Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Japan has 16 national holidays – among the most in the G7. Many create 3-day weekends (Happy Monday System).
| Date | Holiday | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Ganjitsu (New Year) | Family, shrine visits (hatsumōde), osechi cuisine, nengajō cards |
| 2nd Mon Jan | Seijin no Hi (Coming of Age) | 20-year-olds celebrated; ceremonies, kimono, voting rights |
| Feb 11 | Kenkoku Kinenbi (National Foundation) | Mythical Emperor Jimmu (660 BCE); patriotism |
| ~Mar 20 | Shunbun no Hi (Spring Equinox) | Nature appreciation, grave visits (ohigan) |
| Apr 29 | Showa no Hi (Showa Day) | Emperor Hirohito's birthday; reflect on 1926–1989 era |
| May 3 | Kenpō Kinenbi (Constitution Memorial) | 1947 Constitution enactment |
| May 4 | Midori no Hi (Greenery Day) | Nature/environment gratitude |
| May 5 | Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day) | Koinobori (carp streamers), samurai dolls, boys' health/success |
| 3rd Mon Jul | Umi no Hi (Marine Day) | Ocean gratitude, maritime sports, beach trips |
| Aug 11 | Yama no Hi (Mountain Day) | Mountain appreciation, hiking (est. 2016) |
| 3rd Mon Sep | Keirō no Hi (Respect for Aged) | Honor seniors; community events, gifts |
| ~Sep 23 | Shūbun no Hi (Autumn Equinox) | Grave visits, seasonal change |
| 2nd Mon Oct | Taiiku no Hi (Health & Sports Day) | 1964 Tokyo Olympics legacy; fitness events |
| Nov 3 | Bunka no Hi (Culture Day) | Arts, academia, Order of Culture awards |
| Nov 23 | Kinrō Kansha no Hi (Labor Thanksgiving) | Gratitude for labor/production; harvest roots |
Golden Week (Apr 29–May 5) = 4 holidays in 7 days → peak domestic travel.