Japan Public Holidays 2026
In 2026, Japan has 18 days off for public holidays (including substitute days) and 2 other observances that are not days off. There are 8 breaks of three days or more; the longest is 5 days for Constitution Day, Greenery Day, Children's Day (Sat, May 2 – Wed, May 6).
- Days off
- 18
- Substitute days
- 2
- Long weekends
- 8
Public holidays
| Date | Holiday | Local name | Type | Lunar date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jan 1 | New Year's Day | 元日 | Holiday | L11/13 |
| Mon, Jan 12 | Coming of Age Day | 成人の日 | Holiday | L11/24 |
| Wed, Feb 11 | National Foundation Day | 建国記念の日 | Holiday | L12/24 |
| Mon, Feb 23 | Emperor's Birthday | 天皇誕生日 | Holiday | L1/7 |
| Fri, Mar 20 | Vernal Equinox Day | 春分の日 | Holiday | L2/2 |
| Wed, Apr 29 | Shōwa Day | 昭和の日 | Holiday | L3/13 |
| Sun, May 3 | Constitution Day | 憲法記念日 | Holiday | L3/17 |
| Mon, May 4 | Greenery Day | みどりの日 | Holiday | L3/18 |
| Tue, May 5 | Children's Day | こどもの日 | Holiday | L3/19 |
| Wed, May 6 | Substitute holiday | 振替休日 | Observed | L3/20 |
| Mon, Jul 20 | Marine Day | 海の日 | Holiday | L6/7 |
| Tue, Aug 11 | Mountain Day | 山の日 | Holiday | L6/29 |
| Mon, Sep 21 | Respect for the Aged Day | 敬老の日 | Holiday | L8/11 |
| Tue, Sep 22 | National Holiday | 国民の休日 | Observed | L8/12 |
| Wed, Sep 23 | Autumnal Equinox Day | 秋分の日 | Holiday | L8/13 |
| Mon, Oct 12 | Sports Day | スポーツの日 | Holiday | L9/3 |
| Tue, Nov 3 | Culture Day | 文化の日 | Holiday | L9/25 |
| Mon, Nov 23 | Labour Thanksgiving Day | 勤労感謝の日 | Holiday | L10/15 |
Long weekends
| Period | Days | Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, Jan 10 – Mon, Jan 12 | 3 | Coming of Age Day |
| Sat, Feb 21 – Mon, Feb 23 | 3 | Emperor's Birthday |
| Fri, Mar 20 – Sun, Mar 22 | 3 | Vernal Equinox Day |
| Sat, May 2 – Wed, May 6 | 5 | Constitution Day, Greenery Day, Children's Day, Substitute holiday |
| Sat, Jul 18 – Mon, Jul 20 | 3 | Marine Day |
| Sat, Sep 19 – Wed, Sep 23 | 5 | Respect for the Aged Day, National Holiday, Autumnal Equinox Day |
| Sat, Oct 10 – Mon, Oct 12 | 3 | Sports Day |
| Sat, Nov 21 – Mon, Nov 23 | 3 | Labour Thanksgiving Day |
Other observances (not days off)
| Date | Holiday | Lunar date |
|---|---|---|
| Tue, Mar 3 | Doll Festival | L1/15 |
| Tue, Jul 7 | Qixi Festival | L5/23 |
How the holidays work
Japan has 16 national holidays under the Act on National Holidays. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the next non-holiday weekday becomes a substitute holiday, and a weekday sandwiched between two holidays becomes a citizens’ holiday.
Coming of Age Day, Marine Day, Respect for the Aged Day and Sports Day are fixed to Mondays (the Happy Monday system), while the Vernal and Autumnal Equinox Days are calculated astronomically and officially announced the year before.
Holidays are calculated from current law and announced arrangements and are for reference only; the local government’s announcement is authoritative. Select a date to open it in the calendar.
2026 month by month
Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec · 2026 Chinese almanac
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