Bunka no Hi, or Culture Day, celebrated on November 3, honors Japan’s rich cultural heritage and values of freedom and peace. Established in 1948, this day promotes arts and culture nationwide. Many museums and galleries in Tokyo and surrounding areas offer free admission to mark the occasion. Why not enjoy some art and culture under the autumn sky?
If you’re interested in exploring more about Japanese culture and traditions, please take a look at below.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: What is Bunka no Hi?
Bunka means culture in Japanese, written as 文化 (ぶんか). Bunka no Hi became a national holiday in 1948, inspired by the Japanese Constitution’s phrase, “cherishing freedom and peace, and promoting culture.” In short, it’s a day to celebrate and encourage cultural activities.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
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2024 |
November 3rd, Sun |
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2025 |
November 3rd, Mon |
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2026 |
November 3rd, Tue |
Chapter 2: Historical Background
Bunka no Hi was established following the enactment of the Japanese Constitution on November 3, 1946. Originally, November 3 was celebrated as Meijisetsu—Emperor Meiji’s birthday. At that time, there was also a move to make November 3, the date of the Constitution’s enactment, Japan’s National Foundation Day. However, GHQ, the occupying authority in Japan after WWII, opposed using an emperor’s birthday as National Foundation Day. Instead, the date became known as Bunka no Hi, or Culture Day.
Source: Mynavi Corporation
Chapter 3: How to Enjoy Bunka no Hi?
There are no specific foods or family gatherings tied to Bunka no Hi. However, autumn in Japan has pleasant weather, beautiful autumn leaves, and seasonal foods, making it perfect for enjoying culture. Many people embrace traditions like “食欲の秋” (shokuyoku no aki, a season to enjoy food), “芸術の秋” (geijutsu no aki, a season for art), and “読書の秋” (dokusho no aki, a season for reading) to celebrate the season.
Chapter 4: Where to Go on Bunka no Hi?
There are many places in Japan where you can enjoy cultural experiences for free on this special day. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore museums, art galleries, or cultural centers with family or friends. Enjoy the day by immersing yourself in Japan’s rich culture!
National Museum of Nature and Science
Located near Ueno Station, the National Museum of Nature and Science, founded in 1877, is one of Japan’s oldest museums and the only comprehensive national science museum focused on natural history and the history of science and technology. The permanent exhibition, which is free to visit on certain days, provides information in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
Latest Exhibition: Find out here
Address: 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Further Information: Official Site
Source: National Museum of Nature and Science
National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, collects over 13,000 artworks (as of February 2023), spanning from the late 19th century to the present. The collection includes paintings, prints, watercolors, drawings, sculptures, photographs, videos, calligraphy, and related materials. While focusing mainly on modern and contemporary Japanese art, the museum actively acquires works from overseas as well.
Latest Exhibition: Find out here
Address: 3-1 Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Further Information: Official Site
Source: National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
Tokyo National Museum
With a 150-year history, the Tokyo National Museum houses approximately 120,000 artifacts, making it one of Japan’s premier collections in both quality and scale. The museum’s Honkan (Main Building) displays Japanese art, the Heiseikan focuses on Japanese archaeology, the Toyokan exhibits Asian art, and the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures showcases items donated by Horyuji Temple. Among its collection are 89 National Treasures and 650 Important Cultural Properties (as of April 2024).
Latest Exhibition: Find out here
Address: 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Further Information: Official Site
Source: Tokyo National Museum
The Chiba Prefectural Museum of Art
The museum focuses on collecting artworks and related materials from modern and contemporary artists with connections to Chiba Prefecture, while also acquiring works by Japanese and international artists. The collection includes around 3,000 pieces, featuring works by Chū Asai, a pioneer of modern Western-style painting in Japan, as well as his students and related artists. Highlights include works by Barbizon School painter Jean-François Millet and Impressionist painter Auguste Renoir, who influenced modern Japanese Western-style painting.
Latest Exhibition: Find out here
Address: 1-10-1 Chuo-ko, Chuo-ku, Chiba City, Chiba
Further Information: Official Site
Source: The Chiba Prefectural Museum of Art
The Museum Of Modern Art Kammakura ANNEX
Japan’s first public modern art museum, opened in 1951. Since 2016, it has operated as a two-site museum with both the Hayama Museum and the Kamakura Annex, showcasing modern and contemporary art from Japan and around the world. The Kamakura Annex closed for renovations in 2017, reopening on October 12, 2019.
Latest Exhibition: Find out here
Address: 2-8-1, Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa
Further Information: Official Site
Source: The Museum Of Modern Art Kammakura ANNEX
