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Public Holidays in Japan 2026

16 public and regional holidays observed across Japan in 2026.

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Japan has one of the most holiday-dense calendars in the developed world, with sixteen national holidays ("shukujitsu") spread across the year — many tied to nature, gratitude, and reflection rather than religion, such as Greenery Day, Mountain Day, and Respect for the Aged Day. Japan also uniquely applies a "Citizens' Holiday" rule: if a single weekday falls between two public holidays, it automatically becomes a holiday too. Below is the full 2026 calendar of Japanese national holidays.

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Full 2026 Calendar
DateDayHolidayObserved
January 1, 2026 Thursday 元日New Year's Day National
January 12, 2026 Monday 成人の日Coming of Age Day National
February 11, 2026 Wednesday 建国記念の日Foundation Day National
February 23, 2026 Monday 天皇誕生日The Emperor's Birthday National
March 20, 2026 Friday 春分の日Vernal Equinox Day National
April 29, 2026 Wednesday 昭和の日Shōwa Day National
May 4, 2026 Monday みどりの日Greenery Day National
May 5, 2026 Tuesday こどもの日Children's Day National
May 6, 2026 Wednesday 憲法記念日Constitution Memorial Day National
July 20, 2026 Monday 海の日Marine Day National
August 11, 2026 Tuesday 山の日Mountain Day National
September 21, 2026 Monday 敬老の日Respect for the Aged Day National
September 23, 2026 Wednesday 秋分の日Autumnal Equinox Day National
October 12, 2026 Monday スポーツの日Sports Day National
November 3, 2026 Tuesday 文化の日Culture Day National
November 23, 2026 Monday 勤労感謝の日Labour Thanksgiving Day National
What Each Holiday Means
January 1, 2026Thursday
元日
The first day of the Gregorian calendar year, marked with fireworks, family gatherings, and a fresh start after the festive season.
January 12, 2026Monday
成人の日
Celebrates young people who reached the age of majority (18) during the past year, marked with ceremonies and formal dress.
February 11, 2026Wednesday
建国記念の日
Commemorates the legendary founding of Japan under its first Emperor.
February 23, 2026Monday
天皇誕生日
Celebrates the birthday of the reigning Emperor.
March 20, 2026Friday
春分の日
A traditional seasonal holiday for visiting family graves and appreciating nature, tied to the spring equinox.
April 29, 2026Wednesday
昭和の日
Reflects on the Shōwa era and honours the birthday of former Emperor Shōwa.
May 4, 2026Monday
みどりの日
A day for appreciating nature, originally tied to the Shōwa Emperor's love of plants.
May 5, 2026Tuesday
こどもの日
A day celebrating children's happiness and personalities, part of Japan's Golden Week holidays.
May 6, 2026Wednesday
憲法記念日
Commemorates the 1947 enactment of Japan's post-war constitution.
July 20, 2026Monday
海の日
Gives thanks to the ocean for the prosperity it brings to an island nation.
August 11, 2026Tuesday
山の日
A public holiday for appreciating mountains, one of Japan's newest national holidays.
September 21, 2026Monday
敬老の日
Honours elderly citizens and celebrates longevity.
September 23, 2026Wednesday
秋分の日
A traditional seasonal holiday for visiting family graves, tied to the autumn equinox.
October 12, 2026Monday
スポーツの日
Commemorates the opening of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and promotes sport and an active lifestyle.
November 3, 2026Tuesday
文化の日
A day promoting culture, the arts, and academic achievement, with award ceremonies held nationwide.
November 23, 2026Monday
勤労感謝の日
A day for commemorating labour and giving one another thanks, rooted in ancient harvest festivals.

Holiday dates sourced from the Nager.Date public holiday API and cross-checked annually. Regional and subnational holidays may not apply to every worker in Japan — always confirm with your employer or local authority for time-off purposes.