Japan thrives economically. It’s no surprise you consider working and perhaps even settling there. If so, we have some good news. Japan observes 16 national holidays throughout the year which is quite a lot compared to other countries.
Moreover, holidays that fall on Sunday are moved to the next working day instead. Some companies also give their employees additional holidays from the 29th of December to the 3rd of January, though they’re not obliged to do so.
Another neat feature is that every working day between two public holidays also becomes a day off.
Japanese holidays are a collection of special days that celebrate nature and important historical events. In this article, we’ll introduce you to all 16 public holidays in Japan when you’d better not be working.
New Year’s Day (Shogatsu)
It’s safe to say that every culture celebrates New Year’s Day in some way and the Japanese are no different. Since they follow the Gregorian calendar, it falls on the 1st of January.
What’s different is that New Year’s Day in Japan is tied to Shiho-hai, an imperial worship ceremony. For this reason, the celebrations last until the 3rd of January. The shrines and temples of Japan often get crowded during these festivities.
Shogatsu is often the time when Japanese families get together and throw feasts. Of course, it wouldn’t be a New Year’s Day celebration without good fireworks.
Coming-of-Age Day (Seijin no Hi)
The Coming-of-Age Day is a tribute to young people aged between 18 and 20. The Japanese associate these years with growth and maturity. It traditionally falls on the second Monday of January. Most institutions don’t operate on this national holiday.
National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi)
The Japanese are proud of their country and National Foundation Day manifests this pride. It falls on the 11th of February. This was the date when Japan was founded.
The Emperor’s Birthday (Tenno Tanjobi)
Currently, this Japanese public holiday falls on the 23rd of February. When his successor ascends to the throne, it will naturally change.
During this day, people can visit the palace and see the emperor. The palace otherwise remains inaccessible to the general public. Most institutions remain closed on the emperor’s birthday.
Vernal Equinox Day (Shunbun no Hi)
The Vernal Equinox Day celebrates the arrival of spring. The exact date isn’t fixed, but it usually falls on either March 20 or 21. On this day, night and day last equally long.
Japanese visit their families on this day. For some, it’s also the time to visit the graves and remember those who passed away.
Cherry blossoms begin to bloom around this time, prompting some people to visit nearby parks.
Showa Day (Showa no Hi)
Observed on the 29th of April, Showa Day commemorates the birthday of Emperor Hirohito. He saw Japan through a difficult period, namely World War II. This holiday marks the beginning of Golden Week, a week containing three other public holidays.
Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpo Kinenbi)
The second public holiday of the famous Golden Week, Constitution Memorial Day falls on the 3rd of May. As the name suggests, the Japanese remember the day they adopted the constitution.
The press focuses heavily on the feats of the Japanese government on this day. The National Diet Building opens to the public on this holiday as this is where the constitution was created.
The constitution changed after the infamous nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It now promotes pacifism and claims that people hold the true power of their country. The emperor is merely the state’s symbol, representing its citizens’ unity. These unfortunate events made this day all the more important for the Japanese.
Greenery Day (Midori no Hi)
This public holiday falls the day after the Constitution Memorial Day, on the 4th of May. Greenery Day honors Emperor Hirohito’s love for flora and nature in general. On this day, the Japanese pay tribute to nature and all its elements.
Both the Emperor and Empress attend this event which is based on the Afforestation Promotion Organization.
Children’s Day Holiday (Kodomo no Hi)
The last Japanese public holiday of the Golden Week, Children’s Day falls on the 5th of May. The government established this holiday back in 1948. Families celebrate this holiday by buying and decorating dolls. They also craft carp streamers which they let fly in the wind.
The goal of this holiday is to cherish children and ensure their happiness. Parents often pray to wish their children healthy and successful lives. They also draw their children’s baths with Irish leaves to repel diseases and other disasters.
Marine Day (Umi no Hi)
A public holiday since 1996, Marine Day falls on the third Monday of July. Since Japan is an island-bound country, the Japanese pay tribute to the sea and all the gifts it brings on this day.
The national aquarium hosts several events on Marine Day, such as water shows and water sports competitions. The Japanese Navy also adorns its ships with the national flag. Most businesses and institutions don’t operate on this public holiday.
Mountain Day Holiday (Yama no Hi)
As its name suggests, the Japanese honor the mountains of their country on this day. It falls on the 11th of August every year.
Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro no Hi)
This Japanese public holiday falls on the third Monday of September every ear. Its main goal is to cultivate an appreciation for elderly citizens. Originally a festival, it became a public holiday in 1966. Younger family members host parties for their elders as a token of respect.
Autumnal Equinox Day (Shubun no Hi)
The Autumn Equinox typically can fall on the 22nd, 23rd, or 24th of September. The equinox marks the day when the day and night last equally long. This is because the Sun just passes over the equator to the Southern hemisphere. After this day, nights become increasingly longer in the Northern hemisphere until the winter solstice.
