Japan has 16 public holidays per year. Understanding when they fall is essential for planning travel, government visits, and knowing when businesses close. Here’s the complete guide.
Japan Public Holidays 2025
| Date | Holiday | Japanese Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year’s Day | 元日 (Ganjitsu) |
| January 13 | Coming of Age Day | 成人の日 (Seijin no Hi) |
| February 11 | National Foundation Day | 建国記念の日 |
| February 23 | Emperor’s Birthday | 天皇誕生日 |
| February 24 | Holiday (substitute) | 振替休日 |
| March 20 | Vernal Equinox Day | 春分の日 (Shunbun no Hi) |
| April 29 | Showa Day | 昭和の日 |
| May 3 | Constitution Memorial Day | 憲法記念日 |
| May 4 | Greenery Day | みどりの日 |
| May 5 | Children’s Day | こどもの日 |
| July 21 | Marine Day | 海の日 (Umi no Hi) |
| August 11 | Mountain Day | 山の日 (Yama no Hi) |
| September 15 | Respect for the Aged Day | 敬老の日 |
| September 23 | Autumnal Equinox Day | 秋分の日 |
| October 13 | Sports Day | スポーツの日 |
| November 3 | Culture Day | 文化の日 |
| November 23 | Labor Thanksgiving Day | 勤労感謝の日 |
| November 24 | Holiday (substitute) | 振替休日 |
Note: When a holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday becomes a substitute holiday (振替休日).
The Major Holiday Periods
🌸 Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク) — Late April to Early May
Japan’s most significant holiday period. Four national holidays cluster together:
- April 29 (Showa Day)
- May 3 (Constitution Memorial Day)
- May 4 (Greenery Day)
- May 5 (Children’s Day)
Most people take the full week off: April 26–May 6, 2025.
What this means:
- Trains, planes, hotels: fully booked and expensive — reserve months in advance
- Tourist spots: extremely crowded
- Many businesses: closed April 29 – May 5
- Highways: severe congestion on first and last days
Tip: If you have flexibility, stay in the city — it’s unusually quiet while everyone else travels.
👴 Silver Week (シルバーウィーク) — September
When the September holidays fall favorably, a cluster of 3+ consecutive holidays creates “Silver Week”:
- September 15 (Respect for the Aged Day)
- September 21 (Sunday)
- September 22 (substitute holiday)
- September 23 (Autumnal Equinox Day)
Silver Week only occurs when the equinox lands on the right day. Check annually.
🎆 Obon (お盆) — Mid-August
Obon is NOT an official public holiday — but Japan largely shuts down:
- Approximately August 13–16 (varies by region)
- Most companies give employees paid leave during this period
- Trains and planes fully booked for the Obon migration (people return to hometowns)
- Many restaurants and businesses close in cities; open in rural areas
🎍 New Year (お正月) — December 29 – January 3
The other major shutdown period:
- Government offices, banks, post offices: closed December 31 – January 3
- Most businesses: closed December 29 or 30 through January 3
- Convenience stores: always open
- Trains and planes: peak pricing
What’s Open on Public Holidays
| Venue | Open? |
|---|---|
| Convenience stores | ✅ Always |
| Most restaurants (large chains) | ✅ Yes |
| Shopping malls and department stores | ✅ Usually (except Jan 1) |
| Supermarkets | ✅ Usually |
| Government offices | ❌ Closed |
| Banks | ❌ Closed |
| Post offices | ❌ Closed (ATMs often open) |
| Schools | ❌ Closed |
| Museums | Varies (many open on holidays, closed following Monday) |
振替休日 (Furikae Kyujitsu) — Substitute Holidays
When a public holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday becomes a substitute holiday.
When two holidays sandwich a single weekday, that weekday also becomes a holiday under the “National Holiday” rule — this is how Golden Week expands.
Paid Leave and Holiday Culture
Japanese employees receive 10–20 days of paid leave per year by law, increasing with seniority. However:
- Usage rates are low — Japan is improving but average usage is ~60%
- Taking leave around public holidays is more socially acceptable than standalone days
- Many companies shut down entirely during Golden Week and New Year — paid leave isn’t needed for these periods