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Imagine experiencing Japan as its streets come alive with vibrant festivals, glowing lanterns, and celebrations steeped in centuries of tradition. From the excitement of Golden Week to the beauty of cherry blossom season and the unforgettable atmosphere of Obon, Japan’s holidays offer extraordinary opportunities to experience the country’s rich culture. Our guide to Japan holidays 2026 and 2027 covers every public holiday from November 2026 through December 2027, explaining what makes each celebration special and how to make the most of your visit.
While Japan’s peak travel periods often bring busier trains, crowded attractions, and higher hotel demand, they don’t have to detract from an unforgettable trip. With the right planning, you can still enjoy the best of Japan, even during its busiest holidays. When you book one of our Japan package tours, our local experts handle all the details, from accommodation and transportation to carefully crafted itineraries, so you can focus on experiencing Japan without the stress of planning.
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All dates are based on Japan’s official holiday calendar.
Japan Holidays 2026-2027 Month by Month
All holidays are observed nationwide unless noted otherwise.
November 2026
| Holiday | Date | What It Is | What It Means for Your Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culture Day (Bunka no Hi) | Tuesday, November 3 | Culture Day celebrates Japanese art and learning. | From special exhibitions to cultural events, Culture Day is a wonderful opportunity to discover Japan’s creative traditions. Explore beyond the familiar with insights from our expert local guides. |
| Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro Kansha no Hi) | Monday, November 23 | Labor Thanksgiving Day is rooted in an ancient harvest festival and gives thanks to workers. | Kyoto’s autumn colors are at their peak, so popular temples and hotels can fill up quickly. Our Kyoto tour packages include accommodation at competitive rates, even when hotels are sold out elsewhere! |
December 2026
| Holiday | Date | What It Is | What It Means for Your Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| End of Year Closures (Nenmatsu) | Tuesday, December 29 to Wednesday, December 30 | These are not official holidays, but Japan starts winding down for the New Year. | Trains fill as people head home for New Year, so book transport early. |
| New Year’s Eve (Omisoka) | Thursday, December 31 | Families traditionally eat toshikoshi soba, and temples ring their bells 108 times at midnight. | Visit a temple for the midnight bell-ringing, one of Japan’s most memorable New Year traditions. |
January 2027
| Holiday | Date | What It Is | What It Means for Your Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Ganjitsu) | Friday, January 1 | Japan’s biggest celebration, when families make their first shrine visit, called hatsumode. | During Japan’s New Year holiday period, from December 29 to January 3, many shops and businesses close, while hotels book up quickly. With our experienced local team handling the arrangements, you can enjoy a smooth, stress-free trip, even during this busy time of year. Our top tip? Join one of our cultural tours to experience Japan’s New Year traditions firsthand. Visit shrines bustling with locals celebrating hatsumode, the traditional first shrine visit of the year, and discover a truly special side of Japanese culture. |
| New Year Closures (Shogatsu) | Saturday, January 2 to Sunday, January 3 | The New Year festivities continue on January 2 and 3, and many people are still off work. | Department stores reopen on January 2 with fukubukuro lucky bag sales, and the Imperial Palace usually holds a public New Year greeting. |
| Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi) | Monday, January 11 | Celebrates young people reaching adulthood, with ceremonies for those turning 20. | Look out for young adults in beautiful kimono around shrines and city halls. |
February 2027
| Holiday | Date | What It Is | What It Means for Your Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) | Thursday, February 11 | National Foundation Day marks the legendary founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu in 660 BC | This is a quiet holiday, so sightseeing carries on as usual. |
| Emperor’s Birthday (Tenno Tanjobi) | Tuesday, February 23 | This holiday celebrates Emperor Naruhito’s birthday. | The Imperial Palace grounds open for a rare public greeting from the Imperial Family. |
March 2027
| Holiday | Date | What It Is | What It Means for Your Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vernal Equinox Day (Shunbun no Hi) | Sunday, March 21 | Vernal Equinox Day marks the spring equinox, when families visit ancestral graves. | Spring is one of Japan’s most magical seasons, as the first cherry blossoms bring parks and gardens to life. With demand for accommodation rising quickly, our Japan package tours make planning your spring escape easier, with handpicked hotels and seamless travel arrangements. |
| Substitute Holiday (Furikae Kyujitsu) | Monday, March 22 | Monday is designated as a substitute holiday because Vernal Equinox Day falls on a Sunday. | The extra day off creates a three-day weekend, so trains and popular sights can be busier than usual. |
April 2027
