Japan’s 2026 national holidays at a glance
Japan runs on the Gregorian calendar for civil life. The imperial year is Reiwa 8. Public holidays never shift with the lunar cycle, even when traditional festivals do.
| Date | Holiday | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day | Thursday |
| 12 January | Coming of Age Day | Monday |
| 11 February | Foundation Day | Wednesday |
| 23 February | Emperor’s Birthday | Monday |
| 20 March | Vernal Equinox Day | Friday |
| 29 April | Showa Day | Wednesday |
| 3 May | Constitution Day | Sunday |
| 4 May | Greenery Day | Monday |
| 5 May | Children’s Day | Tuesday |
| 6 May | Substitute Holiday | Wednesday |
| 20 July | Marine Day | Monday |
| 11 August | Mountain Day | Tuesday |
| 21 September | Respect for the Aged Day | Monday |
| 22 September | National Holiday | Tuesday |
| 23 September | Autumnal Equinox Day | Wednesday |
| 12 October | Sports Day | Monday |
| 3 November | Culture Day | Tuesday |
| 23 November | Labor Thanksgiving Day | Monday |
When is Golden Week 2026 and what stays open?
Golden Week is the cluster from Showa Day (29 April) through Children’s Day (5 May). In 2026, Constitution Day lands on a Sunday, so a substitute day is observed on Wednesday 6 May. That creates six consecutive days off: 29 April through 6 May.
Government offices, banks, and many corporate offices shut entirely. Some retail stores and restaurants stay open, especially in Minato Mirai and around Yokohama Station, but hours may shrink. Convenience stores (Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) remain 24-hour. Trains run a holiday schedule: first trains about 5:00, last trains about 0:00-0:30. Crowds pack major attractions.
If you need a ward office (区役所) or a bank counter, go before 29 April or after 6 May. Check specific shop hours before heading out.
Obon in Yokohama: dates and what actually closes
In the Yokohama region, Obon typically runs 13-16 August 2026. It is a Buddhist festival for honouring ancestors, not a set of public holidays. Mountain Day (11 August) is a public day off, but the Obon period is not.
Many businesses close for three or four days. The exact dates vary by company. Some offices close 13-16 August; others close the week before or after. Retail and restaurants generally stay open, though small neighbourhood shops may shut. Train schedules remain normal.
Confirm with individual businesses. Do not assume a shop is open just because 13-16 August are not listed as public holidays. If you are shipping goods through the Port of Yokohama, customs hours (8:30-17:00 weekdays) apply; Obon closures vary by terminal.
What shuts down over the New Year break?
New Year’s Day is 1 January 2026. Many businesses, government offices, and banks close from 29 December through 3 January. Some offices stay shut through 4 or 5 January.
Trains run a special schedule. Limited all-night service operates on some lines on New Year’s Eve. First and last train times differ from normal.
Which 2026 holidays create a three-day weekend?
Japan uses a “Happy Monday” system. Several public holidays shift to Monday to make a three-day weekend.
| Holiday | 2026 Date | Creates 3-day weekend? |
|---|---|---|
| Coming of Age Day | 12 January (Monday) | Yes |
| Emperor’s Birthday | 23 February (Monday) | Yes |
| Marine Day | 20 July (Monday) | Yes |
| Respect for the Aged Day | 21 September (Monday) | Yes |
| Sports Day | 12 October (Monday) | Yes |
How a public holiday changes business hours in Yokohama
General rules:
- Government offices (ward offices, city hall, post offices): closed on every public holiday.
- Banks: counters closed. ATMs at convenience stores and Japan Post Bank stay available, some 24/7.
- Retail: department stores and shopping malls usually open but may close early on New Year’s Day. Convenience stores stay 24/7.
- Restaurants: most open, especially in tourist areas like Chinatown and Minato Mirai. Some small independent restaurants close.
- Trains: holiday schedules. First trains about 5:00, last trains about 0:00-0:30.
Does Japan follow the lunar calendar for public holidays?
No. Japan uses the Gregorian calendar for all civil and business purposes. The Chinese lunar calendar is used only for some traditional festivals. Obon in Yokohama is observed 13-16 August, not calculated by the lunar cycle. Public holidays are never moved based on lunar cycles.