
Dreaming of an unforgettable trip to Japan? Knowing the country’s public holidays can help you experience its most vibrant festivals, colourful traditions, and exciting travel seasons. From lively Golden Week celebrations to the magical calm of New Year shrine visits, Japan’s holiday periods offer moments you won’t find anywhere else. Plan your journey around these special dates and unlock a richer, more immersive Japan experience!
1. Japan Public Holiday 2026 Overview✨

Japan has 16 national public holidays, and in 2026, many fall conveniently near weekends—meaning longer holiday periods that can affect travel crowds, hotel prices, transport availability, and attraction schedules.
For Malaysians, especially those planning trips during CNY, Hari Raya, or school holidays, knowing Japan’s holiday schedule helps avoid surprises (or even lets you catch unique Japanese festivals!).
2. Japan Public Holidays 2026 Calendar🗓️
Here’s the full list of Japan’s 2026 public holidays:
Date | Holiday Name | What It Means | Travel Notes |
Jan 1 (Wed) | New Year’s Day | Start of the Japanese New Year; families visit shrines | Major closures; crowded shrines and transport |
Jan 12 (Mon) | Coming of Age Day | Celebrates young adults turning 20 | Ceremonies in parks and halls; light closures |
Feb 11 (Wed) | National Foundation Day | Marks the founding of Japan | Some closures; local events in public spaces |
Feb 23 (Mon) | Emperor’s Birthday | Celebration of the Emperor’s birthday | Imperial Palace opens to the public; large crowds |
Apr 29 (Wed) | Shōwa Day | Honors Emperor Shōwa and begins Golden Week | Start of busy travel season; some closures |
May 3 (Sun) | Constitution Memorial Day | Marks Japan’s postwar constitution | Part of Golden Week; government offices closed |
May 4 (Mon) | Greenery Day | Celebration of nature | Parks hold events; museums busier than usual |
May 5 (Tue) | Children’s Day | Celebration of children’s happiness and health | Family outings; parks and attractions crowded |
Jul 20 (Mon) | Marine Day | Celebration of Japan’s maritime culture | Beaches and aquariums popular |
Aug 11 (Tue) | Mountain Day | Encourages appreciation of mountains | Hiking trails busy; little impact in cities |
Sep 21 (Mon) | Respect for the Aged Day | Honoring elderly citizens | Community events; limited closures |
Sep 23 (Wed) | Autumn Equinox Day | Balance of day and night; ancestor remembrance | Temples and cemeteries busy |
Oct 12 (Mon) | Sports Day | Celebration of fitness and health | Public sports events; active atmosphere |
Nov 3 (Tue) | Culture Day | Celebration of arts and learning | Museums and galleries host special events |
Nov 23 (Mon) | Labour Thanksgiving Day | Thanks for workers and harvest | Government offices closed; museums open |
Dec 31 (Thu) | New Year’s Eve | Year-end temple visits and countdown events | Early shop closures; major temples very crowded |
⭐ Busy holiday clusters to take note of:
- New Year (1–3 Jan)
- Golden Week (26 Apr – 6 May)
Including Shōwa Day + 3–5 May holiday trio + substitute holiday - Silver Week (21–23 Sep)
Respect for the Aged Day + Autumnal Equinox
These are very popular travel periods within Japan.
3. How Japan’s Public Holidays Can Affect Your Trip🧳

Impact | What Malaysian Travellers Should Know |
|---|---|
Crowded tourist spots | Expect long queues at theme parks, temples, and landmarks. |
Higher accommodation prices | Hotels during Golden Week & New Year can double or sell out months in advance. |
Transport congestion | Shinkansen, domestic flights, and highways get extremely busy. |
Shortened business hours | Especially during New Year—many shops close for several days. |
Festive atmosphere | A chance to see local culture, parades, and seasonal traditions. |
Booking Flights to Japan
4. Major Holidays and Cultural Highlights in Japan 👀

🌅 New Year (Oshōgatsu) — 1 Jan
- Most important Japanese holiday.
- People visit temples for hatsumōde (first shrine visit).
- Many restaurants and shops close from 1–3 Jan.
🌸 Vernal Equinox — 20 Mar
- Marks the arrival of spring.
- Perfect for sakura season, popular with Malaysians.
🌿 Golden Week — 29 Apr to 6 May
Japan’s biggest stretch of holidays:
- Shōwa Day
- Constitution Memorial Day
- Greenery Day
- Children’s Day
Expect nationwide travel frenzy.
⛰️ Mountain Day — 11 Aug
Created to celebrate Japan’s love for nature.
Summer hiking spots like Fuji or Kamikōchi get lively.
🍁 Silver Week — 21–23 Sep
A smaller version of Golden Week.
Linked holidays often create a mini travel boom.
🎌 Culture Day — 3 Nov
Great for museum visits — many hold free entry days.
🎂 The Emperor’s Birthday — 23 Dec
The Imperial Palace opens to the public—rare opportunity!
Get Your International eSIM Here
5. Closures and Disruptions to Expect During Japan’s Public Holidays🛎️

🏙️ New Year (Major Closures)
- Government offices: closed
- Some restaurants: closed
- Banks: closed
- Tourist attractions: varied schedules (check in advance)
🚌 Transportation Overload
- Trains and buses packed during Golden Week, New Year, Silver Week
- Shinkansen tickets may sell out weeks earlier
- Traffic jams on highways
🏞️ Popular attractions at full capacity
- Tokyo Disney Resort, USJ, teamLab, Arashiyama, Mt Fuji
- Expect timed entry or waiting times >2 hours
🛍️ Shopping
- New Year closures except major malls
- Golden Week: stores fully open and extremely busy
6. Travel Tips for Japan’s Holiday Seasons🌟

🌟 1. Avoid peak dates if you want a smooth, relaxed trip
Best months with fewer local holidays: February, June, early July, October (before mid-month).
🌟 2. If travelling during peak seasons, book early
- Hotels: 3–6 months ahead
- Shinkansen & domestic flights: ASAP
- Theme parks: Secure entry passes early
🌟 3. Use alternative travel patterns
- Travel early morning or late evening
- Visit lesser-known attractions (Kyushu, Tohoku, Shikoku)
🌟 4. Plan meals wisely
During holidays, some shops close—especially around New Year.
Convenience stores (konbini) remain reliable.
🌟 5. Expect premium prices
Holiday surcharges may apply for transport and hotels.
🌟 6. Embrace the festive mood
If you enjoy culture, crowds, and celebrations, travelling during these holidays can be rewarding.
[8% OFF] Taipei Hotel Recommendations
Tokyo Hotels
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Hot spring
Gym
Swimming pool
Breakfast
Whether you’re planning a sakura getaway, an autumn escape, or a winter adventure, knowing Japan’s 2026 public holiday calendar helps you avoid crowds—or join them strategically!
FAQs about Japan Public Holiday 2026
Are ATMs and money exchange counters open during public holidays in Japan?
Yes, most ATMs in convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson work 24 hours even during holidays.Is Japan still easy to explore if I do not speak Japanese during the holidays?
Yes, it’s still easy. Public transport signs, ticket machines, and tourist areas have English translationsCan I send or receive parcels during Japan’s public holidays?
Delivery services such as Yamato (Black Cat) and Japan Post pause or slow down during holidays, especially from Dec 29 to Jan 3.Are tourist spots open at night during public holidays?
Yes, temples, shrines, shopping streets and many attractions like Tokyo Skytree, Osaka Castle Park, and Kyoto’s Gion area stay open late, especially during festive periods.


38712 ditempah

