Planning a trip to Japan but concerned about their holiday periods? We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to Japan’s public holidays, consecutive holidays, and Golden Week in 2025. This will help you know all the key holiday dates, avoid crowds, and travel around Japan more efficiently.
2025 Japan Holidays
| Holiday Name | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Emperor’s Birthday | December 23, 2024 | Emperor Naruhito’s birthday |
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2025 | New Year celebrations |
| Coming of Age Day | January 13, 2025 | Celebration for those turning 20 |
| National Foundation Day | February 11, 2025 | Commemorating Japan’s founding |
| Emperor’s Birthday | February 23, 2025 | Emperor Naruhito’s birthday |
| Spring Equinox | March 20, 2025 | Vernal Equinox Day |
| Showa Day (Golden Week) | April 29, 2025 | Emperor Showa’s birthday |
| Constitution Day (Golden Week) | May 3, 2025 | Commemorating Japan’s Constitution |
| Greenery Day (Golden Week) | May 4, 2025 | Day to appreciate nature |
| Children’s Day (Golden Week) | May 5, 2025 | Holiday celebrating children |
| Marine Day | July 21, 2025 | Day to appreciate the ocean |
| Mountain Day | August 11, 2025 | Day to appreciate mountains |
| Respect for the Aged Day | September 15, 2025 | Honoring elderly citizens |
| Autumnal Equinox | September 23, 2025 | Fall Equinox Day |
| Sports Day | October 13, 2025 | Commemorating the Tokyo Olympics |
| Culture Day | November 3, 2025 | Celebrating Japanese culture |
| Labor Thanksgiving Day | November 23, 2025 | Honoring workers’ contributions |
Japan has five peak tourist seasons: cherry blossom season in late March, Golden Week in early May, Obon Festival in mid-August, autumn foliage season in mid-October, and New Year holidays. During these periods, you’ll encounter large crowds of both domestic and international tourists.
The three major consecutive holiday periods in Japan—Golden Week, Obon Festival, and New Year holidays—are particularly challenging for travelers. Hotel rates spike significantly and securing JR PASS reservations becomes extremely difficult. We strongly recommend avoiding these three major holiday periods when planning your trip to Japan!
Popular Travel Times in Japan
Cherry Blossom Season (Late March to Early April)
Cherry blossom season is Japan’s most celebrated tourist period, drawing crowds of domestic and international visitors. The blossoms reach full bloom in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, creating breathtaking scenery.
🎎Golden Week (Late April to Early May)
Golden Week is Japan’s most significant and longest holiday period, consisting of multiple consecutive holidays from late April to early May. These include Showa Day on April 29, Constitution Day on May 3, Greenery Day on May 4, and Children’s Day on May 5. While intervening workdays aren’t national holidays, many companies offer additional days off as an employee benefit.
🎎Obon Festival (Mid-August)
Obon is a traditional Japanese festival when many people return to their hometowns to honor their ancestors. This important tourist season sees significant crowds at attractions and heavy traffic throughout the country.
Autumn Foliage Season (Mid-October to November)
Autumn offers perfect conditions for viewing stunning fall colors. The red leaves in Kyoto, Nara, Hokkaido, and other locations create spectacular views, enhanced by pleasant weather that’s ideal for traveling.
New Year Holiday (Late December to Early January)
The New Year holiday is one of Japan’s most significant traditional festivals. While many shops and attractions close during this period, visitors can experience unique New Year celebrations and hatsumode (first shrine visit) traditions.
Recommended Time to Travel to Japan
For the best travel experience, visit Japan during these three periods to avoid tourist peaks and local crowds. These times are ideal because Japanese residents have returned to work and school, effectively reducing crowds and peak tourist seasons.
| Time Period | Reason |
|---|---|
| Late May to early June | After the Golden Week crowds have dispersed |
| Early September | After Obon is over and school starts |
| Late January to early February | New Year holiday ends before cherry blossom season |
All Holidays in Japan 2025
New Year’s Day (January 1)
New Year’s Day is one of Japan’s most significant holidays, marking the beginning of the new year. Most shops and businesses close from January 1st to January 3rd. People perform “hatsumode,” the first shrine or temple visit of the year, to pray for peace and prosperity. Families gather to enjoy traditional rice cakes and seasonal delicacies.
Coming of Age Day (second Monday in January)
Coming of Age Day celebrates Japan’s new adults (age 20) with a three-day holiday including the weekend. Special ceremonies are held nationwide where young adults wear traditional attire—women in kimonos and men in suits. This day symbolizes their official entry into adulthood and acceptance of greater social responsibilities.
