12 Japanese Holidays and Celebrations [Infographic]

From January through December, there are many Japanese holidays and special occasions you can participate in.

If you’re taking Japanese lessons, make sure you get in on the fun! This is a great way to practice your skills in an authentic, cultural setting.

Get ready to mark your calendar! Here are 12 Japanese celebrations you should remember.

12 Japanese Holidays & Celebrations

Ganjitsu – New Year’s Day

January 1st

People around the world celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. In Japan, many businesses remain closed until the 3rd, and there are all types of parties and traditions.

Japanese people view each year as a fresh start—so you should leave your worries and troubles behind, and start the new year with joy, happiness, and a fresh perspective.

Kenkoku Kinen no Hi – National Foundation Day

February 11th

National Foundation Day is a historical holiday on the 11th of February. The holiday commemorates the formation of the nation.

The National Flag is raised and the prime minister gives a speech, while Japanese people show their national pride by waving flags.

Hina Matsuri – Girls’ Festival

March 3rd

This is many young girls’ favorite of all the Japanese holidays. On this day, parents wish their daughters success and happiness.

Dolls and peach blossoms are displayed in many houses throughout Japan.

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Shunbun No Hi – Spring / Vernal Equinox

March 20th / 21st

This national holiday welcomes the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It’s also a time to visit graves and honor your ancestors.

Additionally, this is a favored holiday for farmers, who pray for an abundant harvest.

Showa No Hi – Showa Day

April 29th

Part of “Golden Week,” Showa Day takes place on April 29th. Once known as the Emperor’s Birthday, it commemorates the Showa Era (1926 – 1989).

Golden Week

April 29th – May 8th

Golden week combines four national holidays in Japan. May 3rd is Kenpo kinenbi (Constitution Day), and it commemorates the new constitution which was put in place in 1947.

May 4th is Midori no hi (Greenery Day), which celebrates nature and the environment. Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day) is the last Golden Week holiday, when Japanese families pray for their son’s health and future success.

Summer Solstice

June 20th – 21st

It’s not an official national holiday, but chances are you can find a celebration to attend. The summer solstice recognizes the longest day of the year—a tradition honored in Japan and around the world.

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Umi no Hi – Marine / Ocean Day

Third Monday in July

Ocean Day is a holiday to give thanks for the ocean’s bounty and its importance to Japan as an island nation.

Mountain Day

August 11th

Mountain Day became an official holiday on August 11th, 2016. Like several other Japanese holidays, this one has to do with celebrating nature.

It not only gives people a day off from work, but also provides an opportunity to appreciate and study the benefits of mountains.

Keiro no Hi – Respect for the Aged Day

Third Monday in September

This holiday is all about celebrating and showing respect for elderly people in the community, and expressing gratitude for their contributions.

Taiku no Hi – Health and Sports Day

Second Monday in October

Health and Sports Day is a national holiday that commemorates the opening of the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo. The holiday also encourages a healthy and active lifestyle.

Kinrō Kansha no Hi – Labor Day / Thanksgiving

November 23rd

As the name implies, Japan’s Thanksgiving celebrates workers, and honors the labor and production in the country.

Tennō Tanjōbi – The Emperor’s Birthday

December 23rd

The emperor’s birthday is always a national holiday in Japan. Akihito, the current Japanese emperor, was born on December 23rd, so the holiday coincides with his birthday.

Check out the colorful infographic below for more reminders of these Japanese celebrations!

We hope you enjoyed learning about the many Japanese holidays. If you’re taking Japanese lessons, learn as much as you can about these special Japanese celebrations.

Learning about cultural traditions makes studying Japanese that much more fun!

Photo by David Chau