Calendar & Information of All Japan Public Holidays 2024

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by Giselle

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Brief Introduction

Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu! This means “Happy New Year” in Japanese. It’s the start of the new year again, and there is nothing more exciting than scrutinizing the list of upcoming holidays. Hence, Trip.com is here with the official list of Japan public holidays 2024 along with useful tips on how you can use your annual leave to plan for extra-long breaks!

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!

The schedule for the official Japan public holidays 2024 released by the Cabinet Office (Japan) is listed below.
Japan Public Holidays 2024 Observed Date Day of Week
New Year's DayJanuary 1, 2024Monday
Coming of Age DayJanuary 8, 2024Monday
National Foundation Day*Observed on February 12Monday
The Emperor's BirthdayFebruary 23, 2024Friday
Vernal Equinox DayMarch 20, 2024Wednesday
Shōwa DayApril 29, 2024Monday
Constitution Memorial DayMay 3, 2024Friday
Greenery DayMay 4, 2024Saturday
Children's Day*Observed on May 6Monday
Marine DayJuly 15, 2024Monday
Mountain Day*Observed on August 12Monday
Respect for the Aged DaySeptember 16, 2024Monday
Autumnal Equinox DayObserved on September 23, 2024Monday
Health and Sports DayOctober 14, 2024Monday
Culture Day*Observed on November 4, 2024Monday
Labour Thanksgiving DayNovember 23, 2024Saturday

*Under Article 3, Paragraph 2 of the National Holidays Act, If a "national holiday" falls on a Sunday, the next working day will be considered a holiday.

(「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)

Japan has 16 public holidays annually. In 2024, there are more three-day weekends than usual as several of the holidays on fixed dates take place on Friday or Monday, or fall on Sunday and are observed on 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.

This hot soup is usually enjoyed on the morning of New Year’s Day, and it is a perfect dish for Japan’s cold winter season. Another classic Japanese New Year tradition is to eat osechi-ryōri, which refers to other traditional Japanese new year food packed in special boxes called jubako. The content commonly includes black soybean (for good health), Konbu seaweed (for joy) and egg roulade (for good fortune).

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

Holiday PeriodDurationLeave DateNumber of Leave Days
December 29, 2023 (Friday) to January 1, 2024 (Monday)4 daysDecember 29, 2023 (Friday)1 day

New Year's Day

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:

Holiday PeriodDurationLeave DateNumber of Leave Days
December 30, 2023 (Saturday) to January 8, 2024 (Monday)10 daysJanuary 2, 2024 (Tuesday) to January 5, 2024 (Friday)4 days

Source: Susann Schuster/ unsplash  Coming of Age Day is an important rite of passage for young Japanese.

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:

Holiday PeriodDurationLeave DateNumber of Leave Days
February 9, 2024 (Friday) to February 12, 2024 (Monday)4 daysFebruary 9, 2024 (Friday) 2 days

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:

Holiday PeriodDurationLeave DateNumber of Leave Days
February 23, 2024 (Friday) to February 26, 2024 (Monday)4 daysFebruary 26, 2024 (Monday)1 day
Source: Julie Anne Garrido/ unsplash  Get a rare chance to enter the inner grounds of the Tokyo Imperial Palace on the Emperor’s Birthday!

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)

The exact date for Vernal Equinox Day is based on the Northward equinox in Japan Standard Time and the official date for this holiday in the upcoming year is released annually. On this day, many Japanese return to their hometowns to spend time with their family. It is also common for people to visit the cemetery and present offerings to their loved ones.

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

Holiday PeriodDurationLeave DateNumber of Leave Days
March 16, 2024 (Saturday) to March 20, 2024 (Wednesday)5 daysMarch 18, 2024 (Monday) to March 19, 2024(Tuesday)2 day
Source: Luís Alvoeiro Quaresma/ unsplash  Many Japanese visit the burial sites of their loved ones on Vernal Equinox Day

Source: Luís Alvoeiro Quaresma/ unsplash

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

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Shōwa Day

April 29, 2024 (Monday)

The Shōwa era refers to the period when Emperor Showa reigned from 1926 to 1989 and it represents one of the most turbulent times in Japan’s history. Shōwa Day is held on Emperor Shōwa’s birthday, and this is a time for the Japanese to reflect on the events which occurred during the Shōwa era. Shōwa Day also represents the start of Japan’s Golden Week. This refers to the occurrence of 4 national holidays within 7 days. As such, many Japanese would take days off in between the national holidays to create a long, consecutive break known as the Golden Week.

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

Holiday PeriodDurationLeave DateNumber of Leave Days
April 27, 2024 (Saturday) to May 6, 2024 (Monday)10 daysApril 30, 2024 (Tuesday) to May 2, 2024 (Thursday)3 days
Visit the National Showa Memorial Museum in Tokyo on Showa Day to learn about the history of this era.

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)

Constitution Memorial Day celebrates the enactment of the Constitution of Japan in 1947. This holiday is part of Japan’s Golden Week holidays.
Source: David Emrich/ unsplash  Golden Week presents an excellent opportunity to visit Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan.

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)

Greenery Day is a holiday for people to appreciate mother nature. This holiday is part of the Golden Week holidays.
Source: Erik Eastman/ unsplash  Tokyo is packed with activities and fun events during Golden Week!