National Foundation Day (February 11)
National Foundation Day commemorates Japan’s establishment. Citizens celebrate nationwide with shrine visits and various festivities. The day marks Emperor Jimmu’s legendary accession to the throne, and people express their patriotism through different activities.
Emperor’s Birthday (February 23)
Emperor’s Birthday celebrates the current Emperor Naruhito’s birth date. The Imperial Palace opens to the public, where the Emperor addresses the people. Crowds gather outside, waving national flags in a festive atmosphere.
Vernal Equinox (March 20 or 21)
The Vernal Equinox celebrates spring’s arrival and is traditionally a day for visiting ancestral graves, known as “higan.” As day and night reach equal length, the holiday symbolizes new beginnings and hope. Families visit cemeteries together to clean graves and leave offerings of flowers and food.
Golden Week: Showa Day (April 29)
Showa Day honors the birthday of Emperor Showa with commemorative events reflecting on the Showa era’s history. This day marks the beginning of Golden Week, when many Japanese start their vacations to enjoy the spring season.
Golden Week: Constitution Day (May 3)
Constitution Day commemorates the enactment of Japan’s post-war constitution. Various commemorative activities celebrate and promote understanding of the constitution. As part of Golden Week, many people travel during this time.
Golden Week: Green Day (May 4)
Green Day celebrates nature and environmental appreciation. Many parks and zoos offer free admission, encouraging people to enjoy outdoor activities and nature’s beauty. It’s an ideal time to relax and connect with the natural world.
Children’s Day (May 5)
Children’s Day celebrates children’s healthy growth and development. Families display carp streamers, symbolizing their hopes for their children’s health and success. People enjoy special rice dumplings and cypress cakes, and take calamus baths for good health. This joyful festival puts children at the center of celebrations.
Marine Day (Third Monday in July)
Marine Day honors Japan’s connection to the ocean. Various seaside activities and celebrations take place across the country. People flock to beaches to enjoy the summer sun and waves. This holiday marks the beginning of summer with energy and excitement.
Mountain Day (August 11)
Mountain Day celebrates Japan’s majestic peaks. People participate in hiking and outdoor activities to connect with nature. This newer holiday encourages people to step away from their daily routines and appreciate the country’s natural beauty.
Respect for the Aged Day (Third Monday in September)
Respect for the Aged Day honors and celebrates elderly citizens. Communities host special events for seniors, with many venues offering free admission. This day provides an important opportunity to show appreciation for older generations.
Autumnal Equinox (September 22 or 23)
The Autumnal Equinox is dedicated to honoring ancestors and remembering those who have passed. Families visit cemeteries together to clean gravesites and leave offerings of flowers and food. The equal length of day and night symbolizes balance and harmony.
Sports Day (Second Monday in October)
Sports Day promotes physical activity and wellness. Communities organize sports competitions and activities nationwide, celebrating healthy living through athletics. This holiday commemorates the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and embodies the spirit of athletic achievement.
Culture Day (November 3)
Culture Day celebrates Japan’s rich cultural heritage and artistic achievements. Museums and art galleries offer free admission and host various cultural activities. The Agency for Cultural Affairs organizes the “National Culture Festival” to showcase Japan’s diverse cultural traditions.
Labor Thanksgiving Day (November 23)
Labor Thanksgiving Day honors work and celebrates productivity. Communities hold celebrations to express gratitude and respect for workers. This holiday evolved from the traditional “New Rice Tasting Festival,” connecting ancient harvest celebrations with modern labor appreciation.
Major Events and Festivals in Japan
| Activity Time | Activity Name |
|---|---|
| December 31, 2024 | New Year’s Eve Countdown Event |
| January 2nd-3rd | Tokyo-Hakone Round Trip University Ekiden Race (Hakone Station) |
| February 4th-11th | Sapporo Snow Festival |
| March 20th – April 10th | National Cherry Blossom Season |
| April 25 to October 25 | 2025 Japan International Expo (Osaka Kansai Expo) |
| May 16th-17th | Kanda Festival (Tokyo) |
| June 20th-22nd | Sanja Festival (Asakusa, Tokyo) |
| July 1 to 31 | Kyoto Gion Festival |
| August 12-15 | Awa Odori (Tokushima) |
| October 18th – November 9th | Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival (Tokyo) |
| November 1st-10th | Tokyo International Film Festival |
| December 31st | New Year’s Eve Countdown Event |
Note: The specific dates of some activities may change. Please reconfirm before departure.
