Before or after you plan your travel to Japan, it’s worthwhile to check if there are any public holidays during your stay in Japan, not only because some museums, shops and other facilities are closed on public holidays but also because Japanese people will be traveling and be visiting popular places on those holidays as well.
Shinkansen, flights, and accommodations may be booked out very early for those holidays if you don’t plan ahead. The prices could go up unless you book early. The public holidays in 2023 in Japan are as below.
Date | Days of the Week | Holiday |
January 1th | Sunday | New Year’s Day |
January 2th | Monday | Substitute holiday |
January 9th | Monday | Coming of Age Day |
February 11th | Saturday | National Foundation Day |
February 23th | Thursday | Emperor’s Birthday (Substitute holiday) |
March 21st | Tuesday | Spring Equinox |
April 29th | Saturday | Showa Day |
May 3rd | Wednesday | Constitution Memorial Day |
May 4th | Thursday | Greenery Day |
May 5th | Friday | Children’s Day |
July 17th | Monday | Marine Day |
August 11th | Friday | Mountain Day |
September 18th | Monday | Respect for the Elderly Day |
September 23rd | Saturday | Autumn Equinox |
October 9th | Monday | Sports Day |
November 3rd | Friday | Culture Day |
November 23rd | Thursday | Labor Thanksgiving Day |
Tips:
1. Year-End and New Year Holiday
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Although December 31st and January 3rd are not mentioned in the list above, they are also a part of Year-End and New Year Holiday.
2. What is “Substitute holiday” in Japan?
When a public holiday happens to be a Sunday in Japan, the next Monday will become a public holiday, which is “Substitute holiday”.
When do Japanese people travel?
It may be helpful to know the three periods that are the busiest travel seasons in Japan. Shinkansen, air flights, and accommodations are booked out early and the prices could go up if you don’t book early for those periods.
1. New Year
Most companies close business from December 30 until January 3.
2. Golden Week
Four public holidays; Showa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day are placed within 7 days. Some people use paid leave to combine those holidays and weekends and make it a long holiday week.
3. Obon Week
Obon is a Japanese Buddhist event to honor ancestors and is observed from August 13 until 15 or 16 (in some regions July 13-15 or 16). Many Japanese people go back to their family places during this period. Some companies close down for the Obon week.
Avoid the busy times and enjoy Japan!
We recommend you avoid the three busiest travel seasons in Japan mentioned above to save your budget and to avoid the crowds.

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