Japan
2026 Japanese holidays
A list of Japan holidays for 2026, including observed dates and stock market closures.
| Date | Holiday | Type | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, January 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National holiday | – |
| Monday, January 12, 2026 | Coming of Age Day | National holiday | – |
| Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | National Foundation Day | National holiday | – |
| Monday, February 23, 2026 | Emperor's Birthday | National holiday | – |
| Friday, March 20, 2026 | Vernal Equinox Day | National holiday | – |
| Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | Showa Day | National holiday | – |
| Sunday, May 3, 2026 | Constitution Memorial Day | National holiday | – |
| Monday, May 4, 2026 | Greenery Day | National holiday | – |
| Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | Children's Day | National holiday | – |
| Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | Substitute Holiday | National holiday | Observed for Constitution Memorial Day. |
| Monday, July 20, 2026 | Marine Day | National holiday | – |
| Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | Mountain Day | National holiday | – |
| Monday, September 21, 2026 | Respect for the Aged Day | National holiday | – |
| Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | Citizens' Holiday | National holiday | Bridge holiday between two national holidays. |
| Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | Autumnal Equinox Day | National holiday | – |
| Monday, October 12, 2026 | Sports Day | National holiday | – |
| Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | Culture Day | National holiday | – |
| Monday, November 23, 2026 | Labor Thanksgiving Day | National holiday | – |
Source basis: Cabinet Office — national holidays (国民の祝日). Last updated: June 2026.
Practical uses
PTO and leave planning
Use this list to plan your annual leave around Japanese public holidays. Combining a holiday with a weekend can create longer breaks — see the japanese long weekends in 2026 for pre-built three-day and four-day weekends.
Payroll and deadlines
Public holidays affect payroll processing deadlines and direct deposit schedules. When a holiday falls on a weekday, it reduces the number of business days in that period. See business days in 2026 for net working day counts per month.
School and childcare
Public holidays typically mean school closures, but exact dates vary by state, province or region. Check your local school district or education authority for the full academic calendar.
Travel and events
Book travel early around major holidays like New Year's Day and Labor Thanksgiving Day when demand — and prices — are typically highest.
Frequently asked questions
- Do holidays that fall on a weekend get observed on a different day?
- Japan observes substitute holidays when a national holiday falls on a Sunday. Bridge holidays may also occur between two national holidays.
- Are these national or regional holidays?
- These are Japan national holidays, including substitute and citizens' holidays where applicable.
- Can I download these holidays for my calendar app?
- Yes. Download the ICS file to import into Google Calendar, Apple Calendar or Outlook. Or download the CSV file to open in Excel or Google Sheets.
- How many national holidays fall on weekdays in 2026?
- 17 of the 18 national holidays in 2026 fall on weekdays. 1 falls on a weekend.