Provisional datePublic HolidaySeasonal

Silver Week (Respect for the Aged Day & Autumnal Equinox Day)

WhenSeptember 21–23, 2026
WhereNationwide
ScopeAcross Japan
PriceFree / observed nationwide
a view of a city with tall buildings2026-09Across Japan
Photo: Rebecca Clarke / Unsplash

The shape of it

About

In 2026 two September national holidays fall close enough to bridge into a rare five-day 'Silver Week': Respect for the Aged Day honours the elderly, and Autumnal Equinox Day marks the seasonal turn and ancestor visits. A statutory in-between holiday links them.

Highlights

  • A rare five-day 'Silver Week' break in late September 2026
  • Respect for the Aged Day celebrations for elderly citizens
  • Autumnal Equinox ohigan ancestor visits and the start of autumn

Plan it well

  1. Banks and offices close on the holiday dates; trains and popular destinations get busy like a mini Golden Week.
  2. Book intercity travel and hotels early — Silver Week only occurs in years when the calendar lines up.
  3. Pleasant autumn weather makes it a good window for day trips, but expect crowds.

Sources