main feature of Hina Matsuri is the display of hina dolls, which are traditional Japanese dolls that are dressed in ancient court clothing. These dolls are typically arranged in a tiered display, with the emperor and empress dolls at the top, followed by court ladies and musicians, and finally three levels of servants. These dolls are usually passed down from generation to generation and are considered heirlooms.
In addition to the setting up of a special Hina Doll display in the home, families often hold small parties or gatherings to celebrate. People also eat special foods on this day such as chirashizushi (a type of sushi) and hishimochi (a diamond-shaped, pink and white mochi).
Hanami (late-March to early-May, depending on the region)
Hanami, or ‘cherry blossom viewing’, is a popular tradition in Japan where people gather to appreciate the beauty of cherry blossom trees in bloom. This typically takes place from late March to early April, depending on the location and weather.
The exact timing of the cherry blossom blooms varies from year to year and can be affected by factors such as temperature, elevation and rainfall. The Japan Meteorological Bureau provides forecasts for the cherry blossom blooming dates in different regions of Japan, known as ‘sakura-zensen’, which can help people better plan their hanami events.
People often have picnics under the cherry blossom trees to enjoy the scenery and good company. Some popular hanami spots include parks, temples, and gardens. Hanami is also celebrated with food and drinks such as cherry blossom flavored sweets and sake.
The most popular flower for Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, in Japan is the ‘Somei Yoshino’. This variety of cherry blossom is known for its large, fluffy blossoms and is a symbol of spring in Japan. The pale pink and white flowers bloom en masse, covering the branches of the trees and creating a beautiful sight. Other popular cherry blossom varieties include the Yaezakura, which has larger and more colorful flowers, and the Shidarezakura, which is a weeping cherry blossom tree. Some other popular flowers that bloom during early spring and are also celebrated are the plum blossoms and peach blossoms.
Mother’s Day (second Sunday in May), and Fathers Day (third Sunday in June)
Mother’s Day in Japan, known as ‘haha no hi’ in Japanese, is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. It was established in 1926 to honor and appreciate mothers for their hard work and sacrifices for their children. On this day, many people give gifts or flowers to their mothers, and some families organize special events or gatherings to celebrate the day. Some people also visit their mother’s or grandmother’s grave to pay their respects.
Father’s Day in Japan, known as ‘chichi no hi’ in Japanese, is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It was established in 1948 to honor and appreciate fathers for their hard work and sacrifices for their family. On this day, many people give gifts, like sake, ties and socks, to their fathers, and some families organize special events or gatherings to celebrate the day. Some people also visit their father’s or grandfather’s grave to pay their respects.
Tanabata (July 7: fixed)
Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is a traditional Japanese festival that is celebrated on July 7th of each year. It is based on a Chinese legend about two stars, Vega and Altair, which are separated by the Milky Way and can only meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. The legend states that Vega represents the goddess Orihime and Altair represents the god Hikoboshi.
During Tanabata, people write their wishes on small strips of paper called ‘tanzaku’, and hang them on bamboo branches or trees. The bamboo and decorations are often colorful and very beautiful. The festival also features parades, traditional dances, and other performances.
Tanabata is celebrated in many regions of the country with slightly different traditions and customs.
Obon (mid-August: fluctuates yearly)
Obon, also known as ‘Urabon’, is a traditional Japanese holiday that is celebrated in mid-August. It is a time for honoring the spirits of one’s ancestors and it is a time when many people return to their hometowns to visit and tend to the graves of their ancestors.
The holiday is typically celebrated over a period of three days and it is a time for families to come together to remember and honor their ancestors. During Obon, people light lanterns, or ‘toro’ and float them on rivers or in the sea to guide the spirits of their ancestors back to the world of the living.
One of the most popular traditions associated with Obon is the dance, known as ‘bon-odori’, which is performed in a circle; it is a way to honor the spirits of the ancestors and to celebrate their return. People also eat special foods such as mochi (sweet rice cakes) and eel.
Halloween (the month of October, Oct 31)
Halloween, also known as ‘horo no hi” in Japanese, is not an official holiday in Japan, but it has become increasingly popular year by year over the last decade or so, especially among young people. Halloween is actually often stretched out to be celebrated throughout the whole month of October, and just like in other countries is a time for people to dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and attend parties and other events. Many shops, restaurants and other places have special promotions and put up decorations for Halloween, and the color orange can be seen almost everywhere from October 1st to the 31st.
Shichigosan (November 15: fixed)
Shichigosan, also known as ‘Seven-Five-Three Festival’, is a Japanese tradition that is celebrated on November 15th. It is primarily for children, particularly boys aged 3 and 7, and girls aged 3 and 5.
The holiday is believed to have originated in the Heian period (794-1185), as a way to pray for the health and well-being of children. On this day, many families take their children to shrines or temples to receive blessings and to pray for their health and happiness.
During Shichigosan, children are dressed in traditional clothing and are often given small gifts or money. Families also prepare special foods such as mochi (sweet rice cakes) and chitose ame (a type of candy).
Christmas in Japan (Dec 24-25; + the whole month of December)
Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan, but it has been a very popular month-long event for many years. As soon as the Halloween decorations are put away in Japan, many shops, cafes and shops begin to put up Christmas decorations, and start to play Christmas tunes; even with Christmas still weeks away. As November rolls over into December, the days get shorter and, and Christmas lights start to go up all around towns like Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and many others.
In Japan, Christmas is primarily celebrated by young people and foreigners; it is not as widely celebrated as in western countries. However, many shops and restaurants decorate for the holiday, and some even have special promotions or menus.
Unlike in the West, where Christmas is a time for families to come together for the traditional Christmas dinner or lunch, and gift-giving festivities, Japan has shifted the emphasis slightly. Christmas Eve is considered a time for romance, and young couples can be seen on dates all around town. Perhaps the romance of the ‘illumination’ of all the Christmas lights brought this on.
Another theme that has caught on in recent years, in the week before Christmas is the many groups of Santa hat-wearing runners, and motorcyclists that come out to celebrate. Groups of Santa runners, and Santa bikers can be seen making their way through the streets of Shibuya and Ginza, fully clad in their Santa gear, waving to cheerful onlookers.
Another interesting quirk of Christmas in Japan, is the obsession with having KFC chicken on December 24th. This tradition dates back to an extremely successfully marketing campaign by the company back in 1974. Still to this day, if you randomly ask a Japanese person on the street what they think of eating at Christmas, likely the answer will be KFC, offered up by the Colonel Sanders in a Santa hat.
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