Official Public Holidays in Japan in 2025

Whenever I plan to visit other countries, I check the public holidays of the destination country. For example, street parades, traditional performances, and various holiday events give us a better understanding of the country and its people. Japan has sixteen official holidays a year. Then, let’s check out the official public holidays in Japan in 2025.

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Japan’s Public Holidays In 2025

Scroll down to find a list of each public holiday date in 2025 in Japan and the meaning of the day mentioned to schedule your plans and get the best of what you’ll be getting this year:

New Year’s Day, Ganjitsu – January 1 (Wed), 2025

New Year’s Day is a public holiday when everyone gathers to enjoy themselves. Businesses don’t operate until January 3rd. The official holiday is only January 1, but office workers usually take vacations from late December to early January and have a long holiday of several days. Families throw Bonenkai Parties, which translates to forgetting parties. Most of all, Ganjitsu is one of Japan’s most important public holidays, with cities like Tokyo hosting modern countdown parties and events.

Coming of Age Day – January 13 (Mon), 2025

This public holiday falls on the second Monday of January. It congratulates everyone who has turned twenty. You can easily find young Japanese people dressed up in traditional costumes. Each municipality hosts a grand coming-of-age ceremony to congratulate the young people who have turned 20. Usually, men wear suits or hakama, and women wear furisode. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are famous spots for celebrations after ceremonies.

National Foundation Day – February 11 (Tue), 2025

National Foundation Day is on February 11th. This Japanese national holiday commemorates the legendary founding of the nation. It embodies the motto, “To remember the day of the founding of the state and to cultivate a heart that loves the country.” The day also marks the enthronement date of Japan’s first Emperor, Jimmu, at Kashihara Shrine in Nara Prefecture. People celebrate patriotism with events held nationwide.

The Emperor’s Birthday – February 23 (Sun), 2025

Japan’s public holidays include the Emperor’s Birthday, marking the date of birth of the currently reigning emperor. It is on February 23rd of every year following Emperor Naruhito’s crowning. A public ceremony takes place at the Tokyo Imperial Palace with imperial greetings. People are allowed inside the palace; otherwise, it is off-limits to the general public. The Emperor accepts birthday greetings from the citizens by appearing on a palace balcony. Many also wrote letters to the Emperor during the week leading up to this event.

Vernal Equinox Day – March 20 (Thu), 2025

Did you know Japan has an official public holiday for the Vernal Equinox? It’s the Spring Equinox day in the northern hemisphere when the length of daytime and nighttime are the same. Astronomically, the Vernal Equinox Day means the beginning of Spring and farming of the year in Japan. So, people enjoy the weather of Spring and the blooming of flowers. They celebrate by visiting public shrines (Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple), engaging in traditional ceremonies (Kokutai Cult), and visiting graves to pay honors to ancestors.

Showa Day – April 29 (Tue), 2025

This public holiday on the 29^th of April celebrates the birthday of Emperor Showa (Hirohito). Showa translates to bright peace and symbolizes the period from 1926 to 1989, during which he reigned. In addition, they call this season Golden Week from April 29th to May 6th. So, it includes four national holidays in Japan. During Shōwa Day, people eat unagi, a favorite food of the late Emperor Shōwa. They also spend time with their family or visit Tokyo’s Musashino Imperial Mausoleum, the burial site of the Emperor.

Golden Week – April 29 ~ May 6, 2025

Golden Week is one of Japan’s longest holidays, from Showa Day in late April to several holidays in early May. This year’s Golden Week is seven days, from Tuesday, April 29th to Tuesday, May 6th. Since May 2nd is a working Monday, many people usually take a day off on Monday and enjoy the week-long holiday from April 29th to May 6th, so please refer to those planning a trip during this period.

Constitution Memorial Day – May 3 (Sat), 2025

Constitutional Memorial Day is one of Japan’s public holidays, falling on May 3rd. It is celebrated during Golden Week to commemorate the enactment of the 1947 Constitution of Japan. This day reminisces the nation’s history and entrance into democracy. Many educational initiatives and ceremonies take place, emphasizing the importance of democracy, peace, and the rule of law. The National Diet Building is open to the public, allowing them to tour the legislative chambers.

