Ever since we moved to Kyoto, especially in our first year here, a lot of things locals treat as “normal” felt strange—or honestly, confusing. One of the biggest surprises? Japan’s national holidays (public holidays).
It never occurred to me that having a day off could actually be a hassle. I mean, isn’t a national holiday supposed to be simple—everyone rests, end of story? Turns out, not always. Sometimes, even if your calendar clearly marks a date as a holiday, the name gives you zero clue that you actually have the day off. Take “Mountain Day” or “Marine Day.” From the names alone, you’d assume they’re just a nice nod to nature, not an official holiday. Some places have symbolic “days” like this too—dates you circle on the calendar, but life still runs as usual.
And then there are the ones like “Vernal Equinox Day” or “Autumnal Equinox Day.” Aren’t those just seasonal markers? Do they get time off for all 24 solar terms—or just these two? Or “Respect for the Aged Day”? It sounds sweet, but you’d expect it to be more of a card-and-cake thing, not an actual holiday.
And these holidays don’t just mean a day off—they change your entire daily rhythm.
For example, in Japan, public transit often runs on three different timetables: “Weekday,” “Saturday,” and “Sunday/Holiday.” More than once, we’d head out on a Monday, check the weekday schedule, and still end up standing there thinking, “Aren’t Japanese buses supposed to be super punctual? Why is this bus so late?” Then we’d realize it was a holiday, and the buses were running on a holiday schedule the whole time.
We’ve also made the mistake of picking a weekday to go shopping—thinking we’d avoid crowds—only to find the city center packed with people. Yet another day off with a name that doesn’t sound like time off at all. To make things trickier, some cafes and restaurants actually close on these holidays.
And here’s the weirdest part: even when you manage to dodge the actual holiday, you might go out the next day and think, “Wait...why are there still so many people out? Is this holiday ever going to end?” It’s not even Golden Week, yet every time there’s a holiday, it feels like it somehow stretches into a long weekend.
After a few too many surprises, we decided enough was enough. It was time for some serious research: what national holidays does Japan really have? Which dates truly come with time off—and which innocent-sounding names hide unexpected rules and cultural quirks?
What Exactly Is a “Shukujitsu”? Japan’s National Holiday Rules
In Japan, the word for a national holiday is “shukujitsu.” The full term is “Kokumin no Shukujitsu,” which literally means “Citizen’s Holiday.” Under Japan’s Act on National Holidays, these days are officially designated by the government to express gratitude, commemorate events, or reflect on values meaningful to the nation and its people.
Put simply, if it’s listed in the law—whether it’s Mountain Day or Respect for the Aged Day—it’s a real day off. Schools, companies, trains, buses, and even garbage collection often switch to holiday operations.
When a weekday falls between two national holidays, that day automatically becomes a “Citizen’s Holiday,” basically a bonus day off when a weekday sits between two national holidays.
One classic “Citizen’s Holiday” example:
If Constitution Memorial Day (May 3) and Children’s Day (May 5) fall in the same week, then May 4—which would normally be a workday—has officially been a “Citizen’s Holiday” since 1986.
Another example:
When Respect for the Aged Day (the third Monday in September) lines up just before Autumnal Equinox Day (September 22 or 23), the day in between (for example, September 22) becomes a holiday too. This combo creates what locals call “Silver Week,” a mini-long holiday. Paired with the weekend, it can turn into a 5-day break (for example, 2009, 2015, and 2026 all featured 5-day Silver Weeks). So in those years, Japan gets both a “Golden Week” and a “Silver Week.”
If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday usually becomes a substitute holiday called a “振替休日” (Furikae Kyūjitsu). In other words, the day off doesn’t disappear just because the date lands on a Sunday—it typically shifts to Monday instead.
Japan also has the Happy Monday System, which moves certain holidays to Mondays so more people can enjoy a 3-day weekend. Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi), Respect for the Aged Day (Keirou no Hi), and Sports Day (Taiiku no Hi, now called Sports no Hi) are all tied to Mondays in January, September, and October. The goal is simple: encourage domestic travel and improve work-life balance.
Japan’s holidays include traditional dates like the Vernal Equinox and Autumnal Equinox, as well as newer, policy-driven holidays that were later shifted under the “Happy Monday” system to create long weekends. Even if some names sound purely symbolic, they’re genuine days off.
