Japan Public Holidays 2026: What's Open, What's Closed
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Japan has 16 public holidays per year. Some are great for festivals, others mean everything is closed. Here's what to know.
Japan has 16 public holidays per year. Some are great for festivals, others mean everything is closed. Here's what to know.
2026 Holiday Calendar
| Date | Holiday | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year (元日) | Everything closed, celebrations |
| Jan 2 | Bank Holiday | Most things closed |
| Jan 3 | Bank Holiday | Most things closed |
| Jan 12 | Coming of Age Day | Government offices closed |
| Feb 11 | National Foundation Day | Government offices closed |
| Feb 23 | Emperor's Birthday | Government offices closed |
| Mar 20 | Vernal Equinox Day | Government offices closed |
| Apr 29 | Shōwa Day | Start of Golden Week |
| May 3 | Constitution Memorial Day | Golden Week |
| May 4 | Greenery Day | Golden Week |
| May 5 | Children's Day | Golden Week |
| May 6 | Substitute Holiday | Golden Week |
| Jul 20 | Marine Day | Government offices closed |
| Aug 11 | Mountain Day | Government offices closed |
| Sep 21 | Respect for the Aged Day | Government offices closed |
| Sep 23 | Autumnal Equinox Day | Government offices closed |
| Oct 12 | Sports Day | Government offices closed |
| Nov 3 | Culture Day | Government offices closed |
| Nov 23 | Labor Thanksgiving Day | Government offices closed |
Golden Week (Late April – Early May)
The biggest holiday period in Japan. Almost everything is closed or extremely crowded.
What's Open
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson)
- Some restaurants in tourist areas
- Major department stores (limited hours)
- Hotels (book well in advance)
- Public transport (reduced schedule)
What's Closed
- Government offices
- Banks
- Post offices (some branches)
- Many small restaurants and shops
Tips
- Book hotels months in advance — prices double or triple
- Avoid traveling during Golden Week if possible
- Trains are packed — expect standing-room-only on Shinkansen
- Airport is chaotic — arrive 3 hours early for international flights
Obon (Mid-August)
Buddhist holiday honoring ancestors. Many businesses close for 3–5 days.
Dates (2026)
- August 13–16 (varies by region)
What to Expect
- Many businesses close — especially family-owned shops
- Trains packed — millions traveling to hometowns
- Fireworks festivals — many cities hold Obon fireworks
- Bon Odori dances — traditional community dances
New Year (December 29 – January 3)
The most important holiday in Japan. Almost everything closes.
What's Open
- Convenience stores (24/7, reduced staff)
- Some hotel restaurants
- Major train lines (reduced schedule)
- Some tourist attractions (limited hours)
What's Closed
- Almost all restaurants (except hotel)
- All government offices
- Banks
- Post offices
- Most shops
Tips
- Stock up on food before December 29
- Hotel restaurants are your best bet for meals
- Convenience stores are always open
- Temple visits (hatsumode) are popular — expect crowds
Tips
- Check holiday schedules before visiting attractions — many close on holidays
- Banks are always closed on holidays and weekends — withdraw cash before
- Post offices closed — no mail delivery on holidays
- Some holidays move — if they fall on Sunday, Monday becomes a substitute holiday
- Golden Week and Obon — book everything (hotels, trains, flights) well in advance
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