Ever since we moved to Kyoto, especially during that first year, so many things locals just accepted as normal felt really strange—or honestly, pretty confusing. One of the biggest surprises? National holidays.
I’d never really stopped to think, can having a day off actually be a hassle? I mean, isn’t a national holiday just a day when everyone gets to relax? Turns out, it’s not always that simple. Sometimes, even if your calendar clearly marks it as a holiday, the name gives you zero clue that you actually have the day off. Take “Mountain Day” or “Marine Day”, from the name alone, you’d think it’s more of a nice nod to nature than an official holiday. Plenty of countries have these “just-for-show” days too: dates you circle on the calendar but still head to work like it’s any normal Monday.
And then there are the ones like “Vernal Equinox Day” or “Autumnal Equinox Day.” Aren’t those just seasonal markers? Do they really take all 24 solar terms off? Or “Respect for the Aged Day”? sounds sweet, but you’d expect it to be more of a card-and-cake thing, not an actual holiday!
And these national holidays don’t just mean a day off, they change your entire daily rhythm.
For example, Japan’s public transportation often runs on three different timetables: “Weekday,” “Saturday,” and “Sunday/Holiday.” More than once, we’d head out on a Monday, following the weekday schedule, only to stand there wondering, “Aren’t Japanese buses supposed to be super punctual? Why is this bus so late?” Then we’d realize it was actually a holiday, so the buses were running on holiday mode all along.
We’ve also made the mistake of picking a weekday to go shopping—thinking we’d avoid crowds—only to find the downtown packed with people. Yet another holiday with a name that sounds nothing like a day off. 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 days truly come with time off? And which seemingly innocent dates are actually hiding unexpected cultural quirks and local rules?
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.” According to the National Holiday Act, these days are officially designated by the government to express gratitude, commemorate, or reflect on things meaningful to the nation and its people.
Put simply, if it’s listed in this 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 all switch to holiday mode.
When there’s a weekday sandwiched between two national holidays, that day automatically becomes a “Citizen’s Holiday” too—basically a bonus day off, known as a “sandwich holiday”.
One classic “sandwich 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), that middle day (like 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 make-up day off called a “振替休日” (Furikae Kyūjitsu). This means the holiday benefit doesn’t just vanish if it lands on a Sunday—people still get their day off, but shifted to Monday instead.
Japan also has a special system called the Happy Monday System, which shifts certain fixed-date holidays to Mondays so everyone can enjoy a 3-day weekend. For example, 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) have all been moved to a Monday in January, September, or October to encourage domestic travel and boost people’s quality of life.
Japan’s holidays include traditional dates like the Vernal Equinox and Autumnal Equinox, as well as modern holidays created in recent decades—like Marine Day and Respect for the Aged Day, which didn’t exist until 2000. Even if these names sound purely symbolic, they’re genuine days off.
A Snapshot of Japan’s Major National Holidays
In total, Japan has around 16 national holidays each year. When you add in substitute holidays and “sandwich holidays,” the total can stretch to up to 19 days off—including 16 official holidays, 1–2 sandwich days, and 1 substitute day.
Then factor in Obon in August (which isn’t technically a statutory holiday, but most companies give people 3–5 days off), plus New Year’s break (from December 29 through January 3, when many businesses take 5–6 days off), and you could actually have 27–30 days off a year. That’s way more than the official holiday count. And since Japan doesn’t have a “make-up workday” system, days off really are days off—you won’t be asked to work a weekend to make up for a long break.
No wonder it sometimes feels like people in Japan are always on holiday.
Here’s the official list of Japan’s national holidays, straight from the 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.
Spring National Holidays
| Date | Holiday | Description |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | The first day of the year is called 元日 (Ganjitsu) in Japanese. Most people visit shrines for their 初詣 (first shrine visit) 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 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 marks the legendary founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu. Some families raise flags to celebrate. |
| Around March 20 | Vernal Equinox Day | This seasonal day, known as 春分の日 (Shunbun no Hi), is when many families visit graves and honor their ancestors—just like during the Autumn Equinox. |
Spring holidays embody Japan’s most symbolic seasonal transition—from winter’s chill into new beginnings, from personal growth into stepping out into society. New Year’s Day kicks off the year, while Coming of Age Day marks a milestone for young adults. The Spring Equinox and National Foundation Day might seem simple on the surface, but they’re rooted in deep respect for ancestors, history, and nature.
New Year’s Day (January 1) is officially just one day off, but in reality, many companies close for the entire 年末年始休暇 (New Year’s break)—usually from December 29 through January 3. Schools, businesses, restaurants, grocery stores, and even big department stores often close, too. So if you’re traveling in Japan during this time, don’t be surprised if you find plenty of “closed” signs. When we first moved to Kyoto, our first New Year’s break felt extra long—probably because it was right after the pandemic. By the second year, though, we noticed lots of places only closed on the afternoon of December 31 and reopened by January 2.