A Snapshot of Japan’s Major National Holidays
Japan has 16 statutory national holidays each year. On top of that, the calendar often picks up additional days off through substitute holidays (when a holiday falls on Sunday) and occasional “Citizen’s Holidays” (when a weekday falls between two holidays). Depending on how dates land, that can push the total to around 18–19 days off in a given year.
Then factor in Obon in August (not a statutory holiday, but many companies give people 3–5 days off), plus the New Year’s break (often December 29 through January 3, when many businesses take 5–6 days off), and you could end up with 27–30 days off a year. That’s far more than the official holiday count. And because Japan generally doesn’t require “make-up workdays,” a day off is usually a day off—you won’t be asked to work a weekend to “pay it back.”
No wonder it sometimes feels like people in Japan are always on holiday.
Here’s the official list of Japan’s national holidays, published by Japan’s Cabinet Office: Japan Cabinet Office | National Holidays Overview. You can also download the CSV version to import into Google Calendar, Excel, or whatever planning tool you like.
So let’s break it down, season by season—here’s what national holidays look like throughout the year in Japan.
Winter & Early Spring National Holidays (January–March)
| Date | Holiday | Description |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | The first day of the year is called 元日 (Ganjitsu) in Japanese. Many people visit shrines for 初詣 (their first shrine visit of the year) to pray for peace and good fortune. |
| Second Monday of January | Coming of Age Day | Known as 成人の日 (Seijin no Hi), this day celebrates young adults who are turning 20. Many dress up in beautiful furisode kimonos or hakama and take part in official ceremonies—Kyoto’s streets feel extra festive. |
| February 11 | National Foundation Day | Called 建國記念日 (Kenkoku Kinenbi), this holiday commemorates the legendary founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu. Some families raise flags to celebrate. |
| Around March 20 | Vernal Equinox Day | Known as 春分の日 (Shunbun no Hi), this seasonal holiday is when many families visit graves and honor their ancestors—much like during the Autumnal Equinox. |
These January–March holidays trace Japan’s shift from winter into spring—from a quiet reset to big life milestones. New Year’s Day kicks off the year, while Coming of Age Day marks a turning point for young adults. The Vernal Equinox and National Foundation Day may look simple on the surface, but they’re rooted in deep respect for ancestors, history, and nature.
New Year’s Day (January 1) is technically a one-day holiday, but in practice, many companies close for the entire 年末年始休暇 (New Year’s break)—often from December 29 through January 3. Schools, offices, restaurants, grocery stores, and even major department stores may close as well. So if you’re traveling in Japan around New Year’s, don’t be surprised to see plenty of “closed” signs. When we first moved to Kyoto, the break felt especially long. By our second year, though, we noticed many places only closed from the afternoon of December 31 and reopened by January 2.
I first noticed Coming of Age Day because, all over Kyoto, you’ll see young women in gorgeous furisode kimonos taking photos with family and friends. It’s a winter scene you can only catch once a year. Kyoto City Hall hosts the city’s main “はたちを祝う記念式典” (Coming of Age Ceremony) for residents turning 20 that year. It’s a formal event—the mayor gives a speech, a new-adult representative delivers a declaration, and the program often includes performances, music, raffles, and reunions. Young women typically wear 振袖 (long-sleeved kimono), while young men often wear 羽織袴 (haori hakama).
The day before Coming of Age Day (the second Sunday of January), Sanjusangendo (Rengeo-in Temple) hosts a traditional archery tournament known as “全國大的大會 (Zenkoku Omato Taikai),” also called “三十三間堂通し矢 (Sanjusangendo Toshiya).”
It’s one of the first major cultural events of the year in Kyoto, drawing around 2,000 young archers from across Japan. It’s a beautiful blend of archery tradition and coming-of-age symbolism—and the outfits alone are worth the trip. Men wear traditional archery gear, while women often wear kimono and hakama with bright hair ornaments, carrying long bows. It’s considered a classic Kyoto winter tradition and one of the most memorable winter events in the city.
The Sanjusangendo Archery Tournament is often traced back to the Kamakura and Edo periods, when archery masters would shoot arrows the full length of the temple’s long hall. Over time, it became part of the coming-of-age celebration, blending martial tradition with the symbolism of adulthood.
