Are you living in Japan or planning a trip there in 2026? Knowing the national holiday calendar early can make travel planning, business schedules, and time off much easier. Japan has 16 named national holidays under the Act on National Holidays.
In 2026, those 16 named holidays create 18 total holiday dates off, because May 6 becomes a substitute holiday and September 22 becomes a holiday between Respect for the Aged Day and the Autumnal Equinox.
Whether you live in Japan or are just visiting, it is worth checking these dates before you make plans. National holidays can affect business hours, transport crowds, and local services. Bank of Japan offices are also closed on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, substitute holidays, and from December 31 to January 3.
Public holidays in Japan in 2026
The table below follows the official Cabinet Office holiday calendar for 2026.
| Date | Day of week | Holiday name | Local holiday name | Is it a day off work? |
| 1 January 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | 元日 (Ganjitsu) | Yes |
| 12 January 2026 | Monday | Coming of Age Day | 成人の日 (Seijin no Hi) | Yes |
| 11 February 2026 | Wednesday | National Foundation Day | 建国記念の日 (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) | Yes |
| 23 February 2026 | Monday | The Emperor’s Birthday | 天皇誕生日 (Tennō Tanjōbi) | Yes |
| 20 March 2026 | Friday | Vernal Equinox Day | 春分の日 (Shunbun no Hi) | Yes |
| 29 April 2026 | Wednesday | Shōwa Day | 昭和の日 (Shōwa no Hi) | Yes |
| 3 May 2026 | Sunday | Constitution Memorial Day | 憲法記念日 (Kenpō Kinenbi) | Yes |
| 4 May 2026 | Monday | Greenery Day | みどりの日 (Midori no Hi) | Yes |
| 5 May 2026 | Tuesday | Children’s Day | こどもの日 (Kodomo no Hi) | Yes |
| 6 May 2026 | Wednesday | Substitute Holiday | 休日 (Kyūjitsu) | Yes |
| 20 July 2026 | Monday | Marine Day | 海の日 (Umi no Hi) | Yes |
| 11 August 2026 | Tuesday | Mountain Day | 山の日 (Yama no Hi) | Yes |
| 21 September 2026 | Monday | Respect for the Aged Day | 敬老の日 (Keirō no Hi) | Yes |
| 22 September 2026 | Tuesday | Citizen’s Holiday | 休日 (Kyūjitsu) | Yes |
| 23 September 2026 | Wednesday | Autumnal Equinox Day | 秋分の日 (Shūbun no Hi) | Yes |
| 12 October 2026 | Monday | Sports Day | スポーツの日 (Supōtsu no Hi) | Yes |
| 3 November 2026 | Tuesday | Culture Day | 文化の日 (Bunka no Hi) | Yes |
| 23 November 2026 | Monday | Labour Thanksgiving Day | 勤労感謝の日 (Kinrō Kansha no Hi) | Yes |
How many public holidays are observed in Japan?
Japan’s holiday law defines 16 named national holidays each year. In addition, extra days off can appear when a holiday falls on a Sunday or when a non-holiday falls between two national holidays. That is why the actual number of holiday dates in a year can be higher than 16.
In 2026, Japan has 18 holiday dates in total. That makes it a useful year for planning long weekends, especially around Golden Week in May and the September holiday stretch.
The most popular holidays in Japan
A few holidays are especially important in everyday life. New Year’s Day opens the most important holiday season of the year, while Golden Week brings together several holidays around late April and early May. In 2026, Golden Week is slightly longer because May 6 becomes a substitute holiday.
Other widely observed holidays include Coming of Age Day, Marine Day, Respect for the Aged Day, and the year-end Labour Thanksgiving Day and Culture Day holidays. The Cabinet Office’s holiday law also explains that these dates are intended to celebrate, give thanks, or commemorate important parts of Japanese society, nature, and history.
What the public holidays and days off are in Japan
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day falls on 1 January and marks the start of the year. It is one of Japan’s core national holidays.
Coming of Age Day
Coming of Age Day is observed on the second Monday of January. It celebrates young people reaching adulthood.
National Foundation Day
National Foundation Day is held on 11 February. It is a fixed-date national holiday under Japanese law.
The Emperor’s Birthday
The Emperor’s Birthday is observed on 23 February. It marks the birthday of the reigning Emperor.
Vernal Equinox Day
Vernal Equinox Day is one of Japan’s equinox holidays. Its exact date is not fixed in the law and is announced officially each year.
Shōwa Day
Shōwa Day is celebrated on 29 April. It reflects on the Shōwa era and is also the start of the Golden Week period.
Constitution Memorial Day
Constitution Memorial Day falls on 3 May. It marks the enforcement of the Constitution of Japan.
Greenery Day
Greenery Day is observed on 4 May. It is dedicated to nature and appreciation for its blessings.
Children’s Day
Children’s Day is held on 5 May. It celebrates children’s happiness and individuality.
Substitute Holiday
When a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the next non-holiday weekday becomes a holiday. In 2026, this rule makes 6 May a holiday because Constitution Memorial Day falls on Sunday, 3 May.
Marine Day
Marine Day is observed on the third Monday of July. It gives thanks for the benefits of the sea.
Mountain Day
Mountain Day falls on 11 August. It is a national holiday focused on appreciation for Japan’s mountains.
