Japanese Public Holidays
Many shops, restaurants and museums close on public holidays, and some get much busier instead. The dates move every year, so check them before you travel.
2026
- Jan 1ThuNew Year's Day
- Jan 12MonComing of Age Day
- Feb 11WedNational Foundation Day
- Feb 23MonThe Emperor's Birthday
- Mar 20FriVernal Equinox Day
- Apr 29WedShōwa Day
- May 3SunConstitution Memorial Day
- May 4MonGreenery Day
- May 5TueChildren's Day
- May 6WedSubstitute holiday
- Jul 20MonMarine Day
- Aug 11TueMountain Day
- Sep 21MonRespect for the Aged Day
- Sep 22TueBridge holiday
- Sep 23WedAutumnal Equinox Day
- Oct 12MonSports Day
- Nov 3TueCulture Day
- Nov 23MonLabor Thanksgiving Day
2027
- Jan 1FriNew Year's Day
- Jan 11MonComing of Age Day
- Feb 11ThuNational Foundation Day
- Feb 23TueThe Emperor's Birthday
- Mar 21SunVernal Equinox Day
- Mar 22MonSubstitute holiday
- Apr 29ThuShōwa Day
- May 3MonConstitution Memorial Day
- May 4TueGreenery Day
- May 5WedChildren's Day
- Jul 19MonMarine Day
- Aug 11WedMountain Day
- Sep 20MonRespect for the Aged Day
- Sep 23ThuAutumnal Equinox Day
- Oct 11MonSports Day
- Nov 3WedCulture Day
- Nov 23TueLabor Thanksgiving Day
How the dates work
- When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the next weekday becomes a holiday as well.
- A weekday caught between two public holidays also becomes a holiday.
Dates for next year are calculated from the current holiday law. The Cabinet Office confirms them in February of the preceding year.
Official list from the Cabinet Office