Japan public holidays in 2026 and 2027 — what travellers need to know

The main challenge is not one day off but the concentration of holidays during Golden Week. Trains, domestic flights and popular accommodation can sell out much earlier than usual.

Key takeaway: It is worth visiting for the atmosphere, but this is not a good time for a spontaneous or budget trip.

Public-holiday calendar for 2026 and 2027

Calendar coverage: The 2026 and 2027 calendars are complete for nationwide days off identified by the official sources.

2026

Date	Day	Holiday
1 January	Thursday	New Year's Day
12 January	Monday	Coming of Age Day
11 February	Wednesday	National Foundation Day
23 February	Monday	Emperor's Birthday
20 March	Friday	Vernal Equinox Day
29 April	Wednesday	Shōwa Day
3 May	Sunday	Constitution Memorial Day
4 May	Monday	Greenery Day
5 May	Tuesday	Children's Day
6 May	Wednesday	Substitute Holiday
20 July	Monday	Marine Day
11 August	Tuesday	Mountain Day
21 September	Monday	Respect for the Aged Day
22 September	Tuesday	Citizen's Holiday
23 September	Wednesday	Autumnal Equinox Day
12 October	Monday	Sports Day
3 November	Tuesday	Culture Day
23 November	Monday	Labor Thanksgiving Day

2027

Date	Day	Holiday
1 January	Friday	New Year's Day
11 January	Monday	Coming of Age Day
11 February	Thursday	National Foundation Day
23 February	Tuesday	Emperor's Birthday
21 March	Sunday	Vernal Equinox Day
22 March	Monday	Substitute Holiday
29 April	Thursday	Shōwa Day
3 May	Monday	Constitution Memorial Day
4 May	Tuesday	Greenery Day
5 May	Wednesday	Children's Day
19 July	Monday	Marine Day
11 August	Wednesday	Mountain Day
20 September	Monday	Respect for the Aged Day
23 September	Thursday	Autumnal Equinox Day
11 October	Monday	Sports Day
3 November	Wednesday	Culture Day
23 November	Tuesday	Labor Thanksgiving Day

Which periods affect travel most?

Golden Week: late April and early May

The busiest cluster runs from 29 April into early May. In 2026 an extra substitute holiday falls on 6 May; in 2027 the sequence ends on 5 May. Reserve transport and rooms early.

New Year

1 January is the statutory holiday, but altered hours and business breaks often cover a wider year-end period. Check museums, restaurants and small properties individually.

Obon in August

Obon is not a nationwide statutory holiday, but it is a major domestic travel peak and can affect prices and transport availability like a long holiday weekend.

Shops, transport and attractions

Trains, buses, ferries and domestic flights may sell out faster; buy tickets ahead for the key holiday periods.
Government offices, banks and schools generally close; private businesses set their own hours.
Around New Year, some museums, restaurants and small businesses take a longer break than the statutory day itself.

Local customs and etiquette

Golden Week is a series of holidays, not one festival. Be quiet at temples and follow local signs; around New Year expect queues for hatsumōde, the first shrine or temple visit of the year.

How to plan your trip

Reserve accommodation and key journeys earlier than usual.
Allow extra time and keep an alternative for the most popular attractions.
Two or three days before a visit, check the official hours of the attraction or operator.

Combine the calendar with the weather

Check the 14-day forecast, monthly climate and best time to visit Japan.

Japan weather

Sources and data coverage

The 2026 and 2027 calendars are complete for nationwide days off identified by the official sources. Calendar data checked: 13 July 2026.

Travel-advice sources

Other holiday calendars for travellers

Thailand Sri Lanka Maldives Israel Turkey Malaysia United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth visiting Japan during public holidays?

It is worth visiting for the atmosphere, but this is not a good time for a spontaneous or budget trip.

Do shops and public transport operate on holidays in Japan?

Trains, buses, ferries and domestic flights may sell out faster; buy tickets ahead for the key holiday periods. Government offices, banks and schools generally close; private businesses set their own hours. Around New Year, some museums, restaurants and small businesses take a longer break than the statutory day itself.

Can religious holiday dates change?

Yes. Dates based on a lunar calendar may be confirmed or adjusted by the relevant authorities. We label such entries as estimates and recommend checking again before departure.