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 2028, 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 10 potential long weekends this year, from holidays landing on a Monday or Friday. Meanwhile, 2 holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday.
The longest stretch without a public holiday runs from Children's Day (May 5) to Marine Day (July 17): 73 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 2028
Holidays landing on a Monday or Friday
Coming of Age Day
January 10 · Monday
Foundation Day
February 11 · Friday
Vernal Equinox Day
March 20 · Monday
Children's Day
May 5 · Friday
Marine Day
July 17 · Monday
Mountain Day
August 11 · Friday
Respect for the Aged Day
September 18 · Monday
Autumnal Equinox Day
September 22 · Friday
Sports Day
October 9 · Monday
Culture Day
November 3 · Friday
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays does Japan have in 2028?+
Japan has 16 official public holidays in 2028, with May being the busiest month (3).
What is the first public holiday of 2028 in Japan?+
The first public holiday of 2028 is New Year's Day, on January 1.
How many long weekends are there in Japan in 2028?+
10 holidays land on a Monday or Friday, which can create long weekends.
Which 2028 holidays fall on a weekend in Japan?+
2 holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday: New Year's Day (January 1), Shōwa Day (April 29).
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.