Every Japanese holiday in 2025

Japan offers a large number of public holidays – 16 in total – among the countries with the most public holidays in the world, and more than any other G7 country. Whether you live within Japan or are visiting Japan, keeping track of public holidays is important for vacation planning. Here is the list.

Japan January holidays

Oshogatsu – January 1-3

In Japan, New Year and the days that follow it are called Osomatsujin. Before Japan switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1873, the New Year coincided with the Lunar New Year holiday, which changed every year. After 1873, the country switched to the Gregorian calendar. In 2025, workers are especially lucky because January 3rd falls on a Friday, which means most offices are closed until January 6th.

Coming of Age Day – January 13

Coming of Age Day was originally established in 1948 as a holiday to celebrate people coming of age. From 2022, the age of majority will officially change from 20 to 18.

Japan February holidays

Setsubun (Celebration) – February 3

Although there are no public holidays, Setsubun Widely celebrated in school and community. Starting around mid-January, you’ll see ghost paper demon masks and bags of dried beans in stores, reflecting this tradition, which involves stories of demons and the use of beans to ward off evil.

Founding Day – February 11

Founding Day celebrates the founding of Japan and commemorates the accession of Japan’s first emperor, Jimmu, to the throne in 660 BC.

Valentine’s Day (Celebration) – February 14

Although not a public holiday, Valentine’s Day is famous in Japan for its tradition of women giving chocolates to men. Or, in our modern society, this is when anyone can give chocolate to anyone. The favor was returned a month later on White Day.

Emperor’s Birthday – February 23

This national holiday celebrates the birthday of Emperor Naruhito. It was a day of paying homage to the Emperor and enjoying the accompanying rest.

daughter’s day

Japan March Holidays

Hina Matsuri (celebration) – March 3

This festival is usually celebrated in schools and is commonly known as “Girl’s Day” or “Doll’s Day”. Its official name is Hina Matsuri, a day for eating small things dwarf (millet fruit) candy.

White Day (celebration) – March 14

White Day is not a public holiday. However, traditionally men reciprocate gifts to women on Valentine’s Day (see above).

Vernal Equinox – March 21

Spring has officially arrived, and Japan celebrates the occasion with a public holiday.

April holidays in Japan

Showa Day – April 29

Showa Day marks the birth of Emperor Showa and kicks off Japan’s Harvest Week holiday, known as “Golden Week.” Many workers take days off before and after, giving themselves extended vacations. Showa Day falls on a Tuesday this year, which means many workers will take Monday off to give themselves a four-day weekend.

Carp streamers celebrate Children’s Day

Japan May Holidays

Constitution Day – May 3

After Japan surrendered after World War II, the country’s constitution was rewritten to bring it in line with the democracies of the United States and Britain. This is the day that celebrates the entry into force of the Constitution: May 3, 1947. It also marks the beginning of the three-day holiday, although in 2025 it is reduced due to it falling on a Saturday.

Green Day – May 4

Greenery Day is a public holiday in Japan dedicated to giving thanks to nature. People may head to parks or the countryside. This year, it falls on a Sunday.

Children’s Day – May 5

A day to celebrate the healthy growth and happiness of children. Many houses display large flying koi decorations, known as Liyuden (literally meaning flying koi fish), from their windows and in public places.

Qixi Festival

Japan July holidays

Chinese Valentine’s Day (celebration) – July 7

Chinese Valentine’s Day is also called Chinese Valentine’s Day. Around this time, colored paper strips were called Dansak Appearing in public places and outside homes across Japan.

Ocean Day – July 17

Ocean Day is a day to celebrate the ocean and recognize Japan’s deep connection with the ocean, which provides protection, food, transportation and more. Originally known as “Ocean Day”, it was not a national holiday until strong public support and “Ocean Day” was established in 1995 and has been officially celebrated since 1996.

Japan August holidays

Mountain Day – August 11

About three-quarters of Japan is mountainous, so the country has something to be grateful for on Mountain Day. Mountains have played an important role in Japanese culture since ancient times and are central to its national religion, Shinto.

Obon (Celebration) – August 11-13

People return to their hometowns around Obon to visit their graves. Big cities like Tokyo and Osaka appear very quiet during this time.

Japan September holidays

Respect for the Aged Day – September 18

Japan is notorious for its aging population. There are many people who deserve respect on Respect for the Aged Day.

Autumnal Equinox – September 23

It’s time to welcome autumn again, let’s have another holiday.

Japan October holidays

Sports Day – October 9

Sports Day was established in 1964 to commemorate the opening of the Tokyo Olympics. It’s a great excuse to dust off your training shoes and hit the park for a run.

Japan November holidays

Culture Day – November 3

Formerly the birthday of Emperor Meiji, it was renamed Culture Day in 1948 after World War II to promote culture, freedom and peace.

Labor Thanksgiving – November 23

Labor Thanksgiving originated from the Harvest Festival. It’s a day to celebrate production and thank each other for a year of hard work.

Azabutaiyama Christmas Market

Japan December holidays

Christmas (celebration) – December 25

Officially, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, but in Japan, it is more of a couple’s holiday, and many people choose to celebrate it on the night of the 24th.

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