Japan Holidays
Major public holidays celebrated in Japan in 2026.
Japan has 16 major public holidays listed below. Of these, 10 fall on the same calendar date every year, 4 follow a weekday rule (such as "the first Monday of September"), 2 change date each year (set by Easter, a lunisolar calendar or the equinox).
New Year's Day
January 1Ganjitsu — Shōgatsu celebration
Coming of Age Day
2nd Monday of JanuarySeijin no Hi — celebrates those turning 18 (adult age lowered from 20 in 2022)
National Foundation Day
February 11Kenkoku Kinen no Hi — founding of Japan
Emperor's Birthday
February 23Tennō Tanjōbi — birthday of Emperor Naruhito
Vernal Equinox Day
March 20, 2026Shunbun no Hi — spring equinox
Shōwa Day
April 29Beginning of Golden Week
Constitution Memorial Day
May 3Kenpō Kinenbi — commemorates 1947 constitution
Greenery Day
May 4Midori no Hi — appreciation of nature
Children's Day
May 5Kodomo no Hi — celebrates children's happiness
Marine Day
3rd Monday of JulyUmi no Hi — celebrates the ocean
Mountain Day
August 11Yama no Hi — appreciation of mountains
Respect for the Aged Day
3rd Monday of SeptemberKeirō no Hi — honors elderly citizens
Autumnal Equinox Day
September 23, 2026Shūbun no Hi — autumn equinox
Sports Day
2nd Monday of OctoberSupōtsu no Hi — promotes sports and health
Culture Day
November 3Bunka no Hi — promotes culture and arts
Labour Thanksgiving Day
November 23Kinrō Kansha no Hi — honors workers
About these dates
This list covers nationwide public holidays. Regional, state or provincial holidays are not included, and governments sometimes announce extra days off or move a holiday when it falls on a weekend. Dates marked "approx." follow the Islamic lunar calendar and are confirmed by moon sighting, so they can shift by a day. Always check with official government sources before making travel or business plans.