On the same day, Sanjusangendo also holds a 楊枝加持 (Yanagi no Kaji, a willow ritual) for good health and fortune. Visitors can watch the archery up close and explore the temple’s thousand Buddha statues, too.
Vernal Equinox Day might look like just one of Japan’s 24 solar terms, so it’s easy to forget it’s a real national holiday. But in Kyoto, even if you don’t realize it’s a day off, you can’t miss the signs that it’s coming. Shops, department stores, and even train stations fill with posters and banners announcing “春分,” as if the whole city is whispering, “Spring is almost here.”
For people in Japan, the Vernal Equinox isn’t just a seasonal marker—it’s also an important time to visit family graves and honor ancestors.
Late Spring & Summer National Holidays (April–August)
| Date | Holiday | Description |
|---|---|---|
| April 29 | Showa Day | Called 昭和の日 (Showa no Hi) in Japanese, this marks the birthday of the late Emperor Showa and is the official start of Golden Week. |
| May 3 | Constitution Memorial Day | Known as 憲法記念日 (Kenpou Kinenbi), this holiday commemorates the enactment of Japan’s postwar constitution in 1947. |
| May 4 | Greenery Day | Called みどりの日 (Midori no Hi) in Japanese, it was originally tied to Emperor Showa’s birthday because of his love for nature. |
| May 5 | Children’s Day | Known as こどもの日 (Kodomo no Hi), this day is often associated with traditional Boys’ Day celebrations. Families put up carp streamers and eat rice dumplings wrapped in oak leaves. |
| Third Monday of July | Marine Day | Called 海の日 (Umi no Hi) in Japanese, this holiday marks the start of summer trips to the seaside and gives thanks for the ocean’s blessings. |
| August 11 | Mountain Day | Known as 山の日 (Yama no Hi), this was added in 2016 to celebrate mountains and encourage hiking and outdoor activities. |
| August 13–16 | Obon | Obon (お盆) isn’t an official national holiday, but many schools and companies close so families can return home—an important time for ancestor worship. |
The biggest summer break has to be Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク / Golden Week)!
Golden Week is one of Japan’s longest holiday stretches, anchored by April 29 (Showa Day), May 3 (Constitution Memorial Day), May 4 (Greenery Day), and May 5 (Children’s Day). When these dates line up with weekends—and when “Citizen’s Holidays” kick in (bonus days off created when a weekday falls between two holidays)—the break can stretch to 5–9 days. If one of these holidays falls on a Sunday, there’s usually a substitute holiday as well. It’s prime time for people to travel home or take trips across Japan.
Even though April 30, May 1, and May 2 aren’t technically public holidays, many companies encourage employees to take leave—or temporarily close their offices—turning them into unofficial holidays. When the dates line up perfectly, weekends and official holidays can merge into a 7- to 9-day stretch of consecutive days off. Shops, banks, and public services often adjust their hours during Golden Week, and flights, hotels, and major tourist attractions frequently see prices rise significantly. If you’re visiting Japan during this period, expect larger crowds and higher travel costs—unless you enjoy the festive atmosphere, it can make planning more challenging.
Marine Day and Mountain Day aren’t as large in scale as Golden Week, but many towns host fireworks displays, summer festivals, and outdoor events to mark the occasion.
In Kyoto, July means an entire month devoted to the 祇園祭 (Gion Festival), one of Japan’s most famous summer celebrations.
The liveliest days are July 16 and July 17. On the evening of July 16, known as 宵山, central Kyoto transforms into a vast pedestrian zone. Streets such as Shijo-dori and Karasuma-dori are closed to traffic, dozens of towering festival floats are illuminated, and rows of food stalls fill the streets. It’s crowded, but unforgettable.
On the morning of July 17, the 山鉾巡行 (Yamaboko Parade) takes over the city center, with massive floats rolling slowly through Kyoto’s main avenues. It’s the highlight of the entire festival season. Although the crowds are intense, walking through Kyoto’s busiest districts as they transform into a grand open-air celebration is a rare and memorable experience.
Summer in Kyoto also brings a seasonal tradition you won’t find just anywhere: the 川床 (also called 納涼床).
