Japan National Holidays 2025 provide a great opportunity for residents and visitors to plan their vacations and experience Japanese culture. Understanding these holidays is especially important for foreigners living in Japan, as they affect business operations, transportation, and travel costs.
Japan has several national holidays throughout the year, including long holiday periods known as Golden Week, Obon, and Silver Week. During these times, businesses may close, travel demand increases, and prices for transportation and accommodations rise.
This guide explains Japan’s national holidays in 2025 and how to make the most of extended holiday periods. Whether planning a trip or adjusting daily routines, knowing these dates in advance can help avoid inconveniences and maximize holiday experiences.
If you want to know more essential guides for Japan, please refer to the information below.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: List of National Holidays in Japan 2025
Japan has 16 national holidays in 2025, established by law to commemorate significant cultural, historical, and seasonal events. Here is the complete list:
| Date | Holiday Name | Japanese Name | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
January 1 (Wed) |
元日 (Ganjitsu) |
Celebrates the start of the new year. |
|
|
January 13 (Mon) |
Coming of Age Day |
成人の日 (Seijin no Hi) |
Honors young adults turning 20 |
|
February 11 (Tue) |
National Foundation Day |
建国記念日 (Kenkoku Kinen Bi) |
Celebrates the founding of Japan as a nation. |
|
February 23 (24th is Substitute holiday) |
天皇誕生日 (Tennō Tanjōbi) |
Marks the birthday of Emperor Naruhito. |
|
|
March 20 (Thu) |
Vernal Equinox Day |
春分の日 (Shunbun no Hi) |
A day to appreciate nature and ancestors. |
|
April 29 (Tue) |
Shōwa Day |
昭和の日 (Shōwa no Hi) |
A day to reflect on the Shōwa era. |
|
May 3 (Sat) |
Constitution Memorial Day |
憲法記念日 (Kenpō Kinenbi) |
Commemorating May 3, the day the Constitution of Japan came into effect. |
|
May 4 (6th is Substitute holiday) |
Greenery Day |
みどりの日 (Midori no Hi) |
Encourages appreciation of nature. |
|
May 5 (Mon) |
こどもの日 (Kodomo no Hi) |
Celebrating children’s happiness and health. |
|
|
July 21 (Mon) |
Marine Day |
海の日 (Umi no Hi) |
Honors the ocean’s importance to Japan as an island nation. |
|
August 11 (Mon) |
Mountain Day |
山の日 (Yama no Hi) |
Encourages appreciation of Japan’s mountains. |
|
September 15 (Mon) |
敬老の日 (Keirō no Hi) |
Honors senior citizens and their contributions to society. |
|
|
September 23 (Tue) |
秋分の日 (Shūbun no Hi) |
Marks the seasonal shift, with many visiting family graves. |
|
|
October 13 (Mon) |
Sports Day |
スポーツの日 (Supōtsu no Hi) |
Promotes physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. |
|
November 3 (Mon) |
文化の日 (Bunka no Hi) |
Celebrates arts, culture, and academic achievements. |
|
|
November 23 (Sun, observed on Mon, Nov 24) |
勤労感謝の日 (Kinrō Kansha no Hi) |
A day to express gratitude for labor and production. |
Chapter 2: Understanding Japan’s Long Holidays
Japan has several long holiday periods throughout the year, commonly known as 大型連休 (Ōgata Renkyū). These extended breaks provide an opportunity for both domestic and international travel, making them some of the busiest times of the year.
#Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク)
Golden Week is one of Japan’s most significant holiday periods, consisting of multiple national holidays in late April and early May. In 2025, an 11-day vacation is possible if additional leave is taken strategically.
- April 29 (Tue) – Shōwa Day (昭和の日)
- May 3 (Sat) – Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日)
- May 4 (Sun) – Greenery Day (みどりの日)
- May 5 (Mon) – Children’s Day (こどもの日)
- May 6 (Tue) – Substitute Holiday for Green Day
By taking paid leave on April 30 (Wed), May 1 (Thu), and May 2 (Fri), it is possible to enjoy a long 11-day holiday from April 26 (Sat) to May 6 (Tue).
Even without extra leave, a four-day holiday from May 3 to May 6 is guaranteed.
#Obon (お盆)
Obon is a traditional Japanese holiday period around August 13, during which families honor their ancestors by visiting graves and holding memorial ceremonies. Although Obon is not an official national holiday, many businesses close, and it is a significant travel season for domestic trips. In 2025, Obon will take place from August 13 (Wed) to August 16 (Sat).
In 2025, August 11 (Mon) is Mountain Day (山の日), a national holiday, which creates an opportunity for an extended summer break. Many people are expected to take additional leave around this time, further extending the holiday period.
#Silver Week (シルバーウィーク)
Silver Week is a long holiday period in September that occurs when certain national holidays align favorably with weekends. In 2025, the key holidays are:
- September 15 (Mon) – Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日)
- September 23 (Tue) – Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日)
By taking paid leave from September 16 (Tue) to September 22 (Mon), it is possible to have an 11-day vacation from September 13 (Sat) to September 23 (Tue).
Even without taking five days of paid leave, a four-day break is possible by taking one day off on September 22 (Mon).
While Japan’s long holidays provide wonderful opportunities for travel and relaxation, they also come with higher prices and crowded places. It may be helpful to take advantage of other holidays or use this calendar to make reservations in advance for a more comfortable experience.
