| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | January 1 Bank Holiday | Bank holiday |
| Monday | Jan 02,2023 | Day off for New Year's Day | National holiday |
| Monday | Jan 02,2023 | January 2 Bank Holiday | Bank holiday |
| Tuesday | Jan 03,2023 | January 3 Bank Holiday | Bank holiday |
| Monday | Jan 09,2023 | Coming of Age Day | National holiday |
| Friday | Feb 03,2023 | Setsubun | Observance |
| Saturday | Feb 11,2023 | National Foundation Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Feb 14,2023 | Valentine's Day | Observance |
| Thursday | Feb 23,2023 | Emperor's Birthday | National holiday |
| Friday | Mar 03,2023 | Dolls' Festival/Girls' Festival | Observance |
| Tuesday | Mar 21,2023 | Spring Equinox | National holiday |
| Saturday | Apr 29,2023 | Shōwa Day | National holiday |
| Wednesday | May 03,2023 | Constitution Memorial Day | National holiday |
| Thursday | May 04,2023 | Greenery Day | National holiday |
| Friday | May 05,2023 | Children's Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | May 14,2023 | Mother's Day | Observance |
| Friday | Jul 07,2023 | Star Festival | Observance |
| Monday | Jul 17,2023 | Sea Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Aug 06,2023 | Hiroshima Memorial Day | Observance |
| Wednesday | Aug 09,2023 | Nagasaki Memorial Day | Observance |
| Friday | Aug 11,2023 | Mountain Day | National holiday |
| Monday | Sep 18,2023 | Respect for the Aged Day | National holiday |
| Saturday | Sep 23,2023 | Autumn Equinox | National holiday |
| Monday | Oct 09,2023 | Sports Day | National holiday |
| Friday | Nov 03,2023 | Culture Day | National holiday |
| Wednesday | Nov 15,2023 | 7-5-3 Day | Observance |
| Thursday | Nov 23,2023 | Labor Thanksgiving Day | National holiday |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas | Observance |
| Sunday | Dec 31,2023 | December 31 Bank Holiday | Bank holiday |
New Year's Day, known as "Oshogatsu" in Japan, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated holidays. It marks the beginning of the year with traditions like hatsumode (first shrine visit) and toshikoshi soba (year-crossing noodle dish). Families gather, visit temples, and enjoy special foods. It symbolizes a fresh start and is steeped in cultural traditions that reflect Japanese spirituality and customs.
This bank holiday falls on January 1st, coinciding with New Year's Day. It provides an extended break for people to continue their New Year celebrations and spend time with family and friends. It's a part of the festive season in Japan and allows for more relaxation and enjoyment of the holiday period.
Coming of Age Day, or "Seijin no Hi," celebrates young adults who turn 20, the legal age of adulthood in Japan. Young men and women dress in traditional attire and attend ceremonies to receive congratulations. It's a cultural rite of passage that signifies maturity and responsibility. This holiday instills a sense of pride and belonging among young adults as they embark on their new roles in society.
Setsubun is a unique Japanese tradition that marks the beginning of spring. On this day, people perform bean-throwing rituals to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune. It's a fun and interactive holiday where families participate together. Setsubun showcases the Japanese belief in warding off negativity and welcoming positivity, making it an important cultural practice.
National Foundation Day, or "Kenkoku Kinen no Hi," commemorates the establishment of Japan's first imperial dynasty. While it is a relatively understated holiday, it reflects the historical significance of the nation's foundation. Some people use this day to reflect on Japan's history and cultural heritage.
Valentine's Day in Japan is celebrated uniquely. On this day, women give chocolates to men as a token of affection. It's a day to express love and appreciation. There's also a tradition of "White Day" on March 14th when men reciprocate with gifts. Valentine's Day highlights the Japanese approach to romance and the importance of meaningful gestures in relationships.
The Emperor's Birthday, or "Tenno Tanjobi," is a day to celebrate the current emperor's birth. While it's a public holiday, it's also an opportunity for the Japanese people to express their respect and best wishes for the emperor. It emphasizes the role of the imperial family in Japan's culture and history.
The Dolls' Festival, also called "Hinamatsuri," is a special day for girls. Families display ornate doll sets representing the imperial court. It's a wish for girls' health and happiness. Traditional foods like "hina-arare" (rice crackers) are enjoyed. Hinamatsuri showcases the importance of family bonds and the well-being of daughters in Japanese culture.
Spring Equinox, or "Shunbun no Hi," is a day to celebrate the arrival of spring. It's a time to pay respects to ancestors and visit their graves. Many also spend time in nature to welcome the season's beauty. This holiday reflects the Japanese connection to the changing seasons and the significance of harmony with nature.
