Japan Public
Holidays 2026
A comprehensive guide to all 16 national holidays in Japan, featuring Golden Week and the rare Silver Week celebration.
2026 Japan National HolidaysComplete List
| # | Holiday | Date | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 – January to March | ||||
| 1 | New Year’s Day Ganjitsu | January 1, 2026 | Thursday | – |
| 2 | Coming of Age Day Seijin no Hi | January 12, 2026 | Monday | 2nd Monday |
| 3 | National Foundation Day Kenkoku Kinen no Hi | February 11, 2026 | Wednesday | – |
| 4 | Emperor’s Birthday Tenno Tanjobi | February 23, 2026 | Monday | – |
| 5 | Vernal Equinox Day Shunbun no Hi | March 20, 2026 | Friday | – |
| Q2 – April to June (Golden Week) | ||||
| 6 | Showa Day Showa no Hi | April 29, 2026 | Wednesday | Golden Week Start |
| 7 | Constitution Memorial Day Kenpo Kinenbi | May 3, 2026 | Sunday | Golden Week |
| 8 | Greenery Day Midori no Hi | May 4, 2026 | Monday | Golden Week |
| 9 | Children’s Day Kodomo no Hi | May 5, 2026 | Tuesday | Golden Week |
| 10 | Constitution Day (Observed) Furikae Kyujitsu | May 6, 2026 | Wednesday | Substitute Holiday |
| Q3 – July to September (Silver Week) | ||||
| 11 | Marine Day Umi no Hi | July 20, 2026 | Monday | 3rd Monday |
| 12 | Mountain Day Yama no Hi | August 11, 2026 | Tuesday | – |
| 13 | Respect for the Aged Day Keiro no Hi | September 21, 2026 | Monday | Silver Week Start |
| 14 | Bridge Public Holiday Kokumin no Kyujitsu | September 22, 2026 | Tuesday | Silver Week |
| 15 | Autumnal Equinox Day Shubun no Hi | September 23, 2026 | Wednesday | Silver Week End |
| Q4 – October to December | ||||
| 16 | Sports Day Supotsu no Hi | October 12, 2026 | Monday | 2nd Monday |
| 17 | Culture Day Bunka no Hi | November 3, 2026 | Tuesday | – |
| 18 | Labour Thanksgiving Day Kinro Kansha no Hi | November 23, 2026 | Monday | – |
New Year’s Day Ganjitsu
The most important holiday in Japan. Families visit shrines for hatsumode (first shrine visit), eat osechi-ryori (traditional New Year dishes), and exchange nengajo (New Year’s cards). Many businesses close for up to 9 consecutive days.
CelebrationComing of Age Day Seijin no Hi
Celebrates young people turning 20 years old. New adults attend ceremonies in traditional kimono or hakama and receive congratulations from family and community.
CulturalNational Foundation Day Kenkoku Kinen no Hi
Commemorates the founding of Japan and the accession of its first Emperor, Jimmu, in 660 BC. A day to reflect on Japan’s history and national identity.
PatrioticEmperor’s Birthday Tenno Tanjobi
Celebrates Emperor Naruhito’s birthday. The Imperial Palace opens to the public for well-wishers.
NationalVernal Equinox Day Shunbun no Hi
Marks the beginning of spring. Families visit graves to honor ancestors during Higan week.
ObservanceGolden Week 2026 Ogon Shukan
Japan’s longest holiday period combining four national holidays (Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, Children’s Day) plus a substitute holiday. Many Japanese travel domestically or internationally. Expect crowded tourist destinations and fully booked accommodations. Taking off April 30 and May 1 creates an 8-day break.
Golden WeekShowa Day Showa no Hi
Honors Emperor Showa (Hirohito) and reflects on his 63-year reign through Japan’s turbulent 20th century. Marks the start of Golden Week.
Golden WeekConstitution Memorial Day Kenpo Kinenbi
Commemorates the enactment of Japan’s post-war constitution in 1947.
Golden WeekGreenery Day Midori no Hi
Dedicated to the environment and nature, honoring Emperor Showa’s love for plants.
NatureChildren’s Day Kodomo no Hi
Celebrates children’s happiness and honors their personalities. Families display koinobori (carp streamers).
CelebrationConstitution Day (Observed) Furikae Kyujitsu
Substitute holiday since Constitution Memorial Day falls on Sunday.
SubstituteMarine Day Umi no Hi
Gives thanks to the ocean’s bounty and recognizes Japan’s connection to the sea. Perfect for beach trips and water activities during summer.
NatureMountain Day Yama no Hi
Japan’s newest national holiday (established 2016), celebrating mountains and opportunities to appreciate nature. Popular day for hiking and outdoor activities.
NatureSilver Week 2026 Shiruba Uiku
A rare occurrence! Only the third Silver Week since the term was coined (after 2009 and 2015). When Respect for the Aged Day (Sept 21) and Autumnal Equinox (Sept 23) align perfectly, September 22 becomes a “bridge holiday,” creating 5 consecutive days off (Sept 19-23). Next Silver Week won’t occur until 2037!
Silver WeekRespect for the Aged Day Keiro no Hi
Honors elderly citizens and celebrates longevity.
CulturalBridge Public Holiday Kokumin no Kyujitsu
Special “People’s Holiday” between two national holidays.
Silver WeekAutumnal Equinox Day Shubun no Hi
Marks the beginning of autumn. Families honor ancestors during Higan.
ObservanceSports Day Supotsu no Hi
Commemorates the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and promotes physical activity and healthy living. Originally called Health-Sports Day, renamed in 2020.
CelebrationCulture Day Bunka no Hi
Promotes Japanese culture, arts, and academic endeavors. The Emperor presents Order of Culture awards to distinguished individuals. Museums often offer free admission.
CulturalLabour Thanksgiving Day Kinro Kansha no Hi
Celebrates hard work and labor, expressing gratitude for production and workers’ contributions to society. Has ancient roots in harvest festivals.
ObservanceSubstitute Holiday Rule
Japan has a unique substitute holiday system called “furikae kyujitsu” (振替休日).
- When a national holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday becomes a holiday
- Exception: New Year’s Day does not generate substitute holidays
- In 2026, May 6 is a substitute holiday for Constitution Memorial Day
- Bridge holidays fill gaps between two national holidays
Golden Week
The most anticipated holiday period in Japan, spanning 8 days in 2026 (April 29 – May 6).
- Combines 4 national holidays plus 1 substitute holiday
- Peak travel season – book accommodations months in advance
- Domestic travel extremely popular; expect crowds at tourist sites
- Many businesses close for the entire week
Silver Week
A rare extended holiday period in September, occurring only when specific calendar conditions align.
- 2026 marks only the third Silver Week (after 2009 and 2015)
- Creates 5 consecutive days off (September 19-23, 2026)
- Next Silver Week won’t occur until 2037
- Perfect for autumn travel to see fall foliage
Months Without Holidays
June and December are the only months without a national holiday in Japan.
- June has no national holidays at all
- December has no public holidays, but many businesses close Dec 29-Jan 3
- New Year holiday period (Dec 29-Jan 3) is customary, not mandated
- Many Japanese take paid leave to create longer breaks
