Major Japanese Holidays: A Year-Round Calendar of Tradition & Celebration

Japan observes 16 national holidays (shukujitsu) plus numerous traditional festivals (matsuri). Here's the official lineup:

National Holidays (2024 Dates)

1. Jan 1: New Year's Day (Ganjitsu) – Family visits shrines (hatsumode).
2. 2nd Mon Jan: Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi) – Honors 20-year-olds.
3. Feb 11: National Foundation Day (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi) – Mythic founding by Emperor Jimmu.
4. Feb 23: Emperor's Birthday (Tennō Tanjōbi) – Current Emperor Naruhito's birth.
5. Mar 20/21: Vernal Equinox Day (Shunbun no Hi) – Ancestor visits.
6. Apr 29: Showa Day – Birthday of Emperor Hirohito (Showa era).
7. May 3: Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpō Kinenbi) – 1947 Constitution enactment.
8. May 4: Greenery Day (Midori no Hi) – Nature appreciation.
9. May 5: Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi) – Carp streamers (koinobori) for boys' strength.
10. 3rd Mon Jul: Marine Day (Umi no Hi) – Ocean gratitude.
11. Aug 11: Mountain Day (Yama no Hi) – Alpine appreciation.
12. 3rd Mon Sep: Respect for the Aged Day (Keirō no Hi).
13. Sep 22/23: Autumnal Equinox Day (Shūbun no Hi) – Grave visits.
14. 2nd Mon Oct: Sports Day (Taiiku no Hi) – Fitness events.
15. Nov 3: Culture Day (Bunka no Hi) – Arts, academics, medals.
16. Nov 23: Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrō Kansha no Hi) – Workers' contributions.

Major Traditional Festivals (Not Public Holidays)

• Setsubun (Feb 3): Bean-throwing to drive out demons.
• Hinamatsuri (Mar 3): Doll Festival for girls.
• Tanabata (Jul 7): Star Festival—wishes on bamboo.
• Obon (Aug 13–15): Ancestral spirits return; dances (bon odori).
• Shichi-Go-San (Nov 15): Shrine visits for kids 3, 5, 7.

Seasonal highlights: cherry blossoms (hanami, Mar–Apr), fireworks (hanabi, summer), autumn foliage (koyo), snow festivals (Sapporo, Feb).