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 2025, 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 9 potential long weekends this year, from holidays landing on a Monday or Friday. Meanwhile, 1 holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
The longest stretch without a public holiday runs from Greenery Day (May 6) to Marine Day (July 21): 76 days.
The first holiday of the year is New Year's Day (January 1) and the last is Labour Thanksgiving Day (November 24).
Long weekends in 2025
Holidays landing on a Monday or Friday
Coming of Age Day
January 13 · Monday
The Emperor's Birthday
February 24 · Monday
Children's Day
May 5 · Monday
Marine Day
July 21 · Monday
Mountain Day
August 11 · Monday
Respect for the Aged Day
September 15 · Monday
Sports Day
October 13 · Monday
Culture Day
November 3 · Monday
Labour Thanksgiving Day
November 24 · Monday
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays does Japan have in 2025?+
Japan has 16 official public holidays in 2025, with May being the busiest month (3).
What is the first public holiday of 2025 in Japan?+
The first public holiday of 2025 is New Year's Day, on January 1.
How many long weekends are there in Japan in 2025?+
9 holidays land on a Monday or Friday, which can create long weekends.
Which 2025 holidays fall on a weekend in Japan?+
1 holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday: Constitution Memorial Day (May 3).
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.