| Holiday | Date | What It Is | What It Means for Your Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Week | Thursday, April 29 to Wednesday, May 5 | Golden Week is a series of national holidays in Japan that fall between late April and early May. | Experience Japan at its most vibrant, with seasonal celebrations and an unmistakable holiday atmosphere. Golden Week is also one of the country’s busiest travel periods, making expertly coordinated transport, accommodation, and itineraries especially valuable. |
| Showa Day (Showa no Hi) | Thursday, April 29 | Showa Day honors Emperor Showa and his era of war and rebuilding. | Showa Day marks the beginning of Golden Week, one of Japan’s busiest travel periods. Discover the excitement of the holiday season and explore our Golden Week guide for expert tips on planning your visit. |
May 2027
| Holiday | Date | What It Is | What It Means for Your Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpo Kinenbi) | Monday, May 3 | On this day, Japan’s postwar constitution came into effect in 1947. | Golden Week brings festivals, events, and a lively holiday atmosphere. Our Japan tour packages secure your train and hotel reservations in advance, so you can simply enjoy your trip. |
| Greenery Day (Midori no Hi) | Tuesday, May 4 | A day to appreciate nature as azaleas reach their peak. | Discover Japan’s beautiful parks and gardens in their springtime glory, with lush greenery, colorful azaleas, and special events celebrating nature. |
| Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) | Wednesday, May 5 | On Children’s Day, families fly koinobori, carp streamers that symbolize strength. | Colorful carp streamers fill the skies as families celebrate Children’s Day and Golden Week draws to a close. It’s a wonderful time to experience Japan’s seasonal traditions. |
June 2027
June has no public holidays, and the rainy season usually means fewer crowds and lower hotel prices.
July 2027
| Holiday | Date | What It Is | What It Means for Your Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine Day (Umi no Hi) | Monday, July 19 | Marine Day celebrates the ocean and Japan’s identity as an island nation. | Gion Matsuri brings Kyoto to life throughout July, and its famous float parade on Saturday, July 17, falls on the Marine Day long weekend. Our Kyoto tour packages make it easy to experience it all. |
August 2027
| Holiday | Date | What It Is | What It Means for Your Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Day (Yama no Hi) | Wednesday, August 11 | A holiday celebrating Japan’s mountains and natural landscapes. | Falling just before Obon, it kicks off a popular summer travel period. |
| Obon | Friday, August 13 to Monday, August 16 | During Obon, families honor and welcome back the spirits of their ancestors with lanterns, dances, and family gatherings. | Lanterns, bon odori dancing, and vibrant summer festivals make Obon a special time to experience Japan. With trains and hotels booking up quickly, our team can help you plan ahead with one of our Japan holiday packages, taking care of the arrangements so you can make the most of your trip. |
September 2027
| Holiday | Date | What It Is | What It Means for Your Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro no Hi) | Monday, September 20 | A day that honors elderly people and celebrates long life. | Respect for the Aged Day creates a relaxed long weekend, with a small lift in domestic travel and busier parks, attractions, and day-trip spots. |
| Autumnal Equinox Day (Shubun no Hi) | Thursday, September 23 | Autumnal Equinox Day marks the autumn equinox, a time to honor ancestors and appreciate the changing seasons. | Many locals take Friday off for a long weekend, so popular destinations can get busy. Our Japan package tours include handpicked hotels and seamless travel arrangements, leaving you free to enjoy the colors of the new season. |
October 2027
| Holiday | Date | What It Is | What It Means for Your Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Day (Supotsu no Hi) | Monday, October 11 | Sports Day began as a tribute to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and celebrates an active, healthy life. | Crisp autumn weather makes this a popular weekend for parks and day trips. Our advice is to head out early to stay ahead of the crowds. |
November 2027
| Holiday | Date | What It Is | What It Means for Your Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culture Day (Bunka no Hi) | Wednesday, November 3 | Culture Day celebrates Japanese art and learning. | Some museums offer free entry or special exhibitions, making it a great day for culture lovers. |
| Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro Kansha no Hi) | Tuesday, November 23 | Labor Thanksgiving Day is rooted in an ancient harvest festival and gives thanks to workers. | Kyoto’s autumn colors are at their peak, so popular temples and hotels can fill up quickly. |
December 2027
| Holiday | Date | What It Is | What It Means for Your Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| End of Year Closures (Nenmatsu) | Wednesday, December 29 to Thursday, December 30 | These are not official holidays, but Japan starts winding down for the New Year. | Trains fill up as people head home for New Year, so book transport in Japan early. |
| New Year’s Eve (Omisoka) | Friday, December 31 | Families traditionally eat toshikoshi soba, and temples ring their bells 108 times at midnight. | Visit a temple for the midnight bell-ringing, one of Japan’s most memorable New Year traditions. |
How to Plan Your Trip Around Japan Holidays 2026 and 2027
Japan’s holidays are some of the best times to experience the country, but a little insider planning goes a long way. Here’s what our team in Japan recommends.
