Silver Week is a series of public holidays in Japan that occur in late September, creating an extended holiday period similar to Golden Week. This period typically spans four days, including the weekend and adjacent public holidays.
If you’re interested in exploring more about Japanese culture and traditions, please take a look at below.
Table of Contents
When is Silver Week in 2024?
Unfortunately, there will be no Silver Week in 2024. The public holidays are:
- Respect for the Aged Day: September 16 (Monday)
- Autumnal Equinox Day: September 22 (Sunday)
In 2024, these holidays create two long weekends with four weekdays in between. Most people won’t take extra time off, so it won’t extend into a Silver Week.
| Date | Romaji |
|---|---|
|
September 16, Mon |
Respect for the Aged Day |
|
September 22, Mon |
Autumn Equinox Day |
What is Respect for the Aged Day?
What is it?
敬老の日 (Keirou no Hi) is a day to show appreciation and wish good health and long life to grandparents and elderly people. It was established as a national holiday in 1966. The day is meant to honor and thank older people for their contributions to society, celebrate their longevity, and raise awareness about elderly welfare.
| English | Kanji | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
|
Respect for the Aged Day |
敬老の日 |
Keirou no Hi |
How to celebrate?
There is no specific age for giving presents on 敬老の日 (Keirou no Hi). In the past, people in Japan used to retire at 60, known as “kanreki,” to celebrate their long life. However, many people continue to work beyond that age today.
Typically, it is common for grandchildren to give presents to their grandparents. Gifts might include portraits, flowers, or a meal together to express appreciation.
What is the Autumn Equinox Day?
What is it?
秋分の日 (Shunbun no Hi) marks the transition from the hot summer to the cool autumn, when day and night are of equal length. This period is also known as お彼岸 (Ohigan), a time to remember and honor ancestors and deceased loved ones.
Ohigan occurs twice a year, in spring and autumn. In autumn, it lasts for seven days, with Shunbun no Hi (the Autumnal Equinox Day) being the middle day of this period.
| English | Kanji | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
|
Autumn Equinox Day |
秋分の日 |
Shunbun no Hi |
What are the customs?
Visiting Graves: Many people visit family graves to pay respects to their ancestors. This practice is a way to honor the deceased and reflect on their contributions to the family.
Osonae (お供え): Osonae refers to offerings of food and drinks made to ancestors. During 秋のお彼岸 (Aki Higan), a common offering is おはぎ (ohagi), which are sweet rice cakes made from glutinous rice wrapped in red bean paste. In Japan, red beans have traditionally been believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits.
Things to Keep in Mind During Silver Week
1. Traffic: Silver Week is a popular travel period, so expect heavy traffic on roads and at transportation hubs. To avoid long delays:
- Plan Ahead: Book transportation and accommodations well in advance.
- Travel Early: Consider traveling during off-peak hours to avoid congestion.
- Check Traffic Updates: Use navigation apps or check traffic reports regularly to stay informed about road conditions and delays.
2. Typhoons: September is the peak season for typhoons in Japan, which can affect travel plans and safety. To stay safe:
- Monitor Weather Reports: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and typhoon warnings.
- Have a Backup Plan: Be prepared to adjust your travel plans if severe weather is expected.
- Stay Indoors: During a typhoon, avoid going out unless necessary, and follow local safety guidelines.
3. Hot Weather: In the past, it was believed that the hot weather would end around 秋分の日 (Shunbun no Hi), with the saying 「暑さ寒さも彼岸まで / atsusa samusa mo higan made.」 meaning that the heat would subside by the equinox. However, due to global warming, September can still be quite hot, with temperatures often remaining above 30°C until early October.
Please keep these factors in mind when choosing your activities for silver week.
