Japanese Holidays Reference
Complete guide to Japanese holidays, festivals, and cultural celebrations. Essential for business planning and cultural understanding in Japan.
| Holiday | Japanese Name | Date | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
New Year's Day | 元日 (Ganjitsu) | January 1 | National | The most important holiday in Japan, celebrating the beginning of the new year |
Coming of Age Day | 成人の日 (Seijin no Hi) | Second Monday in January | National | Celebrates young people who have reached the age of majority (20 years old) |
National Foundation Day | 建国記念の日 (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) | February 11 | National | Commemorates the founding of Japan and the accession of its first Emperor |
Emperor's Birthday | 天皇誕生日 (Tennō Tanjōbi) | February 23 | National | Celebrates the birthday of the current Emperor |
Vernal Equinox Day | 春分の日 (Shunbun no Hi) | Around March 20-21 | Traditional | Celebrates the spring equinox and honors ancestors |
Showa Day | 昭和の日 (Shōwa no Hi) | April 29 | National | Commemorates the Showa era and Emperor Hirohito's birthday |
Constitution Memorial Day | 憲法記念日 (Kenpō Kinenbi) | May 3 | National | Commemorates the promulgation of the Japanese Constitution |
Greenery Day | みどりの日 (Midori no Hi) | May 4 | National | Appreciates nature and gives thanks for blessings |
Children's Day | こどもの日 (Kodomo no Hi) | May 5 | National | Celebrates children's happiness and honors their mothers |
Marine Day | 海の日 (Umi no Hi) | Third Monday in July | National | Gives thanks for the ocean's bounty and hopes for maritime prosperity |
Mountain Day | 山の日 (Yama no Hi) | August 11 | National | Appreciates mountains and provides opportunities to get familiar with them |
Respect for the Aged Day | 敬老の日 (Keirō no Hi) | Third Monday in September | National | Honors elderly citizens and celebrates longevity |
Autumnal Equinox Day | 秋分の日 (Shūbun no Hi) | Around September 22-23 | Traditional | Celebrates the autumn equinox and honors ancestors |
Sports Day | スポーツの日 (Supōtsu no Hi) | Second Monday in October | National | Promotes sports and an active lifestyle |
Culture Day | 文化の日 (Bunka no Hi) | November 3 | National | Promotes culture, arts, and academic endeavors |
Labor Thanksgiving Day | 勤労感謝の日 (Kinrō Kansha no Hi) | November 23 | National | Honors labor and gives thanks for production |
Setsubun | 節分 (Setsubun) | February 3 | Traditional | Traditional ceremony to drive away evil spirits and welcome spring |
Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day) | ひな祭り (Hinamatsuri) | March 3 | Traditional | Festival for young girls, wishing them health and happiness |
Tanabata (Star Festival) | 七夕 (Tanabata) | July 7 | Traditional | Festival celebrating the meeting of celestial lovers |
Obon Festival | お盆 (Obon) | August 13-16 | Traditional | Buddhist festival honoring deceased ancestors |
Shichi-Go-San | 七五三 (Shichi-Go-San) | November 15 | Traditional | Festival for children aged 3, 5, and 7 years old |
Christmas | クリスマス (Kurisumasu) | December 25 | Modern | Western holiday celebrated as a romantic and commercial occasion |
New Year's Eve | 大晦日 (Ōmisoka) | December 31 | Traditional | Last day of the year, preparation for New Year |
Holiday Types
National
Official government holidays with nationwide observance
Traditional
Ancient Japanese festivals and cultural celebrations
Seasonal
Celebrations tied to natural seasons and agricultural cycles
Modern
Western-influenced holidays adapted to Japanese culture