A comprehensive guide to all 16 national holidays in Japan, featuring Golden Week and the rare Silver Week celebration.
| # | 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 | - |
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.
CelebrationCelebrates young people turning 20 years old. New adults attend ceremonies in traditional kimono or hakama and receive congratulations from family and community.
CulturalCommemorates 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.
PatrioticCelebrates Emperor Naruhito's birthday. The Imperial Palace opens to the public for well-wishers.
NationalMarks the beginning of spring. Families visit graves to honor ancestors during Higan week.
ObservanceJapan'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 WeekHonors Emperor Showa (Hirohito) and reflects on his 63-year reign through Japan's turbulent 20th century. Marks the start of Golden Week.
Golden WeekCommemorates the enactment of Japan's post-war constitution in 1947.
Golden WeekDedicated to the environment and nature, honoring Emperor Showa's love for plants.
NatureCelebrates children's happiness and honors their personalities. Families display koinobori (carp streamers).
CelebrationSubstitute holiday since Constitution Memorial Day falls on Sunday.
SubstituteGives thanks to the ocean's bounty and recognizes Japan's connection to the sea. Perfect for beach trips and water activities during summer.
NatureJapan's newest national holiday (established 2016), celebrating mountains and opportunities to appreciate nature. Popular day for hiking and outdoor activities.
NatureA 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 WeekHonors elderly citizens and celebrates longevity.
CulturalSpecial "People's Holiday" between two national holidays.
Silver WeekMarks the beginning of autumn. Families honor ancestors during Higan.
ObservanceCommemorates the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and promotes physical activity and healthy living. Originally called Health-Sports Day, renamed in 2020.
CelebrationPromotes Japanese culture, arts, and academic endeavors. The Emperor presents Order of Culture awards to distinguished individuals. Museums often offer free admission.
CulturalCelebrates hard work and labor, expressing gratitude for production and workers' contributions to society. Has ancient roots in harvest festivals.
ObservanceJapan has a unique substitute holiday system called "furikae kyujitsu" (振替休日).
The most anticipated holiday period in Japan, spanning 8 days in 2026 (April 29 - May 6).
A rare extended holiday period in September, occurring only when specific calendar conditions align.
June and December are the only months without a national holiday in Japan.
