Whether you’re 2 months into your life in Japan or you’re about to move across the world to the Land of the Rising Sun, there’s one aspect of culture shock that may surprise you: holiday culture.
Holidays in Japan are vastly different from those across the pond – not only are holidays thoroughly planned in advance, the peak seasons of both Japanese and international travellers can make any journey unpleasant, inconvenient, or nigh impossible.
As such, we recommend timing your holidays; this can make all the difference. Whether you want to join the crowds for iconic festivals or escape them for a peaceful getaway, we have made a guide to Japan’s public holidays, peak travel seasons, and the best times to take leave in 2025.
Japan’s Public Holidays in 2025
Japan has 16 national holidays, many of which create long weekends or extended breaks. Here’s a quick reference table for this year:
| Jan 1 | Wed | New Year’s Day | 元日（がんじつ） |
| Jan 13 | Mon | Coming of Age Day | 成人の日（せいじんのひ） |
| Feb 11 | Tue | National Foundation Day | 建国記念の日（けんこくきねんのひ） |
| Feb 23 | Sun | Emperor’s Birthday | 天皇誕生日（てんのうたんじょうび） |
| Feb 24 | Mon | Emperor’s Birthday (observed) | 振替休日（ふりかえきゅうじつ） |
| Mar 20 | Thu | Vernal Equinox Day | 春分の日（しゅんぶんのひ） |
| Apr 29 | Tue | Shōwa Day | 昭和の日（しょうわのひ） |
| May 3 | Sat | Constitution Memorial Day | 憲法記念日（けんぽうきねんび） |
| May 4 | Sun | Greenery Day | みどりの日（みどりのひ） |
| May 5 | Mon | Children’s Day | こどもの日（こどものひ） |
| May 6 | Tue | Greenery Day (observed) | 振替休日（ふりかえきゅうじつ） |
| Jul 21 | Mon | Marine Day | 海の日（うみのひ） |
| Aug 11 | Mon | Mountain Day | 山の日（やまのひ） |
| Sep 15 | Mon | Respect for the Aged Day | 敬老の日（けいろうのひ） |
| Sep 23 | Tue | Autumnal Equinox Day | 秋分の日（しゅうぶんのひ） |
| Oct 13 | Mon | Sports Day | スポーツの日（スポーツのひ） |
| Nov 3 | Mon | Culture Day | 文化の日（ぶんかのひ） |
| Nov 23 | Sun | Labor Thanksgiving Day | 勤労感謝の日（きんろうかんしゃのひ） |
| Nov 24 | Mon | Labor Thanksgiving Day (obs) | 振替休日（ふりかえきゅうじつ） |
Note: Many companies also close for the New Year (Dec 28–Jan 5) and at the end of December.
Peak Travel Seasons in Japan
Certain periods see a surge in domestic and international travel. Here’s what to expect:
1. New Year’s (Shōgatsu): Late December – Early January
- Most businesses close, and many Japanese travel to their hometowns.
- Temples and shrines are packed for hatsumode (first shrine visit).
- Trains and hotels are booked out, plan well ahead.
2. Golden Week: April 29 – May 6
- Four national holidays in one week.
- One of the busiest travel periods: expect crowded trains, highways, and tourist spots.
- Prices for accommodation and transport spike.
3. Obon: Mid-August
- Not a national holiday, but many take leave for family reunions and ancestral visits.
- Major cities empty out, while rural areas and travel routes are crowded.
4. Cherry Blossom Season: Late March – Early April
- Tourists and locals flock to parks for hanami (flower viewing).
- Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka are especially crowded.
- Book hotels and shinkansen (bullet train) tickets months in advance. Or ask a local friend to help out.
5. Autumn Leaves: October – November
- Koyo (autumn foliage) season draws crowds to gardens and temples.
- Kyoto and Nikko are particularly popular.
Best Times to Take Leave as an Expat
Avoiding the Crowds
- Late May to June: After Golden Week, before the rainy season peaks. Fewer tourists, mild weather.
- September (after Obon): Early autumn is pleasant and less crowded.
- Mid-January to mid-March: Post-New Year’s lull: cheaper travel and empty attractions, though it’s cold.
Maximizing Your Holidays
- Bridge Holidays: When a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, take one day off to create a four-day weekend.
- Three-Day Weekends: Several holidays fall on Mondays, perfect for short domestic trips.
- Golden Week & New Year: If you don’t mind crowds, these are the longest breaks, but book everything early.
Our Personal Tips for 2025
- Book Early: For travel during Golden Week, Obon, or cherry blossom season, reserve hotels and trains months in advance.
- Explore Off-the-Beaten-Path: During peak seasons, consider less popular destinations like Tohoku, Shikoku, or Kyushu.
- Take Advantage of Shoulder Seasons: Late spring and early autumn offer great weather and fewer crowds.
- Use Paid Leave Strategically: Combine national holidays with paid leave for longer trips without using too many vacation days.
Example Leave Planning Table
| Holiday Period | Suggested Leave Days | Total Days Off | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Week | May 2, 7–9 | 10 | Combine with weekends and holidays |
| Obon | Aug 12–15 | 9 | Use paid leave for a full week |
| New Year’s | Dec 28–Jan 5 | 9 | Most companies close; travel early |
| Autumn Equinox | Sep 22, 24–26 | 5 | Combine with weekends for a getaway |
Differences in Holiday Culture Between Japan and the Outside World
- Advance Reservations Are Essential: Especially for Travel
In Japan, especially during Golden Week, Obon, or New Year’s, Shinkansen tickets must be booked months in advance due to high demand. This contrasts with many countries where last-minute travel is more common and spontaneous. - Obon Means Going Home: A Nationwide Migration
During Obon, millions of Japanese return to their hometowns to honor ancestors, causing major cities to empty and rural areas to fill. This family-focused migration is quite different from Western holidays, which often center on leisure travel. - Public Holidays Create Long, Predictable Breaks
Japan’s holidays are strategically spaced, often creating long weekends or “bridge” holidays, making leave planning easier. Many countries have more scattered holidays, making it harder to maximize time off. - Holiday Atmosphere: Quiet Reflection vs. Festive Revelry
Japanese holidays, like New Year’s, emphasize quiet reflection, shrine visits, and traditional meals rather than loud parties and fireworks. This creates a more subdued but meaningful holiday experience compared to many Western celebrations. Halloween (which is not a public holiday) tends to draw in the younger and more energetic crowds to city centers and entertainment districts. - Christmas Is Not a Public Holiday and Has a Different Vibe
Christmas in Japan is not a national holiday, and schools and businesses remain open. The celebration is more commercial and romantic, with couples enjoying date nights rather than family gatherings. - Smaller Living Spaces Affect Holiday Gatherings
Japanese urban homes are smaller, so large family gatherings at home are less common. Instead, people often celebrate holidays at restaurants, shrines, or public events.
Final Thoughts
We’ve found that understanding the rhythm of public holidays and peak seasons is key to making the most of your time off. Whether you want to join the festivities or escape the crowds, a little planning goes a long way. Happy travels in 2025!
This guide is based on the official 2025 Japanese public holiday calendar and expat experience living in Japan.