Osaka Expo
Time: April 13 to October 13, 2025
Location: Osaka Yumeshima
Japan hosts the World Expo for the third time, following successful events in 1970 and 2005. Under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the Expo focuses on health, technology, and global connectivity. With 150 countries expected to participate, it promises to showcase innovation and culture on a global scale.
Throughout the Expo, visitors can experience various exhibitions, cultural activities, and interactive displays highlighting the latest scientific and technological achievements. Daily “Country Day” events celebrate the unique cultures and traditions of participating nations.
World Athletics Championships
Time: August 2025
Location: Tokyo
This premier athletics event attracts elite athletes worldwide. The championships feature sprinting, long-distance running, high jump, long jump, and other track and field events. Spectators can witness thrilling competitions and experience the excitement of world-class athletics in Tokyo’s premier stadiums.
Tokyo International Film Festival
Time: October 2025
Location: Tokyo
As one of Asia’s most prestigious film festivals, it draws filmmakers and enthusiasts from around the globe. The festival showcases outstanding films worldwide and hosts various film-related activities and seminars. Audiences can interact with filmmakers and discover the stories behind their creative processes.
Major Festivals in Japan
Experience traditional Japanese culture through these renowned festivals:
Gion Festival (Kyoto)
Known as “Japan’s Premier Festival,” this July event features the magnificent Yamaboko parade, showcasing Kyoto’s traditional culture and craftsmanship.
Sanja Festival (Tokyo)
This annual May festival at Asakusa Shrine is renowned for its vibrant mikoshi processions and energetic street celebrations.
Awa Odori (Tokushima)
This traditional dance festival in August draws dancers and spectators from across Japan.
Sapporo Snow Festival
Held every February in Sapporo, Hokkaido, this festival showcases spectacular ice and snow sculptures.
Kanda Festival (Tokyo)
One of Tokyo’s largest festivals, held biennially, featuring grand parades and traditional performances.
Takayama Festival (Gifu)
Celebrated twice yearly in spring (April) and autumn (October), famous for its elegant float processions.
Aomori Nebuta Festival
This August festival is celebrated for its impressive illuminated float parade and is one of northeastern Japan’s most prominent celebrations.
These festivals embody Japanese cultural heritage and offer visitors unique experiences. By participating, you can gain deep insights into Japan’s traditional culture, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, and celebrate alongside local residents.
Japan Vacation FAQs
When is Golden Week in Japan?
Golden Week is one of Japan’s most significant holiday periods, running from Showa Day (April 29) to Children’s Day (May 5). In 2025, Golden Week will extend from April 26 to May 6. During this time, tourist destinations across Japan experience peak crowds, and hotel and transportation prices increase substantially. We recommend avoiding travel during this period.
When is Obon Festival in Japan?
The Bon Festival (Obon) is a significant traditional Japanese festival held from August 13th to 15th, 2025. During this period, Japanese people return to their hometowns to visit family and pay respects to ancestors, making transportation and accommodation particularly crowded.
When is the cherry blossom season in Japan?
Japan’s cherry blossom season varies by region and weather conditions, typically starting in late March and ending in mid-April. In Tokyo and Kyoto, cherry blossoms usually bloom from late March to early April. As this is Japan’s peak tourist season, we recommend booking accommodations 3-6 months in advance.
When is the red leaf season in Japan?
Japan’s autumn foliage season progresses from north to south, typically beginning in mid-October and lasting until early December. The best time to view red leaves in Kyoto and surrounding areas is mid-to-late November. This is another peak travel season in Japan, so advance booking for accommodation and transportation is essential.
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Japan holiday summary
Japan’s holiday periods include Golden Week, Obon Festival, and numerous other important celebrations. During these times, transportation and accommodation costs rise significantly, and major attractions become extremely crowded. Golden Week, from late April to early May, is one of Japan’s most important long holidays, while Obon in mid-August is a traditional festival when Japanese people return to their hometowns to honor their ancestors. Additionally, Japan observes several single-day holidays, such as the Emperor’s Birthday and Culture Day, when Japanese people often take short trips. To save money and have a better travel experience, we recommend avoiding these peak holiday periods. If you must travel during holidays, book flights and accommodations 3-6 months in advance to ensure a smooth trip.
Now that you’ve seen our selected accommodations in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, have you found your ideal hotel? Ikebukuro serves as a major transportation hub and is surrounded by department stores, restaurants, drugstores, and electronics malls. With its convenient transportation and abundant amenities, plus more affordable rates than Shinjuku and Shibuya, it’s a top choice for independent travelers in Tokyo.
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