I first noticed Coming of Age Day because the streets of Kyoto fill with 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 big “はたちを祝う記念式典” (Coming of Age Ceremony) for everyone turning 20 that year. It’s a formal affair: the mayor gives a speech, a new adult representative delivers a declaration, and there are performances, music, raffles, and reunions—it’s lively and full of excitement. Young women usually wear 振袖 (long-sleeved kimono) and young men 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 competition called the “全國大的大會(Zenkoku Omato Taikai)” or “三十三間堂通し矢(Sanjusangendo Toshiya).” This is one of Kyoto’s first major cultural events of the year, drawing around 2,000 young adult archers from all over Japan. It’s a beautiful blend of archery tradition and coming-of-age symbolism. The outfits alone are eye-catching—men wear traditional archery gear while women wear stunning kimono and hakama, hair adorned with colorful ornaments, carrying long bows. It’s known as a classic “Kyoto winter tradition” and makes for an unforgettable seasonal sight.
The Sanjusangendo Archery Tournament dates 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, mixing martial arts tradition with the meaning of adulthood.
On the same day, Sanjusangendo also holds a 楊枝加持 (Yanagi no Kaji/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 the 24 solar terms, so it’s easy to forget it’s a real national holiday. But in Kyoto, even if you don’t notice the day off, you can’t miss the signs that it’s coming. Shops, department stores, and even train stations are covered with posters and banners announcing “春分,” as if the whole city is reminding you: 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.
Summer National Holidays
| 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 also called Boys’ Festival. 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 most 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 or “Citizen’s Holidays” (the so-called sandwich holidays), the time off can stretch to 5–9 days. If one of these holidays falls on a Sunday, there’s usually a make-up day too. 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 vacation or close up altogether, turning them into unofficial holidays. When the dates line up perfectly, weekends and holidays merge into a 7- to 9-day mega-break. Shops, banks, and public services often change their hours during Golden Week, and flights, hotels, and tourist spots usually get way more expensive. If you’re visiting Japan during this time, prepare for crowds—unless you love the festive energy, it can make travel a lot more stressful!
Marine Day and Mountain Day aren’t as massive as Golden Week, but local towns often host fireworks festivals, summer fairs, or hiking events to celebrate.
In Kyoto, July means an entire month dedicated to the 祇園祭 (Gion Festival).
The liveliest days are July 16 and July 17. On the evening of July 16, known as 宵山, downtown Kyoto turns into a massive pedestrian zone. Streets like Shijo-dori and Karasuma-dori are closed off, dozens of huge festival floats are lit up, and food stalls line the roads. It’s packed but unforgettable. On the morning of July 17, the 山鉾巡行 (Yamaboko Parade) takes over the city center, with gigantic floats rolling through Kyoto’s main streets. It’s the highlight of the entire festival season. Even though it’s crowded, it’s worth it, walking through Kyoto’s busiest districts, transformed into a giant night market, is a rare and fun experience.
Summer in Kyoto also comes with a special scene 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 between Sanjo and Shijo set up wooden platforms over the water. Guests can dine above the flowing river, feeling the breeze and hearing the water below. It’s not just a treat for your taste buds—there’s a sense of “ritual summer coolness” that feels so special.
Sometimes, when you’re walking near Sanjo Bridge, you’ll see restaurant staff carrying wooden boards and hanging string lights, piecing together these riverside decks bit by bit. Just watching this come together makes you feel like summer is unfolding in slow motion.
As summer winds down, Kyoto closes the season with a quiet, powerful finale: Obon.
Obon (お盆) isn’t a national holiday, but in Kyoto, nearly everyone takes time off (called お盆休み) to go home and honor their ancestors. On the final night, August 16, Kyoto’s iconic 五山送り火 (“Gozan Okuribi”) lights up five mountain slopes with giant bonfire characters—“大,” “妙,” “法,” “舟形,” “左大文字,” and “鳥居形”—to guide spirits home and mark summer’s end. It’s more than a ritual; it’s one of Kyoto’s most emotional collective moments. We watch it every year, usually focusing on a different mountain each time. It doesn’t last long, but standing there and seeing the flames 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 day encourages people to show respect and gratitude toward elders. Many communities give gifts or hold special events. |
| Around September 22 | Autumnal Equinox Day | This day, called 秋分の日 (Shuubun no Hi), mirrors the Spring Equinox—another time when families visit graves and honor ancestors. |
| Second Monday of October | Sports Day | Originally called 体育の日 (Taiiku no Hi), this holiday was renamed スポーツの日 (Sports no Hi) in 2020. Inspired by the Tokyo Olympics, it promotes sports and healthy living. |
When autumn comes, 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) flow together. One honors elders; the other is for remembering ancestors. Many families use this time to visit family graves and reconnect. Then there’s October’s “スポーツの日” (Sports Day), a nod to the spirit of the Tokyo Olympics and a reminder for everyone to stay active and healthy.
