Japan has 16 national holidays, and for visitors they matter far more than the closures themselves. Hotels in Kyoto sell out, Shinkansen reserved seats vanish, and prices climb across the country on a handful of dates. This guide lists every holiday with its exact 2026 and 2027 date, explains what actually closes, and flags the periods to plan around.
Japan Public Holidays 2026 and 2027
Dates for moveable holidays (the two equinoxes and the Monday holidays) were checked against current calendar sources in October 2026. Confirm any date critical to a booking with the Cabinet Office of Japan, which publishes the official list.
| Holiday | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thu Jan 1 | Fri Jan 1 |
| Coming of Age Day (2nd Monday of January) | Mon Jan 12 | Mon Jan 11 |
| National Foundation Day | Wed Feb 11 | Thu Feb 11 |
| Emperor’s Birthday | Mon Feb 23 | Tue Feb 23 |
| Vernal Equinox Day | Fri Mar 20 | Sun Mar 21 (substitute Mon Mar 22) |
| Showa Day | Wed Apr 29 | Thu Apr 29 |
| Constitution Memorial Day | Sun May 3 | Mon May 3 |
| Greenery Day | Mon May 4 | Tue May 4 |
| Children’s Day | Tue May 5 | Wed May 5 |
| Substitute holiday | Wed May 6 | none |
| Marine Day (3rd Monday of July) | Mon Jul 20 | Mon Jul 19 |
| Mountain Day | Tue Aug 11 | Wed Aug 11 |
| Respect for the Aged Day (3rd Monday of September) | Mon Sep 21 | Mon Sep 20 |
| Citizens’ Holiday (bridging day) | Tue Sep 22 | none |
| Autumnal Equinox Day | Wed Sep 23 | Thu Sep 23 |
| Sports Day (2nd Monday of October) | Mon Oct 12 | Mon Oct 11 |
| Culture Day | Tue Nov 3 | Wed Nov 3 |
| Labour Thanksgiving Day | Mon Nov 23 | Tue Nov 23 |
Two rules explain the extra days. When a holiday lands on a Sunday, the next non-holiday day becomes a substitute holiday (May 6, 2026 and March 22, 2027). When one working day sits between two holidays, it also becomes a holiday, which is how September 22, 2026 appeared.
The Most Disruptive Periods for Travellers
Golden Week (late April to early May)
Golden Week is the busiest domestic travel period of the year. In 2026 the run is April 29 and May 3 to 6; in 2027 it is April 29 and May 3 to 5. Most people also take the days between, so travel stretches across nine or ten days. Expect fully booked Shinkansen, packed airports, and hotel rates in Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka at their yearly peak. Book rooms and reserved seats two to three months ahead. Our Japan in May guide covers how to travel around the crush.
New Year (roughly December 29 to January 3)
This is the one period when Japan genuinely shuts down. Many restaurants, shops, small museums and family-run businesses close, and banks and post offices stop for several days. Large temples and shrines fill for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year. Shinkansen and flights are packed on the days people leave and return to cities. Convenience stores, chain restaurants and major hotels keep running, so you will eat, but plan sightseeing carefully.
Silver Week (September 2026 only)
In 2026 Respect for the Aged Day (September 21), the bridging Citizens’ Holiday (September 22) and Autumnal Equinox Day (September 23) create a five-day weekend from September 19 to 23, the first such Silver Week since 2015. There is no Silver Week in 2027, because the two holidays are separated by several working days.
Obon (mid-August)
Obon, about August 13 to 16, is not a national holiday, but most companies close and millions return to their home towns. Transport is crowded and prices rise, even though cities feel quieter. Mountain Day on August 11 sits just before it, so the whole stretch is busy.
What Is Open and Closed on Public Holidays
Banks and post offices: closed. Counter services and foreign exchange are unavailable, so withdraw cash beforehand. Convenience store ATMs (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) work every day. See our Japan currency and money guide.
Government offices and ward offices: closed, including most tourist information desks run by municipalities. Airport and major station information centres usually stay open.
Shops, malls and restaurants: department stores, malls, convenience stores and most restaurants open, and many hold sales. Small family shops and some markets close, especially around New Year.
Attractions and museums: most open on public holidays. Many museums close on Mondays; when Monday is a holiday they typically open and close the next day instead. Check the official site before visiting.
Transport: trains, metro and buses run, often on a weekend or holiday timetable with fewer commuter services. Shinkansen and limited express trains sell out. Reserve seats early; our Shinkansen guide and JR Pass guide explain reservations.
Temples and shrines: open and busy, often with festivals. Our Japan festivals calendar lists what is on each month.
Planning Tips
- Avoid Golden Week and New Year for first trips unless a festival is the goal. Mid-May and late February are quieter.
- Holiday Mondays create three-day weekends, so Friday and Monday travel is busier on those dates.
- Book popular timed attractions early. A guided Tokyo tour can secure entry when queues are long.
- Use luggage forwarding rather than carrying bags onto packed trains. See our luggage forwarding guide.
- Prices for hotels and domestic transport are approximate and change by year; check current rates as of 2026 when you book.
For choosing dates by weather as well as crowds, see our best time to visit Japan guide.