National Holidays in 2024

Japan has 16 national holidays a year, and sometimes holidays overlap with weekends to create consecutive holidays. On those days, many tourist spots and downtown areas are crowded with Japanese people. If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy sightseeing comfortably, it may be best to avoid national holidays.

In this article, we will introduce information about national holidays and consecutive holidays for 2024 in a table! We will also introduce each holiday in detail. We hope you will find it useful for your trip to Japan.

1. New Year’s Day (元日, Ganjitsu)
   • Date: January 1
   • Description: The first day of the year, celebrated with various traditional customs and family gatherings.
2. Coming of Age Day (成人の日, Seijin no Hi)
   • Date: January 8 (Second Monday of January)
   • Description: A day to celebrate young people who have reached the age of maturity (20 years old), marked by ceremonies and celebrations.
3. National Foundation Day (建国記念の日, Kenkoku Kinen no Hi)
   • Date: February 11
   • Description: A day to commemorate the founding of the nation and the ascension of the first emperor, Emperor Jimmu.
4. Emperor’s Birthday (天皇誕生日, Tennō Tanjōbi)
   • Date: February 23
   • Description: Celebrating the birthday of Emperor Naruhito.
5. Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日, Shunbun no Hi)
   • Date: March 20
   • Description: A day to celebrate the arrival of spring and nature, with visits to family graves and community events.
6. Showa Day (昭和の日, Shōwa no Hi)
   • Date: April 29
   • Description: A day to honor the birthday of Emperor Showa (Hirohito) and reflect on his era.
7. Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日, Kenpō Kinenbi)
   • Date: May 3
   • Description: Celebrating the promulgation of the post-war constitution in 1947.
8. Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no Hi)
   • Date: May 4
   • Description: A day to appreciate nature and the environment.
9. Children’s Day (こどもの日, Kodomo no Hi)
   • Date: May 5
   • Description: Celebrating children’s happiness and health, with traditional decorations like carp streamers.
10. Marine Day (海の日, Umi no Hi)
    • Date: July 15 (Third Monday of July)
    • Description: A day to appreciate the ocean and its importance to Japan.
11. Mountain Day (山の日, Yama no Hi)
    • Date: August 11
    • Description: Celebrating the mountains and nature, encouraging outdoor activities.
12. Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日, Keirō no Hi)
    • Date: September 16 (Third Monday of September)
    • Description: A day to honor and show respect to elderly citizens.
13. Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日, Shūbun no Hi)
    • Date: September 22
    • Description: A day to celebrate the autumn harvest and visit family graves.
14. Health and Sports Day (体育の日, Taiiku no Hi)
    • Date: October 14 (Second Monday of October)
    • Description: Promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle.
15. Culture Day (文化の日, Bunka no Hi)
    • Date: November 3
    • Description: A day to celebrate culture, arts, and academic achievements.
16. Labor Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日, Kinrō Kansha no Hi)
    • Date: November 23
    • Description: A day to honor labor and production, and give thanks.

These holidays offer a mix of historical, cultural, and seasonal celebrations, providing a rich tapestry of events throughout the year for both locals and visitors to enjoy.