But to be honest, for anyone living in Kyoto, the real highlight of autumn isn’t a particular holiday—it’s the colors that transform the entire city. From late October onward, red maples quietly spread over the hillsides, street corners, temple gardens, and riverbanks. Ginkgo trees turn golden under the sun. The street outside our place is lined with ginkgos, so by mid-fall, the whole road shimmers yellow in the breeze. Watching Kyoto shift its shades day by day is mesmerizing—it makes ordinary daily life feel vivid and new. No wonder locals call this season “nishiki-aki,” or brocade autumn. So whether it’s a holiday or not, the best part of this season isn’t 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 encourages freedom of thought and the promotion of culture—many schools host 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 harvest festival “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 the Imperial Palace opens for public visits. |
There aren’t many national holidays in winter, and the whole season feels calmer in pace. The two November holidays—文化の日 (Culture Day) and 勤労感謝の日 (Labor Thanksgiving Day): have a gentle, ritualistic feel, reminding us that even as the year winds down, we can celebrate art, reading, and gratitude, wrapping up our hard work with a little warmth.
The date for 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 are quiet, and daily life slows down—plus, there’s always that patient waiting for snow. Kyoto doesn’t get heavy snow very often; sometimes it’s just a gentle, symbolic flurry. But even just that little dusting? Here in Kyoto, it’s more than enough to be breathtaking.
What to Know If You’re Traveling During a Japanese Holiday
- Transport switches to holiday timetables: JR trains, subways, and buses usually run on a holiday schedule. Expect fewer departures and check connections in advance.
- Some shops may close: Especially independent cafes, boutique stores, or small galleries—many stay closed on national holidays.
- Busy city centers: Even if it’s technically a weekday, tourist areas and shopping streets can be packed when a holiday falls midweek, especially if there’s a long weekend.
- Limited-time seasonal treats: For example, Setsubun’s eho-maki sushi rolls, New Year’s osechi feasts, or the tradition of eating eel on the summer’s hottest days—all showcase how seasonal customs and food culture blend together.
- Local events worth checking out: Shrines, neighborhood festivals, flea markets, and traditional performances often pop up only on these holidays—it’s one of the best ways to feel Japan’s local rhythm.
Not Official Holidays, but Everyone Knows Them: Days of Tradition and Celebration
| Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Around February 3 | Setsubun | Known as 節分 (Setsubun) in Japanese, this seasonal marker is when people scatter roasted beans to drive away evil and welcome spring. Many Kyoto shrines host lively Setsubun festivals with bean tossing and purification rituals. |
| February 14 | Valentine’s Day | In Japan, Valentine’s Day (バレンタインデー) is when women give chocolate to men—not only to sweethearts but also to coworkers and friends, creating Japan’s unique “義理チョコ” (giri-choco, or obligation chocolate) culture. |
| March 3 | Girl’s Day | This family celebration, called 雛祭 (Hinamatsuri), sees families display ornamental dolls and serve special rice cakes and sweet sake to wish girls health and happiness. |
| March 14 | White Day | On White Day (ホワイトデー), men return the favor for Valentine’s chocolates—usually with candy, cookies, or small gifts for the women who gave them sweets. |
| Second Sunday of May | Mother’s Day | Mother’s Day, or 母の日 (Haha no Hi), is when people give carnations or thoughtful gifts. Stores and supermarkets roll out special items to help celebrate family bonds. |
| Third Sunday of June | Father’s Day | Father’s Day, called 父の日 (Chichi no Hi), is a bit more low-key than Mother’s Day, but many families still give beer, home goods, or small gifts to show appreciation. |
| Late July to Early August | Doyo no Ushi no Hi | Known as 土用の丑の日 (Doyo no Ushi no Hi), this is the hottest period of the year—sometimes occurring twice. It’s a tradition to eat eel for stamina, and eel restaurants get packed. |
Beyond the red-letter national holidays, Japan has many well-known commemorative days that aren’t actual public holidays. Some stem from ancient seasonal customs; others are driven by modern media and commercial culture. They don’t shut down transport or public offices, but they still play a big part in daily life and social traditions.
Take Setsubun in February, for example—people scatter roasted soybeans to drive away demons and eat special sushi rolls facing lucky directions. Many Kyoto shrines hold big Setsubun festivals. When we first moved here, I actually thought Setsubun must be a holiday—turns out, it’s not! Then there are Valentine’s Day and White Day in February and March, when chocolate and gift exchanges create a pink-hued, sweet atmosphere that sends sales soaring.
Girl’s Day on March 3 is when families display beautiful hina dolls, wishing girls a safe and healthy future. (Not fair—why does Boy’s Day get an actual holiday while Girl’s Day doesn’t?)
Next come Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in May and June—heartfelt but non-official moments to show gratitude. And then there’s 土用の丑の日 (the Day of the Ox) in late July to early August, a classic example of food culture tied to the seasons. Eating eel to restore stamina is such a strong tradition that specialty eel restaurants are packed, and even casual chain diners roll out limited-time eel dishes.
These days might not be “holidays,” but they can totally shift a city’s mood. They’re the perfect glimpse into Japan’s love for adding rituals to everyday life. If you happen to visit Japan during one of these days, don’t miss the chance to experience them—they’re a different way to connect with the culture.