Derived from Shintoism, the Autumnal Equinox was originally a time to celebrate the gods after a bountiful harvest. According to Buddhism, the line between the living and the dead becomes thin on the day of the equinox.
Sports Day (Supotsu no Hi)
Sports Day (formerly Health and Sports Day) became a public holiday after 1964. It commemorates the day when Tokyo became the first Asian city to host the Olympics. Originally observed on the 10 of October, it falls on the second Monday in October now. This change happened in 2000.
Many Japanese institutions organize sporting events on this day. It’s meant to promote physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.
Culture Day (Bunka no Hi)
Culture Day falls on the 3rd of November unless it happens to be a Sunday. In this case, it’s moved to next Monday. The origin of this holiday dates back to 1927. At that time, the Japanese celebrated the birthday of Emperor Meiji, who ruled Japan between 1867 and 1912.
Over the years, it became the day when the Japanese honored their culture. On Culture Day, the national museum is open to the public and entrance is free. Scientists and artists also receive awards for their accomplishments on this day.
Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro Kansha no Hi)
This Japanese public holiday falls on the 3rd of November. If this day is Sunday, it’s moved to the following Monday instead. On this day, the emperor places an offering in the form of harvest rice to the gods before eating his own fill. This ritual dates to ancient times and people used it to celebrate a good harvest.
Japanese labor organization sponsors many events on these days. Children in nursery schools often make gifts for police officers. These gifts are tokens of gratitude for the protection they provide. Other schools instead take them on field trips.
FAQ about the public holidays in Japan
How many national holidays are there in Japan?
In Japan, there are now 16 national holidays. Everyone in the nation, including companies and schools, observes these government-designated holidays.
What is the difference between a national holiday and a commemorative day in Japan?
In contrast to commemoration days, which are not regarded official holidays but are acknowledged by the government as significant events or people, national holidays in Japan are declared by the government and are commemorated by everyone in the nation. Governmental entities typically celebrate commemorative days, although corporations and schools are not required to.
When are the Golden Week holidays in Japan?
National holidays are known as “Golden Week” and take place from late April to early May. Showa Day is observed on April 29, Constitution Memorial Day is observed on May 3, Greenery Day is observed on May 4, and Children’s Day is observed on May 5. Japanese workers typically take these holidays all at once, providing them a long vacation time.
What are the traditional customs and activities associated with Japanese public holidays?
Depending on the holiday, several traditional practises and pastimes are linked with Japanese public holidays. For instance, many Japanese people travel to shrines or temples on New Year’s Day to pray for luck in the following year. People congregate for the Cherry Blossom Festival, which occurs in late March or early April, to ogle the stunning cherry blossoms in parks and gardens.
Are shops and restaurants open during public holidays in Japan?
While a number of establishments in Japan remain open on public holidays, others may have shortened hours or close earlier. Nonetheless, some establishments could close for a few days for important holidays like New Year’s Day and Golden Week.
What are the main reasons for celebrating public holidays in Japan?
Public holidays in Japan are mostly observed to honour significant occasions or figures from Japanese history, as well as to allow people a chance to relax and spend time with their families. Public holidays offer individuals the chance to take part in cultural events and traditions.
What are some popular destinations to visit during public holidays in Japan?
In Japan, popular vacation spots include Kyoto during the Cherry Blossom Festival, Tokyo on New Year’s Day, and Hiroshima on the International Day of Peace. Many individuals travel both domestically and abroad during Golden Week.
Are public transportation services affected during public holidays in Japan?
On public holidays, public transportation services in Japan may be impacted, with some trains and buses operating on a shortened schedule. When travelling in Japan over the holidays, it’s crucial to research schedules and make travel plans in advance.
Are foreigners allowed to participate in public holiday events and festivals in Japan?
In Japan, activities and festivals held on public holidays typically permit participation by foreigners. Many events are free and open to everyone, and neither specific licences nor invitations are necessary. When taking part in public holiday celebrations, it’s crucial to observe Japanese customs and traditions.
Are there any unique or unusual public holidays celebrated in Japan that are not found in other countries?
Coming of Age Day, which is observed on the second Monday of January, is one of the unusual public holidays observed in Japan. Japanese people who turned 20 the previous year dress up in traditional attire and attend festivities to signify their entry into adulthood on this day. Some nations do not observe this holiday.
Final Thoughts on public holidays in Japan
Compared to the western world, Japanese holidays are unique and refreshing. Apart from historical ones, most of them celebrate the connection between humans and nature.
Japan observed 16 national holidays in total. When they fall on a Sunday, they usually move to the next Monday instead. Most employers give their workers paid time off on these holidays.
If you liked this article about public holidays in Japan, you should check out this one on how many working days there are in a year.
You should also check out these other articles of ours about French public holidays, South Korean holidays, Singapore public holidays, New Zealand holidays, and also public holidays in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US.
