January 1 (National Holiday) 

On the New Year’s Day holiday known as "Oshougatsu" (kanji: お正月; hiragana: おしょうがつ), Japanese people typically have parties with their families and relatives to celebrate the new year. As part of Oshougatsu, Japanese families eat a wide variety of traditional, lunch-box-style dishes called "Osechi-Ryori” (kanji: お節料理; hiragana: おせちりょうり), along with a mochi (rice cake)-infused bowl of soup known as "Ozouni” (kanji: お雑煮; hiragana: おぞうに). On this day, as part of the traditional custom known as "Otoshidama” (kanji: お年玉; hiragana: おとしだま), Japanese adults present money in a small envelope to the children in their families. Many Japanese workers enjoy a long vacation from January 1st to January 3rd.

January 7

January 7 is known as "Nanakusa-No-Hi" (kanji: 七草の日; hiragana: ななくさのひ). On this day, Japanese people eat a dish called ”Nanakusa Gayu" (kanji: 七草粥; hiragana: ななくさがゆ),” a slightly salty rice porridge that is laden with seven different types of spring herbs. Following the rich foods eaten in “Osechi-Ryori” during the New Year holiday, this traditional food serves the purpose of giving Japanese people a simple, healthy meal that is easy on the stomach. 

The 2nd Monday in January* (National Holiday) 

In Japan, the second Monday in January is a national holiday known as Coming of Age Day (in Japanese, "Seijin-No-Hi"; kanji: 成人の日; hiragana: せいじんのひ). Throughout Japan, ceremonies take place for young people who will become 20 years old (said to be the age of “adulthood” in Japan) that year. As such, you may see a lot of newly minted adults wearing "Kimono" (kanji: 着物; hiragana: きもの) around town on this day. 
*In 2024, it is January 8.

February 3

This lunar calendar-based date is known in Japan as ”Setsubun” (kanji: 節分; hiragana: せつぶん).  During Setsubun, Japanese take part in exciting rituals to get rid of evil spirits in their houses. The most common ritual is "Mamemaki“ (kanji: 豆撒き; hiragana: まめまき), in which participants throw roasted soybeans at a “demon” (actually a person – usually a parent – wearing a demon mask) while shouting "Demons out! Fortune in!"  (In Japanese, the shout is ”Oniwasoto! Fukuwauchi!” (kanji: 鬼は外！福は内！; hiragana: おにはそと！ふくはうち！) ) Another Setsubun tradition is the eating of a long, cylindrical sushi roll known as "Ehoumaki“ (kanji: 恵方巻; hiragana: えほうまき). Participants must eat their Ehoumaki while oriented towards the year’s “lucky” direction.

February 11 (National Holiday)

The Japanese national holiday falling on February 11 is known as National Foundation Day. On this day, Japanese celebrate the founding of Japan in a patriotic spirit. 
 

February 12 (National Holiday)

Since National Foundation Day will fall on Sunday this year, it will officially be celebrated on the following day, in accordance with the Japanese Holiday Law. 

February 14

As in other parts of the world, February 14 is Valentine's Day in Japan. However, in Japan, it is common for women to give chocolate to the men they love (rather than vice-versa). Recently, instead of buying for men, it has become trendy for women to simply buy chocolate for themselves, or for their female friends.  

 trendy for women to simply buy chocolate for themselves, or for their female friends. 

February 23 (National Holiday)

The Japanese national holiday falling on February 23 is the birthday of the Emperor of Japan’s Reiwa era, and called "Tenno-Tanjo-Bi"  (kanji: 天皇誕生日; hiragana:てんのうたんじょうび) in Japanese.

March 3

The traditional ceremony known as "Hina-Matsuri" (kanji: 雛祭; hiragana: ひなまつり), celebrated to wish for the health and happiness of girls in Japanese families, takes place on March 3 every year. An ornate set of dolls known as "Hina-Ningyo (kanji: 雛人形; hiragana: ひなにんぎょう)" is commonly displayed as a part of this ceremony. Japanese people often eat “Hina Arare” (kanji: 雛あられ; hiragana: ひなあられ; colorful rice crackers), “Sakura-Mochi” (kanji: 桜餅; hiragana: さくらもち; a rice cake wrapped with a salty Sakura leaf), and “Chirasihi-Zushi” (kanji: ちらし寿司; hiragana: ちらしずし; vinegary rice with a colorful topping of shrimp, eggs, boiled vegetables, etc.) on this day.

March 20 or 21* (National Holiday) 

The Japanese national holiday falling on March 20 or 21 every year is known as “Shunbun-No-Hi” (kanji: 春分の日; hiragana: しゅんぶんのひ; Vernal Equinox Day, in English). On this day, Japanese people show their respect and love for nature and living creatures. The exact date on which Shunbun-No-Hi falls is decided every year by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). Japanese people commonly visit the graves of their ancestors as a part of this holiday.
*In 2024, it is March 20.

Late March to Early April

Late March to early April is known as the high season of “Sakura” (kanji: 桜; hiragana: さくら; cherry blossoms, in English), and is a beautiful time of year!  The act of viewing Sakura is called “Hanami” (kanji: 花見; hiragana: はなみ). Our recommended Sakura spots in Osaka are shown below.

May 3 (National Holiday) 

The national holiday falling on May 3 is known as Constitution Memorial Day  (kanji: 憲法記念日; hiragana: けんぽうきねんび). This holiday celebrates the date on which the current constitution of Japan came into effect – May 3, 1947. 

May 4 (National Holiday) 

The national holiday falling on May 4 is known as “Midori-No-Hi” (kanji: みどりの日; hiragana: みどりのひ; Green Day). This holiday commemorates a love of plants, and an appreciation of nature in Japan. 

