Quick Overview
- Japan’s National Holidays in 2025
- Overview of national holidays and their significance
- Key holiday breaks for workers, students, and residents
- Major National Holidays & Breaks
- New Year’s Day (January 1)
- Coming of Age Day (January 13)
- National Foundation Day (February 11)
- Golden Week (April 29 – May 5)
- Marine Day (July 21)
- Respect for the Aged Day (September 15) & Autumn Equinox (September 23)
- Culture Day (November 3) & Labor Thanksgiving Day (November 23)
- Notable Festivals and Events in 2025
- Sapporo Snow Festival (February 4 – 11)
- Cherry Blossom Viewing (Late March – Early April)
- Gion Matsuri (July)
- Osaka Expo 2025 (April 13 – October 13)
- Planning Your Holidays & Breaks
- Checking your work or school calendar
- Booking travel in advance
- Exploring local festivals
- Utilizing long weekends
Planning a trip to Japan in 2025 offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the nation’s rich tapestry of cultural holidays and festivals. Aligning your visit with these events can provide deeper insights into Japanese traditions and communal celebrations, allowing travelers to witness and participate in age-old customs. Additionally, for foreigners who have moved to Japan for work, study, or long-term residence, knowing when national holidays and breaks occur is essential for planning vacations, travel, or simply enjoying a well-deserved rest. Whether you’re interested in historic traditions, seasonal customs, or dynamic urban festivals, this guide will help you make the most of Japan’s national holidays and special events.
Overview of Japan’s National Holidays in 2025
Japan observes 16 national holidays throughout the year, each reflecting aspects of its history, culture, and societal values. These holidays often feature public ceremonies, traditional rituals, and local festivities, offering travelers and residents alike a chance to engage with authentic cultural experiences. For foreign workers, students, and long-term residents, these holidays provide crucial breaks from work or school, allowing opportunities to travel or relax.
Key National Holidays & Breaks
- New Year’s Day (January 1): Known as Ganjitsu, New Year’s Day is the most significant holiday in Japan. Businesses and schools typically close from December 29 to January 3. Many people visit shrines for Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year) and enjoy traditional foods such as osechi ryori. Foreign residents can take advantage of this extended break to travel domestically or experience New Year traditions firsthand.
- Coming of Age Day (January 13): Seijin no Hi celebrates young adults who have reached the age of 20. Although it does not provide a long holiday, it is a great opportunity to witness cultural traditions, especially in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto where young adults dress in traditional attire.
- National Foundation Day (February 11): Kenkoku Kinen no Hi commemorates the legendary founding of Japan. While not a major holiday for travel, some shrines hold ceremonies, and it’s a good opportunity for foreigners to reflect on Japan’s historical roots or explore historical sites with fewer crowds.
- Golden Week (April 29 – May 5): Golden Week is a major holiday period in Japan, consisting of four consecutive national holidays. Many businesses close for an entire week, making it one of the best (but also busiest) times to travel. Popular destinations like Kyoto, Okinawa, and Hokkaido get crowded, so residents should book trips well in advance. Some companies may allow employees to take additional days off, extending the break further.
- Marine Day (July 21): Umi no Hi celebrates Japan’s maritime heritage. Many companies do not grant additional leave for this day, but beach festivals and marine-related activities make it a great long weekend for travel.
- Respect for the Aged Day (September 15) & Autumn Equinox (September 23): These two holidays fall close together, sometimes allowing for a long weekend. For foreign workers, students, and expatriates, this can be a good time to take short trips or relax in nature, as Japan’s autumn foliage begins to emerge.
- Culture Day (November 3) & Labor Thanksgiving Day (November 23): These holidays provide short breaks before the winter season. Culture Day is often marked by parades and exhibitions, while Labor Thanksgiving Day is a time for reflection and appreciation of workers. Foreign residents may find this a great time to visit museums or enjoy local events.
Notable Holiday Festivals and Events in 2025
Beyond national holidays, Japan hosts numerous festivals (matsuri) that showcase its cultural diversity. These events often feature elaborate decorations, processions, traditional performances, and fireworks displays.
Sapporo Snow Festival (February 4 – 11)
Held in Hokkaido’s capital, the Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s most iconic winter events. The festival showcases large-scale snow and ice sculptures, attracting visitors from around the world. For residents in Japan, this is a perfect winter getaway to experience stunning snow artistry.
Cherry Blossom Viewing (Late March – Early April)
Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, is a cherished tradition in Japan. Locals and visitors gather in parks to admire the blooming sakura. Prime viewing spots include Ueno Park in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto, and Yoshino in Nara. Many employers and universities organize hanami outings, making it a social and cultural experience for foreign residents.
Gion Matsuri (July)
Kyoto’s most famous festival, Gion Matsuri, lasts throughout July, with its grand parades of yamaboko floats occurring on July 17 and 24. The festival dates back over a thousand years and features lively street celebrations, traditional music, and performances. Foreigners living in Japan can enjoy this spectacle and explore Kyoto’s historic streets.
Osaka Expo 2025 (April 13 – October 13)
Osaka will host the World Expo in 2025, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” The expo will feature innovative exhibitions from countries worldwide, focusing on sustainability and future technologies. Foreign residents, especially those living in the Kansai region, will have the unique chance to attend this global event with ease.