Holidays in Japan

Explore public holidays, observances, and long weekends in Japan for 2026. Plan ahead for federal holidays, school breaks, and seasonal celebrations.

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Next Holiday Respect for the Aged Day Sep 21, 2026

Days Until Next 34 days Sep 21, 2026

Total Public Holidays 16 Federal holidays

Long Weekends (3+) 12 Opportunities

Popular Season Nov – Dec New Year (Shōgatsu)

Upcoming Holidays

Holiday	Date	Day	Type	Region	Days Away	Status
Respect for the Aged Day	Sep 21, 2026	Monday	Public Holiday	Nationwide	34 days	Upcoming
Autumnal Equinox Day	Sep 23, 2026	Wednesday	Public Holiday	Nationwide	36 days	Upcoming
Sports Day	Oct 12, 2026	Monday	Public Holiday	Nationwide	55 days	Upcoming
Culture Day	Nov 3, 2026	Tuesday	Public Holiday	Nationwide	77 days	Upcoming
Labour Thanksgiving Day	Nov 23, 2026	Monday	Public Holiday	Nationwide	97 days	Upcoming

Long Weekends & Bridge Days

JAN 1–4

New Year's Day Weekend Take 1 day off for 4-day break

Thu, Jan 1 – Sun, Jan 4

✈️ Take Friday off for a 4-day break

JAN 10–12

Coming of Age Day Weekend 3-day weekend

Sat, Jan 10 – Mon, Jan 12

✈️ Perfect for a quick getaway

FEB 21–23

The Emperor's Birthday Weekend 3-day weekend

Sat, Feb 21 – Mon, Feb 23

✈️ Perfect for a quick getaway

MAR 20–22

Vernal Equinox Day Weekend 3-day weekend

Fri, Mar 20 – Sun, Mar 22

✈️ Fireworks & celebrations

MAY 2–4

Greenery Day Weekend 3-day weekend

Sat, May 2 – Mon, May 4

✈️ Perfect for a quick getaway

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Holiday Details

Respect for the Aged Day

Date Monday, September 21, 2026

Type Public Holiday

Observed Nationwide

Also known as: Respect for the Aged Day

敬老の日

Common Activities

🎉 Celebrations👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family time🍽️ Special meals🌟 Community events

Affects Businesses Yes

Affects Schools Yes

Affects Banks Yes

Popular Countries

Upcoming holidays from frequently viewed countries

Frequently Asked Questions

How are public holidays tracked in ClockHorizon?

ClockHorizon tracks official national, federal, and regional public holidays, bank holidays, observances, and school breaks using standardized ISO country datasets and live verified holiday calendars.

What is the difference between a public holiday and an observance?

A public holiday is an official non-working day established by law for government, banks, and businesses. An observance or optional holiday recognizes cultural, religious, or historical events but does not usually guarantee a day off.

How do school holidays differ from public holidays?

School holidays are academic breaks scheduled by national or regional education departments for primary and secondary schools. They often span multiple weeks and may vary by state or province.

How can I find long weekends around holidays?

Use the Long Weekends tab or visit our dedicated Long Weekends guide to view all 3-day weekends and 4-day bridge day opportunities connected to public holidays for the selected year.

Are holiday dates updated when legislation changes?

Yes. ClockHorizon synchronizes calendar data and checks for government proclamations, substitute observed dates, and official calendar updates.