Full List Of Japan’s Public Holidays In 2024
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| The Complete List Of Japan’s Public Holidays In 2024 |
| Table of Contents |
How many public holidays in Japan?
There are sixteen national holidays in Japan, and on occasion people hold festivals, ceremonies, or other special activities to honor them. At these times, domestic travel is at its highest, so you can expect to see a lot of people at popular tourist spots and major malls. Travelers planning to visit Japan during the public holidays should purchase their plane tickets, rail passes, and hotel rooms at least two months before their trip.
When does Japan celebrate its most important public holiday?
The New Year's holiday is Japan's most important public holiday. Observance of rites and traditions, as well as meetings with loved ones, are hallmarks of this festival. Japanese people traditionally take many days off around New Year's to celebrate with loved ones and partake in rituals that mark the arrival of a new year: going to temples and shrines, eating special meals, and more.
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Does Public Transport Operate on Public Holidays?Every day, even holidays, public transportation is in service. Trains and buses typically operate on a modified schedule during holidays and weekends. Extra services may be available on long-distance rail lines like the Shinkansen and highway buses on certain holidays and certain days of the week. On vacations, you might even see tourist trains that normally run on weekends. Certain long-distance trains may encounter increased demand on Saturday mornings and Monday afternoons or nights if a holiday is observed on a Monday. Keep in mind that public transit (and highways) will experience exceptionally heavy traffic during peak periods such as year-end/New Year, Golden Week (late April/early May), and Obon (mid-August), when a large number of residents either return to their hometowns or go on vacation. |
Do businesses in Japan close for national holidays?Stores and companies in Japan do not necessarily have to close on public holidays; in fact, many of them stay open. Nevertheless, on public holidays, certain companies may close early or have altered hours. This is especially true of government buildings, banks, and even some smaller stores and eateries. Also, to accommodate holiday shoppers, some major merchants and department stores may opt to be open. Before you go, especially on holidays, it's a good idea to check the opening and closing times of individual stores and services. |
Public Holidays and Consecutive Holidays in Japan in 2024
| Public Holiday | 2024 | Consecutive Holidays |
| New Year's Day | January 1 (Mon) | December 30 - January 3 |
| Coming of Age Day | January 8 (Mon) | January 6 - 8 |
| National Foundation Day | February 11 (Sun) | February 10 - 12 |
| Emperor's Birthday | February 23 (Fri) | February 23 - 25 |
| Spring Equinox | March 20 (Wed) | none |
| Showa Day (GW) GW =Golden Week | April 29 (Mon) | April 27 - May 6 *April 30, May 1, and May 2 are not public holidays but many Japanese take those days off |
| Constitution Memorial Day (GW) | May 3 (Fri) | April 27 - May 6 |
| Greenery Day (GW) | May 4 (Sat) | April 27 - May 6 |
| Children's Day (GW) | May 5 (Sun) | April 27 - May 6 |
| Marine Day | July 15 (Mon) | July 13 - 15 |
| Mountain Day | August 12 (Mon) | August 10 - 12 |
| Obon | August 13 - 16 | Obon is not considered a national holiday but many people take time off |
| Respect for the Elderly Day | September 16 (Mon) | September 14 - 16 |
| Autumnal Equinox Day (Sun) | September 22 | September 21 - 23 |
| Sports Day | October 14 | October 12 - 14 |
| Culture Day | November 3 (Sun) | November 2 - 4 |
| Labor Thanksgiving Day | November 23 (Sat) | none |
Details of public holidays in Japan 2024
January 1 - New Year's Day
Japan's most important holiday is New Year's Day, which also marks the start of a new year on the Gregorian calendar. A lot of people go to churches and shrines today to pray for health and luck in the new year. The Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, and the Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima are some of the most important places to see. You can also eat traditional foods like ozōni (soup with mochi), mochi (rice cakes), and osechi-ryōri (new year's seafood meals).
Just what does New Year's Day mean in Japan?The new year begins on January 1. People pray for luck at shrines and churches and eat traditional foods like mochi and osechi-ryōri. |
The second Monday of January is Coming of Age Day
Celebrating young people who turned 20 in the past or present year is what Coming of Age Day is all about. It's a rite of passage that marks the start of adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it. A lot of young people dress up or in traditional clothes like suits, dresses, or robes on this day and go to events put on by their schools or local governments. There are a lot of young women wearing furisode, which is a type of robe with long sleeves that shows they are single.
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February 11 - National Foundation Day
National Foundation Day is a holiday that honors ruler Jimmu, who is said to have been the first ruler of Japan. His rise to power is said to have happened on this day in 660 BC. A lot of people fly the flag and sing the national song on this day. The national colors of red and white are also lit up on some public buildings and structures. If you're interested in Emperor Jimmu's history, you can visit places like Kashihara Shrine in Nara or Katori Shrine in Chiba.
Emperor's birthday on February 23
It is a holiday called "Emperor's Birthday" to honor the birth of Emperor Naruhito, who is currently living in Japan. He was born on February 23, 1960, and became emperor on May 1, 2019, when his father, Emperor Akihito, gave up the throne. The Imperial Palace in Tokyo opens its doors to the public on this day. Visitors can walk around the grounds and see the emperor and his family meet them from a balcony. You can also enjoy some cultural events and exhibitions related to the imperial family and their history.
