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National Public Holidays

An overview of Japan's nationwide public holidays, which are established by law and observed across the country.

Sections

1. New Year’s Day (元日, Ganjitsu)

  • Date: January 1
  • Significance: Marks the beginning of the new year, a time for renewal and family gatherings.
  • Traditions:
    • Visiting shrines or temples for hatsumode (first prayer of the year).
    • Eating traditional foods like osechi ryori and mochi.
    • Sending nengajo (New Year’s greeting cards).
  • Impact on Daily Life:
    • Most businesses, government offices, and banks are closed.
    • Public transportation operates on a holiday schedule.
    • Shops and restaurants may have limited hours or special New Year’s sales.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • The New Year period (December 29–January 3) is a major holiday season, so expect crowded transportation and higher accommodation costs.

2. Coming of Age Day (成人の日, Seijin no Hi)

  • Date: Second Monday of January
  • Significance: Celebrates young people reaching adulthood (20 years old).
  • Traditions:
    • Ceremonies held at local government offices.
    • Participants wear traditional furisode (long-sleeved kimono) or formal suits.
  • Impact on Daily Life:
    • Public offices and schools are closed.
    • Some businesses may close or operate on reduced hours.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Great opportunity to witness traditional attire and ceremonies.

3. National Foundation Day (建国記念の日, Kenkoku Kinen no Hi)

  • Date: February 11
  • Significance: Commemorates the founding of Japan and the ascension of the first emperor, Emperor Jimmu.
  • Traditions:
    • Patriotic events and flag-raising ceremonies.
    • Some people visit shrines to pray for the nation’s prosperity.
  • Impact on Daily Life:
    • Government offices and schools are closed.
    • Most businesses remain open.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • A low-key holiday compared to others.

4. Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日, Shunbun no Hi)

  • Date: Around March 20 (date varies slightly each year)
  • Significance: Celebrates the arrival of spring and nature’s renewal.
  • Traditions:
    • Visiting family graves and cleaning them (a practice called ohigan).
    • Enjoying seasonal flowers like cherry blossoms.
  • Impact on Daily Life:
    • Public offices and schools are closed.
    • Some businesses may close or operate on reduced hours.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • A great time to enjoy Japan’s natural beauty.

5. Showa Day (昭和の日, Showa no Hi)

  • Date: April 29
  • Significance: Honors Emperor Showa and reflects on Japan’s post-war recovery.
  • Traditions:
    • Some people visit museums or historical sites.
  • Impact on Daily Life:
    • Marks the beginning of Golden Week, a major holiday season.
    • Expect crowded transportation and tourist spots.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Plan travel and accommodations well in advance.

6. Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日, Kenpo Kinenbi)

  • Date: May 3
  • Significance: Celebrates the promulgation of Japan’s post-war constitution in 1947.
  • Traditions:
    • Public discussions and events about democracy and governance.
  • Impact on Daily Life:
    • Part of Golden Week; expect closures and crowds.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Museums and cultural sites may host special events.

7. Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no Hi)

  • Date: May 4
  • Significance: Celebrates nature and environmental awareness.
  • Traditions:
    • Visiting parks and gardens.
  • Impact on Daily Life:
    • Part of Golden Week; expect closures and crowds.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Free entry to some national parks and gardens.

8. Children’s Day (こどもの日, Kodomo no Hi)

  • Date: May 5
  • Significance: Celebrates children’s happiness and health.
  • Traditions:
    • Displaying koinobori (carp streamers) and samurai dolls.
    • Eating kashiwa mochi (oak leaf-wrapped rice cakes).
  • Impact on Daily Life:
    • Part of Golden Week; expect closures and crowds.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Family-friendly events are common.

9. Marine Day (海の日, Umi no Hi)

  • Date: Third Monday of July
  • Significance: Honors the ocean’s importance to Japan as an island nation.
  • Traditions:
    • Beach outings and water-related activities.
  • Impact on Daily Life:
    • Public offices and schools are closed.
    • Beaches and coastal areas are crowded.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • A great time to enjoy Japan’s coastal beauty.

10. Mountain Day (山の日, Yama no Hi)

  • Date: August 11
  • Significance: Celebrates Japan’s mountainous landscapes.
  • Traditions:
    • Hiking and outdoor activities.
  • Impact on Daily Life:
    • Public offices and schools are closed.
    • Mountain trails and parks are crowded.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Ideal for nature enthusiasts.

11. Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日, Keiro no Hi)

  • Date: Third Monday of September
  • Significance: Honors the elderly and their contributions to society.
  • Traditions:
    • Family gatherings and visits to elderly relatives.
  • Impact on Daily Life:
    • Public offices and schools are closed.
    • Some businesses may close or operate on reduced hours.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Community events for seniors are common.

12. Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日, Shubun no Hi)

  • Date: Around September 23 (date varies slightly each year)
  • Significance: Celebrates the changing seasons and honors ancestors.
  • Traditions:
    • Visiting family graves and cleaning them (similar to Vernal Equinox Day).
  • Impact on Daily Life:
    • Public offices and schools are closed.
    • Some businesses may close or operate on reduced hours.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Another opportunity to enjoy Japan’s natural beauty.

13. Sports Day (スポーツの日, Supotsu no Hi)

  • Date: Second Monday of October
  • Significance: Promotes physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.
  • Traditions:
    • Sports events and school athletic meets.
  • Impact on Daily Life:
    • Public offices and schools are closed.
    • Some businesses may close or operate on reduced hours.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Great for participating in or watching local sports events.

14. Culture Day (文化の日, Bunka no Hi)

  • Date: November 3
  • Significance: Celebrates culture, arts, and academic achievements.
  • Traditions:
    • Cultural festivals, exhibitions, and parades.
  • Impact on Daily Life:
    • Public offices and schools are closed.
    • Museums and cultural sites may host special events.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Free or discounted entry to cultural institutions.

15. Labor Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日, Kinro Kansha no Hi)

  • Date: November 23
  • Significance: Honors workers and their contributions to society.
  • Traditions:
    • Ceremonies and events to appreciate labor and production.
  • Impact on Daily Life:
    • Public offices and schools are closed.
    • Some businesses may close or operate on reduced hours.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • A relatively quiet holiday.

16. Emperor’s Birthday (天皇誕生日, Tenno Tanjobi)

  • Date: February 23 (for Emperor Naruhito)
  • Significance: Celebrates the reigning emperor’s birthday.
  • Traditions:
    • Public access to the Imperial Palace for greetings.
  • Impact on Daily Life:
    • Public offices and schools are closed.
    • Some businesses may close or operate on reduced hours.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • A rare chance to visit the Imperial Palace grounds.

General Costs and Planning Tips

  1. Transportation: Public transportation operates on holiday schedules, which may mean reduced services or crowded trains and buses.
  2. Accommodation: Prices for hotels and ryokan (traditional inns) can increase significantly during major holiday periods like Golden Week, New Year, and Obon (not a public holiday but widely observed).
  3. Shopping and Dining: Many shops and restaurants remain open, especially in urban areas, but rural areas may see closures.
  4. Unique Considerations: Japan’s holidays often align with seasonal changes, making them ideal for enjoying nature, festivals, and cultural events.

By planning ahead and understanding the cultural significance of these holidays, you can make the most of your time in Japan!