Japan observes 16 national holidays a year. The "Happy Monday" system moved several to Mondays to create long weekends, and the law adds two practical rules: a holiday falling on Sunday produces a substitute holiday on Monday, and a workday squeezed between two holidays becomes a holiday itself ("kokumin no kyūjitsu").
The cluster of holidays in late April and early May forms the famous Golden Week, one of the busiest travel seasons in the country.
In 2024, Japan has 16 official public holidays. The month with the most holidays is May, with 3. 2 months have no public holiday at all.
There are 12 potential long weekends this year, from holidays landing on a Monday or Friday. Meanwhile, 3 holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday.
The longest stretch without a public holiday runs from Children's Day (May 6) to Marine Day (July 15): 70 days.
The first holiday of the year is New Year's Day (January 1) and the last is Labour Thanksgiving Day (November 23).
Long weekends in 2024
Holidays landing on a Monday or Friday
New Year's Day
January 1 · Monday
Coming of Age Day
January 8 · Monday
Foundation Day
February 12 · Monday
The Emperor's Birthday
February 23 · Friday
Shōwa Day
April 29 · Monday
Constitution Memorial Day
May 3 · Friday
Children's Day
May 6 · Monday
Marine Day
July 15 · Monday
Mountain Day
August 12 · Monday
Respect for the Aged Day
September 16 · Monday
Sports Day
October 14 · Monday
Culture Day
November 4 · Monday
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays does Japan have in 2024?+
Japan has 16 official public holidays in 2024, with May being the busiest month (3).
What is the first public holiday of 2024 in Japan?+
The first public holiday of 2024 is New Year's Day, on January 1.
How many long weekends are there in Japan in 2024?+
12 holidays land on a Monday or Friday, which can create long weekends.
Which 2024 holidays fall on a weekend in Japan?+
3 holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday: Greenery Day (May 4), Autumnal Equinox Day (September 22), Labour Thanksgiving Day (November 23).
What is Japan's Golden Week?+
The run of holidays from late April to early May (Shōwa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day and Children's Day), which many people turn into a full week off.