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Provisional datePublic HolidaySeasonal

Vernal Equinox Day (Shunbun no Hi)

WhenMarch 21–22, 2027
WhereNationwide
ScopeAcross Japan
PriceFree / observed nationwide
Rowboats crossing the Chidorigafuchi moat beneath banks of cherry blossoms2027-03Across Japan
Photo: KimonBerlin · CC BY-SA 2.0

The shape of it

About

A national holiday around the spring equinox, traditionally a time to honour ancestors and the changing season. It loosely coincides with the start of cherry-blossom anticipation across Tokyo.

Highlights

  • A seasonal holiday marking the spring equinox and ohigan ancestor visits
  • Falls just as Tokyo's cherry-blossom season begins to build
  • A Monday substitute holiday in 2027 creates a long weekend

Plan it well

  1. Banks and offices close; parks and attractions stay open and busy with early hanami crowds.
  2. Combine with early cherry-blossom spotting at south-facing or early-blooming trees.
  3. The March 22 substitute Monday makes it a three-day weekend — book accommodation early.

Sources

One city, another date

Keep the calendar open

people in red and black traditional dress standing on street during daytime2026-07Across Japan
Across JapanConfirmed date

Marine Day (Umi no Hi)

Nationwide

A national holiday giving thanks for the ocean's bounty and Japan's status as a maritime nation. Falling in mid-July, it anchors a three-day weekend that marks the unofficial start of the beach and summer-festival season.

Public HolidaySeasonal
a view of a city with tall buildings2026-08Across Japan
Across JapanConfirmed date

Mountain Day (Yama no Hi)

Nationwide

Japan's newest national holiday, introduced in 2016 to appreciate the country's mountains. Fixed in mid-August, it sits right before the Obon travel rush, encouraging hiking and outdoor trips.

Public HolidaySeasonal
a view of a city with tall buildings2026-09Across Japan
Across JapanProvisional date

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

Nationwide

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.

Public HolidaySeasonal
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