All about Japan - Japanese Holidays
Public holidays in Japan
Japan often has the image of a country whose employees work all the time, without holidays. Well that is actually a misconception!
Indeed, Japan is one of the countries with the most festivals (matsuri) and public holidays (16). Most are rooted in Buddhist and Shinto rituals and beliefs.
Unlike most other countries, when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following working day becomes a bank holiday. Nothing better than a Monday off!
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January 1st |
New Year |
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2nd Monday in January |
Coming of Age Day |
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February 11th February 23rd |
Japan's founding day Emperor's birthday |
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March 20th or 21st |
Spring Equinox |
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April 29th |
Commemoration Day of Emperor Hirohito |
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May 3rd |
Constitution Day |
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May 4th |
Green Day |
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May 5th |
Children's Day |
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3rd Monday in July |
Sea day |
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August 11th |
Mountain Day |
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3rd Monday in September |
Day of Respect for the Elderly |
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September 22nd or 23rd |
Autumnal Equinox |
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2nd Monday in October |
Health and Sports Day |
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November 3rd |
Culture day |
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November 23rd |
Labor Day |