From May 1 through September 30, restaurants and cafes along the Kamogawa River in central Kyoto set up wooden platforms over the water. Guests dine above the flowing river, feeling the evening breeze and listening to the gentle sound below. It’s not just about the food—there’s a sense of seasonal ritual and summer coolness that feels uniquely Kyoto.
Sometimes, near Sanjo Bridge, you’ll see restaurant staff carrying wooden planks and string lights, assembling these riverside decks piece by piece. Watching the platforms take shape makes it feel as though summer is slowly unfolding before your eyes.
As summer winds down, Kyoto closes the season with a quiet yet powerful finale: Obon.
Obon (お盆) isn’t a national holiday, but many people in Kyoto take time off (known as お盆休み) to return home and honor their ancestors. On the final night, August 16, Kyoto’s iconic 五山送り火 (“Gozan Okuribi”) illuminates five mountainsides with giant bonfire characters—“大,” “妙,” “法,” “舟形,” “左大文字,” and “鳥居形”—to guide ancestral spirits back and mark the end of summer. It’s more than a ritual; it’s one of Kyoto’s most moving shared moments. We watch it every year, usually focusing on a different mountain each time. The display is brief, but standing quietly as the flames glow in the distance is something you never forget.
Autumn National Holidays
| Date | Holiday | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Third Monday of September | Respect for the Aged Day | Known in Japanese as 敬老の日 (Keirou no Hi), this holiday encourages people to show appreciation and respect for older generations. Many communities organize small ceremonies or local events. |
| Around September 22 | Autumnal Equinox Day | Called 秋分の日 (Shuubun no Hi), this holiday mirrors the Vernal Equinox—another occasion when families visit ancestral graves and pay their respects. |
| Second Monday of October | Sports Day | Originally called 体育の日 (Taiiku no Hi), this holiday was first established after the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and renamed スポーツの日 (Sports no Hi) in 2020. It promotes sports and healthy living nationwide. |
As autumn settles in, Japan’s pace shifts from summer’s energy to something quieter and more reflective.
September’s “敬老の日” (Respect for the Aged Day) and “秋分の日” (Autumnal Equinox Day) often fall close together on the calendar. One honors older generations; the other is a time for remembering ancestors. Many families use this period to visit ancestral graves and reconnect.
Then there’s October’s “スポーツの日” (Sports Day), a reminder for people across the country to stay active and celebrate physical well-being.
But for anyone living in Kyoto, the true highlight of autumn isn’t a particular holiday—it’s the colors that transform the entire city. From late October onward, red maples begin to blanket the hillsides, temple gardens, riverbanks, and quiet residential streets. Ginkgo trees turn a luminous gold beneath the autumn sun. The street outside our home is lined with ginkgos, and by mid-fall the entire road shimmers yellow in the breeze.
Watching Kyoto change color day by day is mesmerizing—it makes ordinary daily life feel vivid and renewed. It’s no wonder locals call this season “nishiki-aki,” or brocade autumn. Whether it’s a public holiday or not, the most beautiful part of the season isn’t marked on your calendar—it’s right outside your window.
Winter National Holidays
| Date | Holiday | Description |
|---|---|---|
| November 3 | Culture Day | Known as 文化の日 (Bunka no Hi) in Japanese, this holiday promotes freedom of expression and cultural appreciation—many schools and universities host annual culture festivals. |
| November 23 | Labor Thanksgiving Day | Called 勤労感謝の日 (Kinrou Kansha no Hi), this holiday is rooted in the ancient Shinto harvest ritual “Niinamesai” and is now a day to give thanks for work and workers. |
| February 23 | Emperor’s Birthday | Known as 天皇誕生日 (Tennou Tanjoubi), this marks the birthday of the current Emperor Naruhito, when parts of the Imperial Palace are opened to the public for a rare appearance by the Emperor. |
Winter has fewer national holidays, and the season carries a noticeably quieter pace. The two November holidays—文化の日 (Culture Day) and 勤労感謝の日 (Labor Thanksgiving Day)—have a gentle, reflective feel. They remind people that even as the year winds down, there is still space to celebrate art, learning, gratitude, and the dignity of work.
The date of the 天皇誕生日 (Emperor’s Birthday) depends on the current emperor’s actual birthdate. When the throne changes, so does this national holiday.