- Book Shinkansen seats early. During Golden Week, Obon, and the New Year, trains fill quickly, and Nozomi services run with reserved seating only. Check JR Central’s Nozomi peak dates and plan ahead.
- Secure the best hotels early. Cherry blossom season, Golden Week, and autumn in Kyoto are worth traveling for, which is why they are popular. Hotels get booked up many months in advance, so make sure to book ahead of time.
- Plan ahead for New Year. Banks and many smaller businesses close around New Year, while convenience stores and their ATMs remain your best bet for everyday essentials. Coordinate around these closures as needed.
- Get ahead of Mount Fuji traffic. Holiday weekends bring more visitors to the Fuji Five Lakes, so an early start makes a difference.
- Check museum opening days. Holiday Mondays can shift regular closing days to Tuesday, so always check before you go.
- Plan your routes ahead of time. Crowd levels vary by destination and time of year, so a little advance planning can go a long way in helping you avoid the busiest spots. Some attractions and roads may also be closed during peak holiday periods, so it’s worth checking ahead to avoid unexpected disruptions and make the most of your trip.
Or, let our expert team take care of it all.
Japan’s holidays and festivals are some of the most exciting times to visit, but they’re also among the busiest. With trains filling up, hotels booking out, and popular attractions drawing huge crowds, getting the timing and logistics right can make all the difference. That’s where our Japan experts come in. From planning your itinerary around peak travel periods to arranging seamless transport and securing excellent accommodation through our longstanding hotel partnerships, we take care of every detail. And, with our operations team available 24/7 throughout your trip, you can travel with confidence knowing we’re there to help if plans change.
With a Tourist Japan tour package, you get more than just a holiday. You get thoughtfully planned experiences, passionate local guides who bring Japan’s traditions to life, and a team of experts making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Whether you’re dreaming of cherry blossoms in spring, lively summer festivals, or Japan’s magical New Year celebrations, we’ll take care of every detail to help make your dream trip a reality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Public Holidays Does Japan Have in 2027?
Japan has 16 national holidays in 2027, plus a substitute holiday on Monday, March 22, for a total of 17 days off.
When Is Golden Week 2027?
Golden Week 2027 runs from Thursday, April 29 to Wednesday, May 5, with the busiest stretch from Saturday, May 1 to Wednesday, May 5. For more detailed information, see our guide to Golden Week 2027.
Are Shops and Temples Open on Public Holidays in Japan?
Yes, most shops and temples stay open on public holidays, though many businesses close from around December 29 to January 3.
What Happens When a Japanese Holiday Falls on a Sunday?
When a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a substitute holiday. In 2027, Vernal Equinox Day lands on Sunday, March 21, so Monday, March 22 is a day off.
How Many Long Weekends Does Japan Have in 2027?
Japan has six three-day weekends in 2027: New Year (January 1 to 3), Coming of Age Day (January 9 to 11), Vernal Equinox (March 20 to 22), Marine Day (July 17 to 19), Respect for the Aged Day (September 18 to 20), and Sports Day (October 9 to 11). Golden Week adds a five-day break from Saturday, May 1 to Wednesday, May 5.
When Is the Busiest Time to Travel in Japan?
The busiest periods are New Year (December 29 to January 3), Golden Week (late April to early May), and Obon (mid-August). Trains, flights, and hotels book up weeks in advance, and prices are at their highest.
Is Christmas a Public Holiday in Japan?
No, Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan. Businesses stay open on December 25, though cities glow with illuminations and many couples celebrate with a special dinner.
