Public Holidays in Japan 2026
16 national holidays · 18 holiday/non-working dates in 2026
Japan has 16 national public holidays in 2026, set under the Public Holiday Act and confirmed annually by the Japanese government. Because Constitution Memorial Day falls on a Sunday in 2026, a substitute holiday is added on the next available weekday, and the September bridge rule creates another holiday, bringing the 2026 calendar to 18 holiday/non-working dates. The calendar mixes fixed civic holidays, royal and cultural observances, and two seasonal holidays, the Vernal and Autumnal Equinox Days, whose dates shift slightly each year. Several holidays cluster together to create extended breaks, most notably Golden Week in late April and early May.
Japan Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Jan 12 | Monday | Coming of Age Day |
| Feb 11 | Wednesday | National Foundation Day |
| Feb 23 | Monday | Emperor's Birthday |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Vernal Equinox Day |
| Apr 29 | Wednesday | Showa Day |
| May 3 | Sunday | Constitution Memorial Day Sun |
| May 4 | Monday | Greenery Day |
| May 5 | Tuesday | Children's Day |
| May 6 | Wednesday | Constitution Memorial Day Substitute |
| Jul 20 | Monday | Marine Day |
| Aug 11 | Tuesday | Mountain Day |
| Sep 21 | Monday | Respect for the Aged Day |
| Sep 22 | Tuesday | Citizen's Holiday Bridge |
| Sep 23 | Wednesday | Autumnal Equinox Day |
| Oct 12 | Monday | Sports Day |
| Nov 3 | Tuesday | Culture Day |
| Nov 23 | Monday | Labor Thanksgiving Day |
Dates for movable holidays (Equinox Days) are calculated astronomically and confirmed by Japan's National Astronomical Observatory the year prior; shown here as of the most recent confirmation. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the next weekday that is not already a separate holiday becomes a substitute holiday, not necessarily the following Monday.
Golden Week in Japan 2026
Golden Week is Japan's best-known holiday cluster. Showa Day on April 29 stands alone as a single-day holiday, while the main block runs from Saturday, May 2 through Wednesday, May 6, creating five consecutive days off. That stretch is longer than usual in 2026 because Constitution Memorial Day falls on Sunday, May 3, and since the two days after it (Greenery Day and Children's Day) are already holidays, the substitute holiday lands on Wednesday, May 6 instead. Many businesses close for several consecutive days, and transport and accommodation should be booked well in advance if traveling within Japan during this window.
Observed Holidays in Japan
Japan applies a substitute-holiday rule (furikae kyūjitsu): when a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the next weekday that is not already a separate holiday becomes a substitute holiday. In 2026, this applies to Constitution Memorial Day, which falls on Sunday, May 3. Because May 4 (Greenery Day) and May 5 (Children's Day) are already holidays, the rule skips both and the substitute lands on Wednesday, May 6 instead.
Japan Holiday Calendar: What to Know
- Government offices, banks, and most schools close on national public holidays.
- Many retail stores and restaurants stay open on holidays, though hours can vary, especially during Golden Week and the New Year period.
- Obon (mid-August, dates vary by region) is a significant cultural observance but is not a designated national public holiday, although many businesses close informally regardless.
- The New Year period (around January 1-3) sees widespread closures beyond the single official January 1 holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does Japan have?
Japan observes 16 national public holidays in 2026. Because Constitution Memorial Day falls on a Sunday that year, one substitute holiday is added, and the September bridge holiday brings the total to 18 holiday/non-working dates.
What is Golden Week in Japan?
A cluster of national holidays from late April to early May, including Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children's Day, creating one of Japan's busiest travel periods.
What happens when a Japanese public holiday falls on a Sunday?
The next weekday that is not already a holiday becomes a substitute holiday. In 2026, Constitution Memorial Day falls on Sunday, May 3, but since May 4 and May 5 are already holidays, the substitute lands on Wednesday, May 6.
Is Obon a public holiday in Japan?
No. Obon is a widely observed cultural and religious tradition, but it is not a designated national public holiday.
Are businesses and schools closed on Japanese public holidays?
Government offices, banks, and schools generally close. Many shops and restaurants remain open, with hours sometimes varying during major holiday periods.
Sources & methodology
Authoritative references supporting the data and definitions used on this page.
View sources used for this page
Official 2026 and 2027 national holiday and substitute-holiday calendar.
Official basis for the Vernal and Autumnal Equinox holiday dates.