Source: Erik Eastman/ unsplash

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)

Children’s Day is a day to honor children’s personalities and celebrate their happiness. Although it is called Children’s Day, the festival is focused on boys as the celebrations for girls are held during the Japanese Doll Festival (a non-public holiday) in March. Children’s Day is also the last national holiday for Golden Week.
Source: Leo Okuyama/ unsplash  Koinobori are carp streamers flown during Children’s Day to wish boys a successful life

Source: Leo Okuyama/ unsplash

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)

Marine Day, also known as Sea Day, falls on the third Monday of July. On this day, the Japanese pay homage to the oceans for their blessings and wish for Japan’s prosperity as a maritime nation.

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

Holiday PeriodDurationLeave DateNumber of Leave Days
July 12, 2024 (Friday) to July 15, 2024 (Monday)4 daysJuly 12, 2024 (Friday)1 day
Source: Shimon Doi/ unsplash  Marine Day is a day to show appreciation for the sea

Source: Shimon Doi/ unsplash

Marine Day is a day to show appreciation for the sea

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Mountain Day

August 11, 2024(Observed on August 12)

Just like Marine Day, Mountain Day is also a holiday dedicated to the bountiful nature of Japan. People are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the mountains and appreciate their blessings.

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

Holiday PeriodDurationLeave DateNumber of Leave Days
August 9, 2024 (Friday) to August 11, 2024 (Monday)4 daysAugust 9, 2024 (Friday)1 day
Source: Manuel Cosentino/ unsplash  The view of Mount Fuji from Chureito Pagoda

Source: Manuel Cosentino/ unsplash

The view of Mount Fuji from Chureito Pagoda

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Respect for the Aged Day

September 16, 2024 (Monday)

The Respect for the Aged Day falls on the third Monday of September. Showing respect for the elders is a key virtue in Japanese society, and this holiday is a day to respect and celebrate the longevity of the elderly who have served Japanese society for many years.

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

Holiday PeriodDurationLeave DateNumber of Leave Days
September 13, 2024 (Friday) to September 16, 2024 (Monday)4 daysSeptember 13, 2024 (Friday)1 day
Source: DLKR/ unsplash  Respect for the Aged Day is a day to show appreciation for the elders who have served society for many years.

Source: DLKR/ unsplash

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)

The exact date for Autumnal Equinox Day is based on the Southward equinox in Japan Standard Time and the official date for this holiday in the upcoming year is released annually. On this day, many Japanese families visit shrines and temples or tend to their ancestor's burial sites. A common treat during this festival is the botomachi, a ball of sweet rice in red bean paste.

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

Holiday PeriodDurationLeave DateNumber of Leave Days
September 13, 2024 (Friday) to September 23, 2024 (Monday)4 daysSeptember 13, 2024 (Friday)1 day

Japan Public Holidays 2024 – Health and Sports Day

October 14, 2024 (Monday)

It is time to go exercising on Health and Sports Day! Health and Sports Day occurs on the second Monday in October, and it is a day to enjoy sports and cultivate a spirit of respect for others.

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

Holiday PeriodDurationLeave DateNumber of Leave Days
October 11, 2024 (Friday) to October 14, 2024 (Monday)4 daysOctober 11, 2024 (Friday)1 day
Health and Sports Day is a day to enjoy sports and cultivate a spirit of respect for others.

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)

Culture Day, also known as Bunka no Hi, is a day dedicated to the appreciation of Japan’s culture, academia, and arts. On this day, the prestigious Order of Culture awards ceremony is held. There are also many vibrant parades and art exhibitions during this festival!

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

Holiday PeriodDurationLeave DateNumber of Leave Days
November 1, 2024 (Friday) to November 4, 2024 (Monday)4 daysNovember 1, 2024(Friday)1 day
Source: Susann Schuster/ unsplash  There are many stunning performances and art exhibitions to look forward to on Culture Day in Japan!

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)

Japanese are known to be hardworking people. Labour Thanksgiving Day is a day to celebrate this spirit of diligence and to show gratitude to each other.

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

Holiday PeriodDurationLeave DateNumber of Leave Days
November 22, 2024 (Friday) to November 24, 2024 (Sunday)3 daysNovember 22, 2024 (Friday)1 day

FAQs of Japan public holidays

  • How many Japan public holidays 2024 are there?

    There are 16 Japan public holidays each year.
  • What is the Japan Golden Week?

    The Japan Golden Week refers to the occurrence of 4 national holidays within 7 days. This takes place in end-April and early May.
  • Is the whole of Japan Golden Week a national holiday?

    No. Apart from the 4 national holidays and weekends, employees will usually take several days off to schedule for a long consecutive break during Golden Week.
  • How do I plan for Japan Golden Week 2024?

    The longest break possible is 10 consecutive days of break starting from April 27, 2024 (Saturday) to May 6, 2024 (Monday). This includes taking 2 days of leave.
  • What is the most important Japan public holidays 2024?

    For many Japanese, the most important holiday is New Year’s Day on January 01, 2024 (Monday). There are many popular traditions carried out at the beginning of the new year.
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