May 5 (National Holiday) 

The national holiday falling on May 5 is known as “Kodomo-No-Hi”  (kanji: 子供の日; hiragana: こどものひ; Children’s Day).  On this day, Japanese people celebrate the growth of children. There is also a ceremony for boys as part of this national holiday. Therefore, Kodomo-No-Hi is also called “Tango-no-sekku” (kanji: 端午の節句; hiragana:たんごのせっく; Boys’ Festival). Many Japanese display “Koinobori” (kanji: 鯉幟; hiragana: こいのぼり;  colorful flags in the shape of carp) outside of their houses, and "Kabuto” (kanji: 兜; hiragana: かぶと; decorative samurai helmet) arrangements inside their houses. As part of Kodomo-No-Hi, Japanese people also often eat “Kashiwamochi” (kanji: 柏餅; hiragana: かしわもち; a rice cake wrapped in an oak-tree leaf) and “Chimaki” (kanji: 粽 ; hiragana: ちまき; a cone-shaped rice cake wrapped in a bamboo-tree leaf). The period of consecutive holidays running from May 3 through May 5 is known as "Golden Week“ (katakana: ゴールデンウイーク). Many Japanese enjoy long, restful vacations during this period. 

May 6 (National Holiday)

Since Kodomo-No-Hi falls on Sunday this year, it is officially celebrated on the following day, in accordance with the Japanese Holiday Law. 

June

Unlike the one or more Japanese national holidays to be found in every other month, Japan has no national holidays in June. 

June in Japan is known as the “rainy season.” As such, you might find some beautiful greenery in a park, a flower garden, or somewhere right outside of your house.

July 7

The “Tanabata” (kanji: 七夕; hiragana: たなばた; “Star Festival” in English) takes place every year on July 7. This festival celebrates the story of "Orihime" (kanji: 織姫; hiragana: おりひめ; the “Star Princess”) and "Hikoboshi" (kanji: 彦星; hiragana: ひこぼし; the “Star Prince”), who are able to meet in the Milky Way on the night of July 7 every year. 

You may be able to see Tanabata festivals taking place at schools and in shopping arcades, parks, and various public spaces. During this festival, Japanese people traditionally write their wishes on "Tanzaku" (kanji: 短冊; hiragana: たんざく; colorful, rectangle-shaped pieces of paper), and hang them on bamboo trees.

The third Monday in July* (National Holiday)

The Japanese national holiday falling on the third Monday in July is known as Ocean Day and called "Umi-No-Hi" (kanji:海の日; hiragana:うみのひ) in Japanese. It was recently introduced in Japan as a national holiday celebrating the ocean. 
*In 2024, it is July 15, 2024.

August 11 (National Holiday)

The Japanese national holiday falling on August 11 is known as Mountain Day and called "Yama-No-Hi" (kanji: 山の日; hiragana: やまのひ), which was introduced as an opportunity for people to enjoy being close to mountains and appreciate their blessings.

August 12 (National Holiday)

Since Mountain Day falls on Sunday this year, it is officially celebrated on the following day, in accordance with the Japanese Holiday Law.

August 13 - 16

In Japan, there is a period known as “Obon” (kanji: お盆; hiragana: おぼん) that officially runs from August 13 through 16. (However, depending on the region, the Obon period may also be in July or September.) During Obon, it is said that ancestors who have passed away return in spirit to the land of the living. Many Japanese take a holiday during Obon to return to their hometown and visit the graves of their ancestors.

The third Monday* (National Holiday)

The national holiday known as Respect for the Aged Day is called "Keirou No Hi" (kanji: 敬老の日; hiragana:けいろうのひ )" in Japanese and is celebrated annually on the third Monday in September. This holiday celebrates elderly citizens in Japan. On this day, many Japanese people eat meals with their parents or grandparents and give gifts to them. 
*In 2024, it is September 16.

September 22 or 23* (National Holiday) 

The national holiday known as Autumnal Equinox Day is called "Shubun-No-Hi" (kanji: 秋分の日; hiragana:しゅうぶんのひ) in Japanese, and falls every year on September 22 or 23. This date is decided by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ). 

Autumnal Equinox Day marks the turning point from Summer to Autumn, as days begin getting shorter and nights begin getting longer.  To celebrate, many Japanese people venerate their ancestors by visiting family gravesites. One of the most traditional foods served for Autumnal Equinox Day is "Ohagi" (hiragana: おはぎ), which are rice balls covered in an outer layer of sweet boiled beans. 
*In 2024, it is September 22.

 

September 23 (National Holiday)

Since Shubun-No-Hi falls on Sunday this year, it is officially celebrated on the following day, in accordance with the Japanese Holiday Law.

The second Monday* (National Holiday)

The second Monday in October is a national holiday as a “Sports-No-Hi“ in Japanese (スポーツの日); translated into English as "Health and Sports Day". 
*In 2024, it is October 14. 

November 3 (National Holiday) 

The national holiday known as “Bunka-No-Hi” in Japanese (文化の日; translated into English as "Culture Day") falls on November 3 every year. On this day, the Japanese celebrate freedom and peace while promoting culture (for example, admission to many art museums is free or heavily discounted). 

November 4 (National Holiday)

Since  Bunka-No-Hi falls on Sunday this year, it is officially celebrated on the following day, in accordance with the Japanese Holiday Law.

November 23 (National Holiday) 

The national holiday known as “Kinro-Kansha-No-Hi” in Japanese (kanji: 勤労感謝の日; hiragana: きんろうかんしゃのひ; translated into English as "Labor Thanksgiving Day") falls on November 23 every year. On the day, the Japanese show their respect for laborers and their appreciation for each other and celebrate the production of goods.