Upcoming National Holidays in Japan During the Year 2026
Japan's National Holidays and Special Holidays in 2026 and 2027
Japan is known for its extensive holiday schedule, and 2026 and 2027 are no exception. Let's take a look at the national holidays and special holidays in these years.
2026
In 2026, Japan will celebrate 17 national holidays. The holiday period at the beginning of the year includes the first three days of the New Year (January 1, 2, and 3), with January 2 and 3 also considered part of the holiday period. Companies and schools typically take these days off as well.
At the end of the year, the holiday period includes the final three weekdays. An ordinary working day between two holidays will become a "bonus" holiday, leading to five consecutive days off in September named Silver Week. Other national holidays in 2026 include:
- New Year's Day (January 1)
- Coming of Age Day (Second Monday in January)
- National Foundation Day (February 11)
- Emperor's Birthday (February 23)
- Vernal Equinox Day (March 20)
- Shōwa Day (April 29)
- Constitution Memorial Day (Observed on May 6)
- Greenery Day (May 4)
- Children's Day (May 5)
- Marine Day (Third Monday in July)
- Mountain Day (August 11)
- Respect for the Aged Day (Third Monday in September)
- Autumnal Equinox Day (September 23)
- Sports Day (Second Monday in October)
- Culture Day (November 3)
- Labor Thanksgiving Day (November 23)
National holidays in 2026 are observed on various days, usually on the following Monday if they fall on a Sunday, but some exceptions apply.
2027
In 2027, the Vernal Equinox Day holiday on March 21 falls on a Sunday, so the substitute holiday is observed on March 22, providing a "bonus" weekday holiday.
The period around late April and early May, known as Golden Week, includes several consecutive holidays from April 29 (Showa Day) through May 5 (Children’s Day). Some people may take extended vacations spanning these days.
In 2027, the national holidays are as follows:
- January 1: New Year’s Day
- January 11: Coming of Age Day
- February 11: National Foundation Day
- February 23: Emperor’s Birthday
- March 21: Vernal Equinox Day (Substitute holiday on March 22)
- March 22: Vernal Equinox Day (Substitute holiday)
- April 29: Showa Day
- May 3: Constitution Memorial Day
- May 4: Greenery Day
- May 5: Children’s Day
- July 19: Marine Day
- August 11: Mountain Day
- September 20: Respect for the Aged Day
- September 23: Autumnal Equinox Day
- October 11: Sports Day
- November 3: Culture Day
- November 23: Labor Thanksgiving Day
As in previous years, the holiday period at the beginning and end of the year in Japan, including the first three days of the New Year and the final three weekdays, is a significant part of the Japanese calendar for both individuals and businesses. Most people in Japan treat January 2 and 3 as holidays, part of the sanganichi (the first three days of the New Year).
[1] Source: Japan National Tourism Organization [2] Source: Japan Today [3] Source: Japan National Tourism Organization
- The national Foundation Day on February 11, a national holiday in both 2026 and 2027, celebrates the establishment of Japan's traditional culture.
- A photo of a traditional Japanese home-and-garden during the Golden Week in 2027, filled with blooming sakura, would showcase Japan's lifestyle and commitment to sustainable living.
- In 2027, the substitution of the Vernal Equinox Day from Sunday to Monday (March 21 to 22) highlights the importance of maintaining a calendar balance, reflecting Japan's focus on organization and harmony.
