Public Holidays in Japan

Public Holidays in Japan, time to celebrate nature

Written by Kriti Sachdev and Yogi (Yogendra Puranik), PhD, on September 11, 2022

When I came to Japan more than a decade ago, I was fascinated by many aspects of life that were quite different from my home country, India.

One of the most striking observations was how Japan celebrates nature through its national holidays. Days such as Umi no Hi (Marine Day), Shunbun/Shūbun no Hi (Vernal and Autumnal Equinox Days), and seasonal traditions like Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) bring the entire nation together. During these times, people gather in large numbers to appreciate nature, spend time with family and loved ones, and enjoy the changing seasons—from the blooming flowers of spring to the vibrant colors of autumn.

The government designates these public holidays so that everyone has an equal opportunity to celebrate a shared theme—nature. On Marine Day, people visit beaches and enjoy time in the sea with family and friends. On Mountain Day, many go hiking or trekking. These occasions are not just holidays; they are collective experiences.

These holidays also contribute significantly to domestic consumption and help sustain the economy. While Japanese people are known for international travel, domestic tourism is equally vibrant. Local economies, especially in rural areas, flourish during these periods.

Nature serves as a universal point of connection. Regardless of differences in race, beliefs, or philosophies, people share a common appreciation for natural phenomena. The rising sun, the moon, the stars, flowing water, and blooming flowers evoke a sense of wonder in all of us. Nature transcends divisions and reminds us of what we share as human beings.

Beliefs about morality, faith, or the existence of God may vary, but the appreciation of nature is universal. Everyone can relate to it without conflict or debate. This shared appreciation creates a powerful foundation for social harmony.

In this sense, the celebration of nature can be seen as a means of promoting peace. By focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us, society can foster a stronger sense of connection and belonging.

Such celebrations also promote inclusivity. People with differing opinions or belief systems may find it difficult to connect in certain contexts. However, nature-based celebrations are neutral, unbiased, and accessible to all. They are not tied to ideology or belief systems, making them universally acceptable. This creates a sense of equality and inclusion, where everyone can participate without hesitation.

Another interesting aspect is how people in Japan plan their holidays well in advance—often six months to a year ahead. As holidays approach, travel, rental cars, and accommodation costs rise sharply. A hotel room that might cost around 10,000 yen in the off-season can increase to 100,000 yen per night during peak periods. This trend has intensified in recent years due to a significant increase in foreign tourists visiting Japan.

Japan’s public holidays also reflect thoughtful planning. Many are strategically placed on Mondays to create long weekends, allowing people to rest and travel.

Major Public Holidays in Japan (Overview)

• New Year’s Day (January 01): Celebrated with traditions such as watching the first sunrise, cleaning homes, giving otoshidama (money gifts) to children, and visiting shrines.

• Coming of Age Day (January): Celebrates young adults reaching legal adulthood.

• National Foundation Day (February 11): Marks the legendary founding of Japan.

• Emperor’s Birthday (February 23): Honors the reigning Emperor.

• Vernal Equinox Day (March 21): A time to visit ancestral graves and reflect.

• Shōwa Day (April 29): Commemorates the Shōwa era.

• Constitution Memorial Day (May 03): Marks the adoption of Japan’s constitution.

• Greenery Day (May 04): Celebrates nature and environmental awareness.

• Children’s Day (May 05): Celebrates children’s happiness and growth.

• Marine Day (July): Honors the ocean’s importance to Japan.

• Mountain Day (August): Appreciates Japan’s mountainous landscape.

• Respect for the Aged Day (September): Honors senior citizens.

• Autumnal Equinox Day (September 21): Another occasion to honor ancestors.

• Sports Day (October): Promotes physical activity and health.

• Culture Day (November 03): Celebrates culture, arts, and academics.

• Labour Thanksgiving Day (November 23): Gives thanks to workers.

Extended Holiday Periods

Japan also has several extended holiday periods:

• Golden Week (late April–early May): A cluster of national holidays creating one of the busiest travel seasons.

• Obon (mid-August): Not an official holiday, but widely observed for honoring ancestors.

• Year-end and New Year holidays (late December–early January): A major family-oriented period.

• Silver Week (September, occasional): Occurs when holidays align favorably, creating extended breaks (next major occurrence in 2026 and 2037).

During these periods, transportation systems and tourist destinations become extremely crowded, and bookings must be made well in advance.

Conclusion

Japan’s approach to celebrating nature offers a profound lesson. By creating shared moments around universal experiences, society fosters unity, inclusivity, and peace. In a world often divided by differences, perhaps the simplest way to connect is through what we all share—the beauty of nature.

References

https://publicholidays.jp/2022-dates/

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2282.html

About the co-author

Kriti Sachdev is a graduate in Elementary Education from the Central Institute of Education in Delhi. She came to Japan in 2014 along with her husband. It was her dream to come to Japan and explore it. At the time of writing this article, she has been living in Japan for more than 8 years.

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