The world holiday encyclopedia · JP

Japan Public Holidays 2026

Explore Japan's national holidays by year, with dates and concise reference notes.

Quick answer

HoliWiki currently lists 18 holiday entries for Japan in 2026. The calendar and date-ordered table below show the available schedule.

2026

Year

Japan JP

Current country/region

Holiday entries

July 20, 2026Marine Day

Next holiday

Holiday calendar

A 12-month calendar. Hover over or focus a marker to read its details.

★Statutory holiday◆Adjusted / weekend day off

January 2026

1★

12★

February 2026

11★

23★

March 2026

20★

April 2026

29★

May 2026

3★

4★

5★

6★

June 2026

July 2026

20★

August 2026

11★

September 2026

21★

22★

23★

October 2026

12★

November 2026

3★

23★

December 2026

Holiday list

18 entries

Date	Weekday	Holiday	Type
January 1, 2026	Thursday	New Year's Day	Public holiday
January 12, 2026	Monday	Coming of Age Day	Public holiday
February 11, 2026	Wednesday	National Foundation Day	Public holiday
February 23, 2026	Monday	Emperor's Birthday	Public holiday
March 20, 2026	Friday	Vernal Equinox Day	Public holiday
April 29, 2026	Wednesday	Showa Day	Public holiday
May 3, 2026	Sunday	Constitution Memorial Day	Public holiday
May 4, 2026	Monday	Greenery Day	Public holiday
May 5, 2026	Tuesday	Children's Day	Public holiday
May 6, 2026	Wednesday	Substitute holiday	Public holiday
July 20, 2026	Monday	Marine Day	Public holiday
August 11, 2026	Tuesday	Mountain Day	Public holiday
September 21, 2026	Monday	Respect for the Aged Day	Public holiday
September 22, 2026	Tuesday	Citizen's holiday	Public holiday
September 23, 2026	Wednesday	Autumnal Equinox Day	Public holiday
October 12, 2026	Monday	Sports Day	Public holiday
November 3, 2026	Tuesday	Culture Day	Public holiday
November 23, 2026	Monday	Labor Thanksgiving Day	Public holiday

Official source and scope

This page is based on Cabinet Office, Government of Japan Check the official source again for travel, payroll or legal decisions.

Frequently asked questions

How many public holidays and statutory days off does Japan have in 2026?

Japan's Cabinet Office lists 18 national holidays and statutory days off for 2026.

Why is May 6, 2026 a holiday in Japan?

Constitution Memorial Day falls on Sunday, May 3, creating a substitute holiday on May 6 under the Public Holiday Law.

Why is September 22, 2026 a holiday in Japan?

It falls between Respect for the Aged Day and Autumnal Equinox Day, making it a statutory citizen's holiday.

Holiday Stories

New Year (Shogatsu)

Shogatsu is Japan's most important holiday. Families visit shrines or temples for hatsumode, eat osechi dishes and send New Year greeting cards. Temple bells ring 108 times on New Year's Eve to symbolically clear away worldly desires.

Coming of Age Day

Coming of Age Day is held on the second Monday of January. Municipal ceremonies welcome new adults, and many participants wear formal suits, furisode kimono or hakama.

National Foundation Day

National Foundation Day reflects on the establishment of Japan and love of country. Its February 11 date is traditionally linked to the accession of the legendary Emperor Jimmu.

The Emperor's Birthday

The Emperor's Birthday celebrates the reigning emperor's birth. Public greetings at the Imperial Palace are among the best-known observances when circumstances permit.

Vernal Equinox Day

Vernal Equinox Day honors nature and living things as day and night become nearly equal. Many families also visit ancestral graves during the surrounding higan period.

Showa Day

Showa Day reflects on the turbulent Showa era and Japan's recovery. It falls on April 29, Emperor Showa's birthday, and opens the Golden Week holiday period.

Constitution Memorial Day

Constitution Memorial Day marks the postwar Constitution of Japan taking effect on May 3, 1947. It is a day to consider democracy and constitutional government.

Greenery Day

Greenery Day encourages appreciation of nature and gratitude for its blessings. Parks and public gardens often hold events or offer free admission.

Children's Day

Children's Day celebrates children's happiness and thanks their caregivers. Families fly carp streamers, display warrior dolls and eat kashiwa mochi.

Substitute Holiday

Japan creates a substitute holiday when a national holiday falls on Sunday. The next eligible non-holiday becomes a day off under the Public Holiday Law.

Marine Day

Marine Day gives thanks for the ocean's benefits and hopes for Japan's maritime prosperity. Coastal festivals, aquarium events and beach activities are common.

Mountain Day

Mountain Day offers an opportunity to appreciate Japan's mountains and their gifts. Hiking events and nature programs often accompany the August holiday.

Respect for the Aged Day

Respect for the Aged Day honors older people and celebrates longevity. Families and communities hold visits, ceremonies and gifts for senior residents.

Citizen's Holiday

A weekday between two national holidays becomes a citizen's holiday under Japanese law. The rule can create an uncommon three-day sequence without declaring a new named holiday.

Autumnal Equinox Day

Autumnal Equinox Day honors ancestors and remembers the departed. Grave visits and Buddhist higan customs are common around the near-equal day and night.

Sports Day

Sports Day promotes physical activity and a healthy society. Schools, communities and sports organizations often arrange athletic events and fitness programs.

Culture Day

Culture Day celebrates freedom, peace and cultural achievement. Museums may open free of charge, while awards, exhibitions and school festivals take place nationwide.

Labor Thanksgiving Day

Labor Thanksgiving Day honors work, production and mutual gratitude. Its roots are associated with the ancient harvest rite known as Niinamesai.