Shōwa Day honors Emperor Shōwa's birthday and reflects on the events of his era. It's a time for self-reflection and a break from the busy work routine. People visit the countryside or engage in cultural activities. Shōwa Day reminds the Japanese of the post-war period and the importance of peace and recovery.
Constitution Memorial Day, or "Kenpo Kinenbi," commemorates the promulgation of Japan's post-war constitution in 1947. It's a day to appreciate democracy and the rule of law. Some engage in discussions about constitutional issues. This holiday highlights Japan's commitment to democratic values and governance.
Greenery Day, or "Midori no Hi," celebrates nature and the environment. It's a day for planting trees, appreciating green spaces, and engaging in outdoor activities. Greenery Day promotes ecological awareness and the importance of preserving Japan's natural beauty.
Children's Day, or "Kodomo no Hi," is a day to celebrate and wish for the healthy growth and happiness of children, especially boys. Families display colorful koinobori (carp-shaped banners) and samurai dolls. It highlights the value placed on children in Japanese society and their future well-being.
Mother's Day in Japan, as in many countries, is a day to express love and gratitude to mothers. It's an occasion for gift-giving and spending quality time with family. Mother's Day underscores the importance of maternal love and the role of mothers in nurturing and caring for their children.
The Star Festival, known as "Tanabata," celebrates the annual meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, represented by the stars Vega and Altair. People write wishes on colorful strips of paper and hang them on bamboo. Tanabata is a day to make wishes and appreciate the romantic folklore associated with it.
Sea Day, or "Umi no Hi," is a day to appreciate the ocean's beauty and importance. It encourages learning about maritime issues and ocean conservation. Many enjoy beach outings and water-related activities. Sea Day underscores Japan's strong connection to the sea and maritime heritage.
Hiroshima Memorial Day is a solemn occasion to remember the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. Ceremonies are held in Hiroshima, emphasizing the importance of peace, anti-nuclear efforts, and the tragic consequences of war. This day carries a global message of peace and disarmament.
Nagasaki Memorial Day similarly commemorates the atomic bombing, this time in Nagasaki. It serves as a reminder of the devastation caused by nuclear weapons and advocates for global peace and disarmament. It aligns with Japan's commitment to a world without nuclear threats.
Mountain Day, or "Yama no Hi," celebrates Japan's mountains and their importance in the country's culture and environment. It encourages outdoor activities like hiking and appreciating scenic landscapes. Mountain Day reflects the Japanese love for nature and the role of mountains in shaping the nation's identity.
Respect for the Aged Day, or "Keiro no Hi," is a day to honor and show gratitude to elderly people in Japan. Communities organize events, and families visit their elders. It promotes intergenerational bonds and emphasizes the value of wisdom and experience in society.
Autumn Equinox, or "Shubun no Hi," is a time to remember ancestors and visit their graves, similar to the Spring Equinox. It also marks the transition to autumn. Japanese people value the changing seasons, and this holiday underscores their connection to the natural world and ancestral heritage.
Sports Day, or "Taiiku no Hi," promotes physical fitness and sportsmanship. Schools organize athletic events, and families engage in sports and outdoor activities. It encourages a healthy lifestyle and teamwork, reflecting Japan's commitment to physical well-being and cooperation.
Culture Day, or "Bunka no Hi," celebrates Japanese culture and the arts. Cultural exhibitions, performances, and awards ceremonies take place. It highlights the richness of Japanese culture and its significance in shaping the nation's identity.
7-5-3 Day, or "Shichi-Go-San," is a day to celebrate the growth and well-being of children at ages 7, 5, and 3. Families dress children in traditional attire and visit shrines. It's a joyful occasion to wish for their health and prosperity. 7-5-3 Day underscores the importance of family and children in Japanese society.
Labor Thanksgiving Day, or "Kinro Kansha no Hi," expresses gratitude for the year's harvest and the labor of workers. People engage in ceremonies and events to thank nature and each other. It promotes a sense of gratitude and community, recognizing the value of labor and the environment.
Christmas is celebrated in Japan, although it's not a national holiday. It's a time for festive decorations, gift-giving, and enjoying Christmas-themed foods. Christmas in Japan is seen as a romantic holiday for couples, and it showcases the country's fascination with Western customs and culture.
This bank holiday on December 31st provides an extended break for people to prepare for and celebrate the New Year. It's a time for year-end gatherings and reflecting on the past year's achievements and experiences. It marks the transition from the old year to the new year, full of hopes and resolutions.
