Whenever I plan to visit other countries, I check the public holidays of the destination country. For example, street parades, traditional performances, and a variety of holiday events give us a better understanding of the country and its people. Then, let’s check out the public holidays in 2020, Japan.
Japan’s Public Holidays
Scroll down to find a list of each public holiday date in 2020 in Japan and the meaning of the day mentioned to schedule your plans and get the best of what you’ll be getting this year:
Public Holidays in Winter
New Year’s Day, Ganjitsu – Jan 1 (Wed), 2020
New Year’s day is the public holiday where everyone gathers to enjoy themselves. Businesses are kept shut to the 3rd of January from the 1st of January. Families throw Bonenkai Parties, which translate to forgetting parties. Most of all, Ganjitsu is one of the most important public holidays in Japan people.
Coming of Age Day – Jan 13 (Mon), 2020
This public holiday is held on the second Monday of January. It congratulates everyone who has turned twenty between the 2nd of April of the last year and the 1st of April of the on-going year. The age will be lowered in 2020 to 18.
National Foundation Day – Feb 11 (Tue), 2020
National Foundation Day is held on the 11th of February. People celebrate patriotism with events held nationwide.
The Emperor’s Birthday – Feb 23 (Sun), 2020
It is a public holiday celebrated in Japan and is celebrated on the date of birth of the emperor who is currently reigning. Because the day is Sunday this year, Feb 24 (Monday) is the extra holiday in 2020.
Holidays in Spring
Vernal Equinox Day – Mar 20 (Fri), 2020
It’s the Spring Equinox day in the northern hemisphere when the length of daytime and nighttime are the same. It’s one of the national public holidays in Japan. Astronomically, it means a beginning day of the Spring and it’s the time for the graduation in Japan. So, people enjoy the weather of Spring and the blooming of flowers.
Showa Day – Apr 29 (Wed), 2020
This public holiday is held on the 29th of April and celebrates the birthday of Emperor Showa (Hirohito). Showa translates to bright peace and symbolizes the period from 1926 to 1989, during which he reigned. In addition, They call this season Golden Week from Apr 29th to May 6. So, it includes four national holidays in Japan.
Greenery Day – May 4 (Mon), 2020
Japanese people celebrate this public holiday on the 4th of May to praise nature. It is one of the public holidays of Golden Week in Japan.
Children’s Day – May 5 (Tue), 2020
The 5th of May marks the celebration of Children’s day and the end of the Golden Week. This public holiday is to show respect towards the happiness and personalities of children. On this day, everyone enjoys special cakes and plays with traditional toys.
Constitutional Memorial Day – May 6 (Wed), 2020
Constitutional Memorial Day is held on the 3rd of May. It is celebrated during Golden Week for the 1947 Constitution of Japan.
Holidays in Summer
Marine Day – Jul 23 (Thu), 2020
Sea Day, or commonly known as Marine Day, is held on the third Monday of July. In 2020, this day is going to be celebrated on the 23rd of July, a day before the opening ceremony of the Olympics. This holiday is held to celebrate the importance of the sea for the Japanese Nation.
Health and Sports Day – Jul 24 (Fri), 2020
Health and Sports Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October and pays tribute to the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. This day highlights the importance of sports and a healthy lifestyle. From 2020, Health and Sports Day will be celebrated on the 24th of July.
Mountain Day – Aug 10 (Mon), 2020
Mountain Day is held on the 11th of August. On this day, people go to visit the splendid beauty of the mountains of Japan. Hiking and other such activities are also held.
Holidays in Fall
Respect for the Aged Day – Sep 21 (Mon), 2020
In order to honor the elderly citizens of Japan, this day is held on the 3rd Monday of September.
Autumnal Equinox Day – Sep 22 (Tue), 2020
It’s a public holiday in Japan. As Vernal Equinox Day is the beginning of the Spring, Autumnal Equinox Day is the beginning day of fall. Family members get together and pay respects to their ancestors.
Culture Day – Nov 3 (Tue), 2020
To promote the importance of learning and arts, culture day is held on the 3rd of November.
Labor Thanksgiving Day – Nov 23 (Mon), 2020
This public holiday is celebrated on the 23rd of November. During this day, Nagano Labor Festival is also observed to highlight the importance of peace, environment, and human rights.
Here, you can check the ultimate Japan travel guide and the Best things to do in Tokyo.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave comments below. Thanks!
Written by Dy & Jay.
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