By this time of year, Kyoto settles into a chilly rhythm. The holidays feel subdued, daily life slows, and there’s always that quiet anticipation of snowfall. Kyoto doesn’t see heavy snow very often—sometimes it’s just a soft, symbolic flurry. Even a light dusting, though, can transform the city into something quietly breathtaking.
Travel Tips for Visiting Japan During National Holidays
- Transport runs on holiday timetables: Across Japan, JR trains, subways, and buses typically operate on a Sunday or holiday schedule. Expect fewer departures and check connections in advance.
- Some shops may close: Independent cafés, small galleries, and boutique stores often close on national holidays, even if major chains remain open.
- City centers can be crowded: Even when a holiday falls midweek, popular districts and tourist areas may feel like a weekend—especially during long holiday stretches.
- Seasonal foods appear everywhere: From Setsubun’s eho-maki sushi rolls to New Year’s osechi feasts and the midsummer tradition of eating eel, Japan’s holiday calendar is closely tied to food culture.
- Look for local events: Shrines, neighborhood festivals, flea markets, and traditional performances often coincide with national holidays—offering a deeper glimpse into everyday life in Japan.
Non-Public Holidays in Japan: Traditional and Cultural Observances
| Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Around February 3 | Setsubun | Known as 節分 (Setsubun) in Japanese, this seasonal marker is when people throw roasted soybeans to ward off evil spirits and welcome spring. Many Kyoto shrines host lively Setsubun festivals featuring bean-throwing ceremonies and purification rituals. |
| February 14 | Valentine’s Day | In Japan, Valentine’s Day (バレンタインデー) follows a unique custom: women give chocolates to men—whether romantic partners, coworkers, or friends—giving rise to the well-known tradition of “義理チョコ” (giri-choco, or courtesy chocolate). |
| March 3 | Girl’s Day | This family celebration, called 雛祭 (Hinamatsuri), sees families display decorative hina dolls and prepare special sweets and rice dishes to wish girls health and happiness. |
| March 14 | White Day | On White Day (ホワイトデー), men return gifts received on Valentine’s Day—often with candy, cookies, or small tokens of appreciation. |
| Second Sunday of May | Mother’s Day | Mother’s Day, or 母の日 (Haha no Hi), is celebrated with carnations and thoughtful gifts. Shops and supermarkets introduce seasonal displays to highlight family appreciation. |
| Third Sunday of June | Father’s Day | Father’s Day, called 父の日 (Chichi no Hi), is more understated, though many families still mark the day with small gifts such as beer or practical items. |
| Late July to Early August | Doyo no Ushi no Hi | Known as 土用の丑の日 (Doyo no Ushi no Hi), this traditional midsummer day—sometimes occurring once or twice during the hottest period of the year—is associated with the custom of eating eel for stamina. Eel restaurants often see long lines, and even casual chains introduce limited-time eel dishes. |
Beyond Japan’s official national holidays, there are many widely observed cultural days that are not statutory public holidays. Some originate in ancient seasonal customs, while others are shaped by modern media and commercial traditions. They do not affect transport schedules or government offices, but they still influence everyday life in subtle yet noticeable ways.
Take Setsubun in February, for example—families scatter roasted soybeans to symbolically drive away misfortune and welcome spring. Many Kyoto shrines hold large Setsubun festivals during this time. When we first moved here, I assumed Setsubun must be an official holiday—only to discover that it isn’t. Meanwhile, Valentine’s Day and White Day in February and March create a noticeable seasonal buzz in shops and offices alike.
Girl’s Day on March 3 is marked by the display of elegant hina dolls, expressing hopes for girls’ safety and happiness. (It does make you wonder why Children’s Day is a national holiday while Hinamatsuri remains a cultural celebration.)
Next come Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in May and June—heartfelt but non-official occasions for expressing gratitude. And then there’s 土用の丑の日 (the Day of the Ox) in midsummer, a vivid example of how Japan’s food culture aligns with the seasons. The custom of eating eel for stamina is so deeply rooted that specialty eel restaurants fill up quickly, and even nationwide chains introduce seasonal menu items.
These observances may not be official “national holidays,” yet they can noticeably shift the atmosphere of a city. They offer a meaningful glimpse into how Japan weaves ritual into everyday life. If you happen to visit Japan during one of these cultural days, they provide a different—and often more intimate—way to connect with local traditions.