Public Holidays in Japan 2025 – National & Seasonal Holidays
Japan observes a set of national public holidays each year under the Public Holiday Law. Many holidays are tied to seasons, the Imperial calendar, and the “Happy Monday” system (moving some holidays to Mondays). In 2025, Japan has 16 national holidays.
Overview of Japan’s Public Holidays
Japanese public holidays include celebrations of nature (equinoxes), culture, the emperor, and seasons. Some are fixed dates; others follow astronomical events or are moved to Mondays to extend weekends. The Bank of Japan also observes substitute holidays (“振替休日 / furikae kyūjitsu”) when a holiday falls on a Sunday.
List of National Public Holidays in Japan (2025)
| Date (2025) | Day | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day (元日, Ganjitsu) | Start of the new year. |
| January 13 | Monday | Coming of Age Day (成人の日) | Second Monday of January. |
| February 11 | Tuesday | National Foundation Day (建国記念の日) | Commemorates founding of the nation. |
| February 23 | Sunday | Emperor’s Birthday (天皇誕生日) | Observed on February 24 (Monday) as substitute. |
| March 20 | Thursday | Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日) | Seasonal holiday for nature & ancestors. |
| April 29 | Tuesday | Shōwa Day (昭和の日) | Honours the Shōwa era. |
| May 3 | Saturday | Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日) | Celebrates the 1947 Constitution. |
| May 4 | Sunday | Greenery Day (みどりの日) | Observed May 6 (Tuesday) as substitute. |
| May 5 | Monday | Children’s Day (こどもの日) | End of Golden Week. |
| May 6 | Tuesday | Holiday in lieu (Greenery Day observed) | Because May 4 fell on Sunday. |
| July 21 | Monday | Marine Day (海の日) | Third Monday in July. |
| August 11 | Monday | Mountain Day (山の日) | Newer holiday for appreciating mountains. |
| September 15 | Monday | Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日) | Third Monday of September. |
| September 23 | Tuesday | Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日) | Seasonal holiday. |
| October 13 | Monday | Sports Day (体育の日) | Second Monday in October. |
| November 3 | Monday | Culture Day (文化の日) | Celebrates culture, arts & academic endeavor. |
| November 23 | Sunday | Labor Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日) | Observed on Nov 24 (Monday) as substitute. |
Golden Week & Holiday Clusters
Japan’s Golden Week typically occurs from late April to early May, combining multiple consecutive holidays: Shōwa Day (April 29), Constitution Memorial Day (May 3), Greenery Day (May 4), and Children’s Day (May 5). Because Greenery Day falls on Sunday in 2025, May 6 is designated as a substitute holiday. Japan also practices “Citizen’s Holiday” (国民の祝日) when a day falls between two national holidays, turning that intermediate day into a holiday too.
Business & Bank Closures
On national public holidays, government offices, banks, post offices, many shops, and schools are closed. The Bank of Japan, for instance, closes on these holidays and following substitute days. Additionally, a customary year-end / New Year period (Dec 31 to Jan 3) is treated as a holiday period by many institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Japan have in 2025?
Japan has 16 national public holidays in 2025.
What is a substitute holiday in Japan?
When a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the next day (Monday) becomes a substitute holiday (“振替休日 / furikae kyūjitsu”).
What is Golden Week?
Golden Week is a cluster of holidays in late April and early May—Shōwa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day—that often results in a long break.
Do dates like equinoxes change each year?
Yes. Holidays such as Vernal Equinox Day and Autumnal Equinox Day depend on astronomical calculations and may vary slightly by a day.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Japan combine tradition, nature, and national identity across the calendar year. From the clustered festivities of Golden Week to the solemn equinoxes and celebrations of youth or culture, these holidays define Japan’s rhythm of public life.
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