Sandtime.io editorial team ·
Public Holidays in Japan 2026
The stated calendar for Japan lists 18 holidays in 2026, with 17 falling on weekdays.
Every date, and the day it falls on
The Cabinet Office calendar includes statutory substitute holidays and days between two national holidays where the law applies. In 2027 the vernal equinox falls on Sunday 21 March, followed by the substitute holiday on Monday 22 March. Company shutdowns and annual leave are separate.
See the 2027 working hours preview
| Date | Day | Holiday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day (元日) | |
| Mon, Jan 12 | Monday | Coming of Age Day (成人の日) | |
| Wed, Feb 11 | Wednesday | National Foundation Day (建国記念の日) | |
| Mon, Feb 23 | Monday | Emperor’s Birthday (天皇誕生日) | |
| Fri, Mar 20 | Friday | Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日) | |
| Wed, Apr 29 | Wednesday | Showa Day (昭和の日) | |
| Sun, May 3 | Sunday | Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日) | Weekend |
| Mon, May 4 | Monday | Greenery Day (みどりの日) | |
| Tue, May 5 | Tuesday | Children’s Day (こどもの日) | |
| Wed, May 6 | Wednesday | Substitute Holiday (振替休日) | |
| Mon, Jul 20 | Monday | Marine Day (海の日) | |
| Tue, Aug 11 | Tuesday | Mountain Day (山の日) | |
| Mon, Sep 21 | Monday | Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日) | |
| Tue, Sep 22 | Tuesday | Citizens' Holiday (国民の休日) | |
| Wed, Sep 23 | Wednesday | Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日) | |
| Mon, Oct 12 | Monday | Sports Day (スポーツの日) | |
| Tue, Nov 3 | Tuesday | Culture Day (文化の日) | |
| Mon, Nov 23 | Monday | Labour Thanksgiving Day (勤労感謝の日) |
How do these holidays affect a working calendar?
The 2026 dates shown here include 17 Monday-to-Friday holidays, 0 Saturday dates and 1 Sunday dates. A Monday-to-Friday calendar subtracts the included weekday dates once. Whether weekend holidays create a substitute day or reduce statutory hours depends on the country, region, employer and working schedule.
A listed national or federal holiday is not automatically a paid day off for every private employer. Check the scope statement above: it identifies the calendar being used and the local exceptions. Observed dates already included in the list must not be added a second time. Employer-specific substitutions and regional holidays need an additional check.
What should be checked before the schedule is finalized?
- Confirm the workplace’s country and region, plus any sector-specific holiday rules.
- Choose the actual working weekdays and check official substitute dates.
- Place approved leave and company closures in the schedule separately from public holidays.
- Keep the schedule and the record of hours actually worked as separate documents.
See the monthly working-hour totals · See which months have the most capacity · Download a free work schedule · Local questions and examples
What changes when planning holidays for 2027?
Use the 2027 monthly table to plan next year. Movable holidays and observed dates can fall on different weekdays than in 2026.
For more information about working hours and annual leave in Japan, see the full working hours guide. For statutory limits, overtime, and record-keeping duties, see the working time rules.
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