Respect for the Aged Day
Respect for the Aged Day is observed on the third Monday of September. It honours older people and celebrates longevity.
Citizen’s Holiday
Under the holiday law, a non-holiday between two national holidays becomes a holiday. In 2026, 22 September becomes a holiday because it falls between Respect for the Aged Day and Autumnal Equinox Day.
Autumnal Equinox Day
Autumnal Equinox Day is another equinox holiday whose exact date is officially announced. In 2026, it falls on 23 September.
Sports Day
Sports Day is held on the second Monday of October. It encourages people to enjoy sports and value health and respect for others.
Culture Day
Culture Day falls on 3 November. It promotes freedom, peace, and culture.
Labour Thanksgiving Day
Labour Thanksgiving Day is observed on 23 November. It is a day to value work, celebrate production, and express gratitude.
Public holidays in Japan in 2027
The 2027 dates below follow the official Cabinet Office calendar.
| Date | Day of week | Holiday name | Local holiday name | Is it a day off work? |
| 1 January 2027 | Friday | New Year’s Day | 元日 (Ganjitsu) | Yes |
| 11 January 2027 | Monday | Coming of Age Day | 成人の日 (Seijin no Hi) | Yes |
| 11 February 2027 | Thursday | National Foundation Day | 建国記念の日 (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) | Yes |
| 23 February 2027 | Tuesday | The Emperor’s Birthday | 天皇誕生日 (Tennō Tanjōbi) | Yes |
| 21 March 2027 | Sunday | Vernal Equinox Day | 春分の日 (Shunbun no Hi) | Yes |
| 22 March 2027 | Monday | Substitute Holiday | 休日 (Kyūjitsu) | Yes |
| 29 April 2027 | Thursday | Shōwa Day | 昭和の日 (Shōwa no Hi) | Yes |
| 3 May 2027 | Monday | Constitution Memorial Day | 憲法記念日 (Kenpō Kinenbi) | Yes |
| 4 May 2027 | Tuesday | Greenery Day | みどりの日 (Midori no Hi) | Yes |
| 5 May 2027 | Wednesday | Children’s Day | こどもの日 (Kodomo no Hi) | Yes |
| 19 July 2027 | Monday | Marine Day | 海の日 (Umi no Hi) | Yes |
| 11 August 2027 | Wednesday | Mountain Day | 山の日 (Yama no Hi) | Yes |
| 20 September 2027 | Monday | Respect for the Aged Day | 敬老の日 (Keirō no Hi) | Yes |
| 23 September 2027 | Thursday | Autumnal Equinox Day | 秋分の日 (Shūbun no Hi) | Yes |
| 11 October 2027 | Monday | Sports Day | スポーツの日 (Supōtsu no Hi) | Yes |
| 3 November 2027 | Wednesday | Culture Day | 文化の日 (Bunka no Hi) | Yes |
| 23 November 2027 | Tuesday | Labour Thanksgiving Day | 勤労感謝の日 (Kinrō Kansha no Hi) | Yes |
Public holidays in Japan in 2028
The Cabinet Office page also lists the 2028 holiday schedule currently shown for Japan.
| Date | Day of week | Holiday name | Local holiday name | Is it a day off work? |
| 1 January 2028 | Saturday | New Year’s Day | 元日 (Ganjitsu) | Yes |
| 10 January 2028 | Monday | Coming of Age Day | 成人の日 (Seijin no Hi) | Yes |
| 11 February 2028 | Friday | National Foundation Day | 建国記念の日 (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) | Yes |
| 23 February 2028 | Wednesday | The Emperor’s Birthday | 天皇誕生日 (Tennō Tanjōbi) | Yes |
| 20 March 2028 | Monday | Vernal Equinox Day | 春分の日 (Shunbun no Hi) | Yes |
| 29 April 2028 | Saturday | Shōwa Day | 昭和の日 (Shōwa no Hi) | Yes |
| 3 May 2028 | Wednesday | Constitution Memorial Day | 憲法記念日 (Kenpō Kinenbi) | Yes |
| 4 May 2028 | Thursday | Greenery Day | みどりの日 (Midori no Hi) | Yes |
| 5 May 2028 | Friday | Children’s Day | こどもの日 (Kodomo no Hi) | Yes |
| 17 July 2028 | Monday | Marine Day | 海の日 (Umi no Hi) | Yes |
| 11 August 2028 | Friday | Mountain Day | 山の日 (Yama no Hi) | Yes |
| 18 September 2028 | Monday | Respect for the Aged Day | 敬老の日 (Keirō no Hi) | Yes |
| 22 September 2028 | Friday | Autumnal Equinox Day | 秋分の日 (Shūbun no Hi) | Yes |
| 9 October 2028 | Monday | Sports Day | スポーツの日 (Supōtsu no Hi) | Yes |
| 3 November 2028 | Friday | Culture Day | 文化の日 (Bunka no Hi) | Yes |
| 23 November 2028 | Thursday | Labour Thanksgiving Day | 勤労感謝の日 (Kinrō Kansha no Hi) | Yes |
Conclusion
Japan’s 2026 holiday calendar is especially useful for planning because it includes extra days off in both May and September. With the 2027 and 2028 tables included as well, it is easier to plan trips, work schedules, and long weekends well ahead of time.
Last Updated on 04/05/2026