Vernal Equinox Day - Around March 20 or 21
Every year on the Vernal Equinox Day, the length of the day and night are equal. This marks the start of spring. Also, today is a time to respect nature and enjoy its beauty. A lot of people go to parks and gardens in the spring to see the cherry blossoms and other flowers. You can also take part in spring festivals and events, like the Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) on March 3 or the Hinamatsuri (Peach Blossom Festival) on March 14.
Showa Day - April 29
For people who were born on or after 1926, Showa Day is a holiday that celebrates his birthday. He was Japan's longest-ruling ruler, and during his time in power, the country went through many changes and problems. A lot of people think about Japan's past and culture during the Showa era on this day. You can see things from the Showa era at museums or parks like Showa Memorial Park in Tokyo or Showa Kinen Museum in Gunma.
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Constitution Memorial Day - May 3
The Constitution On May 3, 1947, the current constitution of Japan was signed into law. This day is celebrated as Memorial Day. It's also a day to honor the law and people's rights. Many people go to constitutional issues talks or symposiums or visit the National Diet Building in Tokyo on this day. This is where the constitution was made official. In some museums and libraries, like the Constitution Memorial Hall in Tokyo or the Constitutional Government Memorial Hall in Kanagawa, you can learn more about the past and ideas behind the constitution.
Greenery Day - May 4
Greenery Day is a holiday that honors nature and all the good things it brings. Today is also a time to thank Emperor Showa, who loved animals and plants. A lot of people like to do things outside on this day, like climbing, camping, and picnicking. There are also botanical gardens and zoos where you can see many different kinds of plants and animals. For example, in Tokyo, you can visit the Koishikawa Botanical Garden or the Ueno Zoo.
Children's Day - May 5
In honor of kids and their happiness, today is Children's Day. On this day, you can also wish them a good growth and development. Many families put up koinobori (windsocks in the shape of carp) outside their homes or on poles on this day because carp are a symbol of power and determination. They also feed their kids kashiwa-mochi (rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves) or chimaki (rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves), since oak and bamboo are thought to bring health and life. Kids' art and culture are also shown at some events and shows, like the Kodomo no Hi Festival in Tokyo or the Children's Art Exhibition in Osaka.
Marine Day - July 15
Marine Day is a holiday in Japan that honors the water and how important it is to the country as an island. Today is also a time to honor the earth and marine resources. Today, a lot of people go to the beach or do water sports or other fun things. Another option is to see the sea life or history of Japan at an aquarium or maritime museum. Two examples are the Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa and the Yokohama Maritime Museum in Kanagawa.
Mountain Day - August 11
Today is Mountain Day, a holiday in Japan that honors the mountains and what they mean to the country. It's also a day to enjoy the outdoors and natural beauty. A lot of people go to the woods or hike or climb on this day. You can also go to national parks or mountain towns with beautiful views or fun things to do, like Yamanashi's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Yamagata's Zao Onsen.
Respect for the Aged Day - September 16
Every year on Respect for the Aged Day, people celebrate the elderly and what they have done for society. It's also a time to show them your appreciation and love. A lot of people visit their grandparents or other senior family members or friends on this day and bring them gifts or cards. Also, you can take part in activities or events that honor the old or their culture, like the Keiro no Hi Festival in Tokyo or Silver Week in Nagoya.
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Autumnal Equinox Day - Around September 22 or 23
On the Autumnal Equinox Day holiday, the days and nights are the same length. This means that fall has arrived. It's also a time to remember and honor the dead and respect your ancestors. Priests and people who visit graves often pray for their loved ones who have died. Also, you can enjoy the fall colors or other fruits and veggies that are only available that time of year. You can also take part in fall festivals and events, like Tsukimi (Moon Viewing) on September 13 or Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) on October 22.
Health and Sports Day - October 14
Health and Sports Day is a holiday that encourages people to be healthy and fit. On this day, people also remember the start of the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, which were the first Olympics to be held in Asia. This is the day when a lot of people do sports or exercise, like yoga, riding, or running. On this day, you can also watch sports events or competitions, like the Rugby World Cup or the Ekiden (a long-distance relay run).
Culture Day - November 3
It's Culture Day, a day to honor art and culture. It is also a day to remember when the Meiji Constitution, Japan's first modern constitution, was signed into law in 1889. These days, there are a lot of cultural events and ceremonies. For example, the Order of Culture Awards are given to people who have made great efforts to art and culture. You can also go to museums and art galleries that show different kinds of art and culture, like the Tokyo National Museum or the Kyoto National Museum.
Labor Thanksgiving Day - November 23
To Do On Thanksgiving Day, people show their appreciation for workers and their rights at work. It's also a day to honor peace and human rights. A lot of people thank their bosses or coworkers for their help or work on this day. You can also take part in something like the Peace Boat Cruise or Human Rights Week, which runs from November 23 to December 10.
Conclusion
These are major holidays when many locals travel back to their home towns or elsewhere on vacation. Conversely many of the big cities may be quieter during these holidays as their populations temporarily drop. In Japan, there are no local holidays as such, but there are many local festivals, firework displays, other events etc. which may cause those local areas to be very busy.
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