Greenery Day – May 4 (Sun), 2025

Japanese Emperor Shōwa was a keen marine biologist with a huge appreciation for nature. During his reign, the Imperial Palace had a laboratory dedicated to studying sea animals. After he died in 1989, the Emperor’s birthday was renamed Greenery Day to commemorate his love for nature. Initially, the public holiday was on April 29 before being celebrated on May 4 every year. On this day, people celebrate nature and the environment by visiting parks, planting trees, and enjoying nature walks. Ueno Park, Hama-rikyu Gardens, and Tokyo Sea Life Park are must-visit sites on Greenery Day.

Children’s Day – May 5 (Mon), 2025

You all must be familiar with Children’s Day. Japan also celebrates this day on May 5 at the end of the Golden Week. This public holiday is to show respect towards the happiness and personalities of children. Contrary to its name, Children’s Day is usually considered a festival of boys who celebrate by flying koinobori flags and kites. They are generally in the shape of a carp, making them look like swimming out in the sky. The Tokyo Tower is a marvelous site with koinobori streamers. On this day, everyone enjoys special cakes and plays with traditional toys.

Marine Day – July 21 (Mon), 2025

The Official Public Holidays in Japan in 2025 include the legendary Marine Day, aka Sea Day. This holiday falls on the third Monday of July, this year on July 21. It celebrates the importance of the sea for the Japanese Nation. As a maritime nation, Japan depends on the ocean for transport, food, commerce, and other water-related activities. Beaches and coastal areas like Yokohama, Chiba, and Kamakura are ideal destinations on this day.

Mountain Day – August 11 (Mon), 2025

Like Marine Day, Mountain Day celebrates Japan’s natural wonders. It falls on August 11 and promotes love and respect for the nation’s mountains. This is the newest Japanese holiday, established in 2016. People usually visit nearby mountains and engage in outdoor activities like hiking. Mount Fuji is the classic destination for celebrating Mountain Day. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore the Fuji Five Lakes.

Respect for the Aged Day – September 15 (Mon), 2025

Japanese culture heavily emphasizes the importance of family. It also places high regard and pays deep respect to elders. On the third Monday of September, Respect for the Aged Day honors elderly Japanese citizens. It allows people to reflect upon the older generations’ contribution to family and society. Children and adults give cards, flowers, and presents to their elders to show their appreciation. Teens and local communities often hold keirokai performances to respect elders.

Autumnal Equinox Day – September 23 (Tue), 2025

The annual Autumnal Equinox Day is one of two Japanese public holidays celebrating weather changes. While Vernal Equinox Day marks the beginning of Spring, Autumnal Equinox Day symbolizes the beginning of fall. Family members gather to pay respects to their ancestors in graves and clean their gravestones. In addition to tending to ancestral graves, many visit shrines like Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple).

Sports Day – October 13 (Mon), 2025

Next, Sports Day is an annual Japanese holiday on the second Monday of October. It pays tribute to the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, with schools hosting a sports fest similar to a mini Olympics. This day highlights the importance of sports and a healthy lifestyle. Japanese people believe being active guarantees happiness and longevity. Hence, this day encourages everyone to stay active and indulge in fun activities like races, marathons, and scavenger hunts.

Culture Day – November 3 (Mon), 2025

November 3 marks the annual Culture Day in Japan. This national holiday promotes the importance of learning, the arts, and culture. It also commemorates the 1946 Constitution of Japan and promotes peace and freedom. Parades, art exhibitions, and award ceremonies for distinguished scholars and artists occur nationwide. Cultural landmarks like Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, Nezu Shrine, and Tokyo National Museum are top attractions to visit on this day in Tokyo.

Labor Thanksgiving Day – November 23 (Sun), 2025

Finally, Labor Thanksgiving Day is Japan’s final official public holiday in 2025. It is on November 23 of each year unless that day is Sunday, in which case it is moved to Monday. It promotes appreciation and gratitude to all workers for their hard work and dedication. On this day, the Nagano Labor Festival is also observed to highlight the importance of peace, the environment, and human rights. You can visit parks and museums or go on day trips with friends and family.

Japan’s sixteen public holidays revolve around national, political, cultural, and weather-related happenings. They promote the nation’s history, art, culture, and lifestyle. These holidays also offer opportunities to spend time with families and strengthen familial bonds. Visitors can experience these Japanese holidays and learn about their significance on their Japan trip. However, they must prepare for competitive rates in flights, hotels, and attractions during these times of the year.

Here, you can check the ultimate Japan travel guide and the Best things to do in Tokyo.