Calendar & Information of All Japan Public Holidays 2024

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Brief Introduction

Apart from commonly celebrated occasions such as New Year’s Day and Children’s Day, you can also find unique Japan public holidays 2024 which reflect Japanese culture and traditions. This article will introduce popular activities associated with various festivals so that you won’t have to worry about missing out on the fun!

(「国民の祝日」について, 内閣府 Cabinet Office)

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – New Year's Day

January 1, 2024 (Monday)

New Year’s Day, also known as Oshogatsu in Japanese, is considered to be the most important festival of the year. Many traditions and rituals are carried on at the start of the brand-new year, and these begin at the stroke of midnight! Hatsumode refers to the first Shinto shrine visit in the new year, and many people visit a shrine within the first 3 days to pray for a good year ahead. Some prefer to do so once the clock strikes 12, so don’t be surprised to see a crowd gathered at the shrine in the early hours of New Year’s Day. A celebration isn’t complete without delectable dishes! Ozoni is a miso-based soup that includes mochi cake and various other ingredients depending on the region.

Please refer to the following table to plan for a long weekend:

Source: Susann Schuster/ unsplash

New Year’s Day is considered to be the most important festival by many in Japanese society.

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Coming of Age Day

January 8, 2024 (Monday)

Coming of Age Day is celebrated on the second Monday of January and this festival is held to congratulate those who have reached the age of majority between April 2 of the previous year and April 1 of the current year. The festival is held by local governments, and you can see many young Japanese women and men dressed magnificently in traditional Japanese clothing to attend the ceremony! Previously, the age of the majority in Japan is 20 years old. However, recent changes to the Civil Code will lower the age of the majority to 18 in April 2022. There are no age restrictions for those who wish to attend the Coming-of-Age ceremony.

Please refer to the following table to plan for a long weekend:

Source: Susann Schuster/ unsplash

Coming of Age Day is an important rite of passage for young Japanese.

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – National Foundation Day

February 11 (Observed on February 12, 2024)

National Foundation Day commemorates the founding of Japan. In relation to Japan’s complicated history with nationalism, there are no official celebrations by the government for this occasion. However, those who are in Tokyo for the holiday can check out the National Foundation Day Celebration Parade held annually.

Please refer to the following table to plan for a long weekend:

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – The Emperor's Birthday

February 23, 2024 (Friday)

The Emperor’s Birthday is a holiday to celebrate the birthday of the reigning emperor, Emperor Naruhito. On this special occasion, visitors can get a rare chance to enter the inner grounds of the Tokyo Imperial Palace and see the Japanese Royal Family!

Please refer to the following table to plan for a long weekend:

Source: Julie Anne Garrido/ unsplash

Get a rare chance to enter the inner grounds of the Tokyo Imperial Palace on the Emperor’s Birthday!

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Vernal Equinox Day

March 20, 2024 (Wednesday)

Please refer to the following table to plan for a long weekend:

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Many Japanese visit the burial sites of their loved ones on Vernal Equinox Day

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Shōwa Day

April 29, 2024 (Monday)

Please refer to the following table to plan for a long weekend:

Visit the National Showa Memorial Museum in Tokyo on Showa Day to learn about the history of this era.

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Constitution Memorial Day

May 3, 2024 (Friday)

Source: David Emrich/ unsplash

Golden Week presents an excellent opportunity to visit Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan.

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Greenery Day

May 4, 2024 (Saturday)

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Tokyo is packed with activities and fun events during Golden Week!

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Children's Day

May 5, 2024 (Observed on May 6)

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Koinobori are carp streamers flown during Children’s Day to wish boys a successful life

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Marine Day

July 15, 2024 (Monday)

Please refer to the following table to plan for a long weekend:

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Marine Day is a day to show appreciation for the sea

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Mountain Day

August 11, 2024(Observed on August 12)

Please refer to the following table to plan for a long weekend:

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The view of Mount Fuji from Chureito Pagoda

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Respect for the Aged Day

September 16, 2024 (Monday)

Please refer to the following table to plan for a long weekend:

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Respect for the Aged Day is a day to show appreciation for the elders who have served society for many years.

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Autumnal Equinox Day

September 23, 2024 (Monday)

Please refer to the following table to plan for a long weekend:

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Health and Sports Day

October 14, 2024 (Monday)

Please refer to the following table to plan for a long weekend:

Health and Sports Day is a day to enjoy sports and cultivate a spirit of respect for others.

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Culture Day

November 3, 2024 (Observed on November 4)

Please refer to the following table to plan for a long weekend:

Source: Susann Schuster/ unsplash

There are many stunning performances and art exhibitions to look forward to on Culture Day in Japan!

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Labour Thanksgiving Day

November 23, 2024 (Saturday)

Please refer to the following table to plan for a long weekend: