Planning a trip to Japan? Here’s a detailed calendar to help you navigate Japanese public holidays, when transportation may be crowded, and store hours may vary.
Japan’s holidays at a glance: Two-year calendar (2024-2025)
| Holiday | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 (Mon) | January 1 (Wed) |
| Coming of Age Day | January 8 (Mon) | January 13 (Mon) |
| National Foundation Day | February 11 (Sun) Additional holiday: 12 (Mon) |
February 11 (Tue) |
| Emperor’s Birthday | February 23 (Fri) | February 23 (Sun) Additional holiday: 24 (Mon) |
| Vernal Equinox | March 20 (Wed) | March 20 (Thu) |
| Showa Day | April 29 (Mon) | April 29 (Tue) |
| Constitution Memorial Day | May 3 (Fri) | May 3 (Sat) |
| Greenery Day | May 4 (Sat) | May 4 (Sun) |
| Children’s Day | May 5 (Sun) Additional holiday: 6 (Mon) |
May 5 (Mon) Additional holiday: 6 (Tue) |
| Marine Day | July 15 (Mon) | July 21 (Mon) |
| Mountain Day | August 11 (Sun) Additional holiday: 12 (Mon) |
August 11 (Mon) |
| Respect for the Aged Day | September 16 (Mon) | September 15 (Mon) |
| Autumnal Equinox | September 22 (Sun) Additional holiday: 23 (Mon) |
September 23 (Tue) |
| Health and Sports Day | October 14 (Mon) | October 13 (Mon) |
| Culture Day | November 3 (Sun) Additional holiday: 4 (Mon) |
November 3 (Mon) |
| Labor Thanksgiving Day | November 23 (Sat) | November 23 (Sun) Additional holiday: 24 (Mon) |
Useful information on holidays in 2025:
Navigating transportation during holiday seasons
Japan’s holidays often coincide with peak travel times, such as Golden Week, Obon, and the New Year period. During these times, transportation is heavily booked, and some services may operate on a holiday timetable. Check schedules online or at stations for updates and plan your travel accordingly.
A Japanese family heading out for the holidays (photo for illustrative purposes)
Store and business hours during holidays
While some stores and restaurants remain open during public holidays, some may close, particularly during New Year and Obon holidays. Check hours in advance for specific places.
Times to plan ahead for
- New Year Holidays (2024-2025): January 1 (Wed) is the only official holiday, but some shops, restaurants and businesses might close for nine consecutive days from December 28 (Sat) to January 5 (Sun). Plan ahead by booking accommodations and transportation early, as things can get crowded. Also note that public transportation may run on a different schedule.
- Golden Week (2025): Although April 28 (Mon), April 30 (Wed), and May 1 (Thur) and May 2 (Fri) are weekdays, some shops and companies may treat them as holidays, resulting in a long consecutive vacation from April 26 (Sat) to May 6 (Tue). As a result, you can expect significant travel congestion throughout this period, so check transportation schedules in advance and book early.
- Obon (2025): Though there are no official holidays during this period, some shops, restaurants and businesses might close from August 13 (Wed) to August 17 (Sun). Plan ahead for accommodation and transport, as this is a busy travel period. Also note that public transportation may run on a different schedule.
Many people in Japan visit shrines or temples to pray for a good year on New Year’s Day (photo for illustrative purposes)
Special discounts during holidays:
- Children’s Day (May 5): Some places may offer discounts or free admission for children at zoos, museums, and amusement parks.
- Respect for the Aged Day (Third Monday in September): Some facilities may provide discounts or free entry for seniors at various attractions and public transport.
- Marine Day (Third Monday in July): Some aquariums and marine parks may offer free or discounted entry, particularly for children.
- Culture Day (November 3): Cultural sites, including museums and galleries, might offer free or reduced admission.
- Health and Sports Day (Second Monday in October): Some sports facilities, gyms, and fitness events may offer discounts or free admission.
Koinobori carp streamers can often be seen around the time of Children’s Day in Japan (photo for illustrative purposes)
Brief explanations of Japanese holidays
- Coming of Age Day: Honors young adults turning 20 with ceremonies across the country.
- National Foundation Day: Celebrates the founding of Japan and its national identity.
- Emperor’s Birthday: Celebrates the birthday of the current Emperor Naruhito.
- Vernal Equinox: A day to celebrate nature and living things, often observed with visits to graves.
- Showa Day: Honors the birthday of Emperor Showa and reflects on his reign.
- Constitution Memorial Day: Commemorates the promulgation of Japan’s post-war constitution.
- Greenery Day: Celebrates nature and encourages environmental appreciation.
- Children’s Day: Celebrates the happiness and health of children, particularly boys.
- Marine Day: Honors Japan’s rich maritime history and the blessings of the sea.
- Mountain Day: Celebrates the importance of mountains and nature in Japanese culture.
- Respect for the Aged Day: A day to honor and show respect to elderly citizens.
- Autumnal Equinox: Marks the changing seasons and is a time to honor ancestors.
- Health and Sports Day: Promotes sports and a healthy lifestyle nationwide.
- Culture Day: Celebrates Japanese culture, arts, and academic achievements.
- Labor Thanksgiving Day: Honors labor, production, and thanks workers for their efforts.
You can look forward to beautiful foliage in the season that officially begins with the Autumn Equinox (photo for illustrative purposes)
With this guide, you’ll be ready to enjoy Japan’s rich cultural celebrations and navigate holiday travel like a pro!
