Holiday Guide for Japan in 2023

Japan information

Japan observes 16 national holidays throughout the year. On these days schools and public offices are closed, and many employers give workers the day off. June and December are the only months without a national holiday.

List of National Holidays in Japan in 2023

	Sunday January 1st New Year's Day Japan: New Year's Day is a public holiday in all countries that observe the Gregorian calendar, with the exception of Israel
	Monday January 9th  Long Weekend!  Coming-of-Age Day Japan: The day honors young Japanese who will reach the age of majority at any point during the year.
	Saturday February 11th National Foundation Day Japan: Japan's National Day marks the traditional date on which according to legend Emperor Jimmu founded Japan in 660 BC
	Thursday February 23rd The Emperor's Birthday Japan: The birthday of the current Emperor of Japan is always celebrated as a national holiday
	Tuesday March 21st Vernal Equinox Day Japan: In Japan the vernal equinox is a welcome holiday as it marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring
	Saturday April 29th Showa Day Japan: Honours the birthday of Emperor Hirohito, the reigning Emperor before, during, and after World War II
	Wednesday May 3rd Constitution Memorial Day Japan: Commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of Japan on May 3rd 1947
	Thursday May 4th Greenery Day Japan: Celebrates nature. Festivities include the planting of a tree and the planting of seeds by the Emperor and Empress
	Friday May 5th  Long Weekend!  Children's Day Japan: This is a day set aside to respect childrens personalities and to celebrate their happiness
	Monday July 17th  Long Weekend!  Marine Day Japan: Established to express gratitude for the gifts of the sea and honour its importance to the prosperity of Japan as a maritime nation
	Friday August 11th  Long Weekend!  Mountain Day Japan: A new holiday since 2016, celebrating the nation's mountains. Mountain Day is intended is to provide “opportunities to get familiar with mountains and appreciate blessings from mountains".
	Monday September 18th  Long Weekend!  Respect for the Aged Day Japan: Respect of the Aged Day was established as a national holiday in 1966 to express respect for the elders in the community
	Saturday September 23rd Autumnal Equinox Day Japan: The Autumnal Equinox marks the day that the sun crosses over the equator from the Northern to the Southern hemisphere
	Monday October 9th  Long Weekend!  Health-Sports Day Japan: Japan celebrates Sports Day to promote sports and an active lifestyle to ensure a healthy mind and body
	Friday November 3rd  Long Weekend!  Culture Day Japan: Culture Day is a day to honor traditional Japanese culture and promote the love of freedom and peace
	Thursday November 23rd Labour Thanksgiving Day Japan: Labor Thanksgiving Day is a modern name for the ritual of Harvest Festival

Notes

• If Respect for the aged day falls on 21 September and Autumnal Equinox falls in 23 September, then 22 September is declared a holiday - creating 'Silver Week'.
• With the exception of New Year's Day, if a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following day is treated as a holiday instead.