Japan (JP)
Japan is one of the world's most captivating destinations for expats — a country where ancient temple culture and ultra-modern technology coexist seamlessly.
Capital: Tokyo
Region: Asia
Language: Japanese
Currency: JPY (¥)
Cost of living: Expensive (index 72)
Emergency: 110 (police) / 119 (fire and ambulance)
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Public Holidays 2026
17 holidays in Japan. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
元日 (Ganjitsu)
Japan virtually shuts down from Jan 1–3 (Oshōgatsu). Shrines are packed for hatsumode (first shrine visit). Most shops and restaurants close or have reduced hours.
Mon 12
Coming of Age Day Public Holiday
成人の日 (Seijin no Hi)
Second Monday of January. Celebrates those turning 20 (now 18 under 2022 reform). Young people wear furisode kimono and hakama. Municipal ceremonies held nationwide.
February 2026
Wed 11
National Foundation Day Public Holiday
建国記念の日 (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi)
Commemorates the legendary founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu in 660 BC. Low-key national holiday.
Mon 23
Emperor's Birthday Public Holiday
天皇誕生日 (Tennō Tanjōbi)
Birthday of Emperor Naruhito (born 23 February 1960). The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is open to the public for one of two annual visits.
March 2026
Fri 20
Vernal Equinox Day Public Holiday
春分の日 (Shunbun no Hi)
Date varies annually (around March 20–21). Traditional time for visiting graves and celebrating nature. Marks the official start of spring.
April 2026
Wed 29
Showa Day Public Holiday
昭和の日 (Shōwa no Hi)
Start of Golden Week — the busiest travel period in Japan. Reflects on the tumultuous Showa era (1926–1989). Book travel and accommodation months in advance.
May 2026
Wed 6
Constitution Memorial Day (Substitute) Public Holiday
憲法記念日 振替休日 (Kenpō Kinenbi Furikae Kyūjitsu)
Constitution Memorial Day falls on Sunday May 3 in 2026 — substitute observed Wednesday May 6 (May 4 = Greenery Day, May 5 = Children's Day, so May 6 is the first available weekday). Part of Golden Week. Commemorates the 1947 Constitution.
Mon 4
Greenery Day Public Holiday
みどりの日 (Midori no Hi)
Part of Golden Week. Celebrates nature and greenery. Parks and botanical gardens hold free entry or special events.
Tue 5
Children's Day Public Holiday
こどもの日 (Kodomo no Hi)
Final day of Golden Week. Families fly koinobori (carp streamers) and display samurai dolls. Originally Boys' Day — now celebrates all children.
July 2026
Mon 20
Marine Day Public Holiday
海の日 (Umi no Hi)
Third Monday of July. Celebrates the ocean and Japan being an island nation. Beach season kicks off in earnest.
August 2026
Tue 11
Mountain Day Public Holiday
山の日 (Yama no Hi)
Added in 2016. Celebrates mountains and encourages spending time in them. Mount Fuji climbing season is at its peak.
September 2026
Mon 21
Respect for the Aged Day Public Holiday
敬老の日 (Keirō no Hi)
Third Monday of September. Honoring elderly citizens. Families visit grandparents; TV specials feature centenarians.
Tue 22
Silver Week Public Holiday
国民の祝日 (Kokumin no Shukujitsu)
Sandwiched holiday (国民の祝日) — in 2026, Tuesday Sep 22 falls between Respect for the Aged Day (Sep 21, Monday) and Autumnal Equinox Day (Sep 23, Wednesday), creating a three-day Silver Week. Parks, onsens, and transport heavily booked.
Wed 23
Autumnal Equinox Day Public Holiday
秋分の日 (Shūbun no Hi)
Date varies (around Sept 22–23). Traditional time for grave visits (Ohigan). Marks the official start of autumn. Koyo leaf-peeping season approaching.
October 2026
Mon 12
Sports Day Public Holiday
スポーツの日 (Supōtsu no Hi)
Second Monday of October. Formerly Health and Sports Day, renamed for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Many municipalities hold local sports events.
November 2026
Tue 3
Culture Day Public Holiday
文化の日 (Bunka no Hi)
Celebrating the arts, culture, and academic achievement. Museum admission is often free or discounted. The Order of Culture (Bunka Kunshō) is presented by the Emperor.
Mon 23
Labour Thanksgiving Day Public Holiday
勤労感謝の日 (Kinrō Kansha no Hi)
Thanksgiving for labour and production. Rooted in ancient harvest festival (Niiname-sai) offered to the Emperor. Family-oriented, low-key holiday.
Note: Some holidays in Japan apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.