Every 2026 Public Holiday in Japan, Listed
In 2026, the calendar gives Japan 16 official days off. Several land on a Sunday, which pushes a day of rest to the following Monday. The table below lists every date, the day of the week it falls on, and whether a substitute day applies.
| Date | Holiday | Day of Week | Notes | |---|---|---| | 1 January | New Year's Day | Thursday | Part of Shōgatsu period | | 12 January | Coming of Age Day | Monday | Happy Monday System | | 11 February | Foundation Day | Wednesday | | | 23 February | Emperor's Birthday | Monday | | | 20 March | Vernal Equinox Day | Friday | Fixed by astronomical equinox | | 29 April | Showa Day | Wednesday | Start of Golden Week | | 3 May | Constitution Day | Sunday | Substitute day on 6 May | | 4 May | Greenery Day | Monday | Part of Golden Week | | 5 May | Children's Day | Tuesday | Part of Golden Week | | 6 May | Substitute Holiday | Wednesday | For Constitution Day | | 20 July | Marine Day | Monday | Happy Monday System | | 11 August | Mountain Day | Tuesday | Near Obon | | 21 September | Respect for the Aged Day | Monday | Happy Monday System | | 22 September | National Holiday | Tuesday | Bridge day | | 23 September | Autumnal Equinox Day | Wednesday | Fixed by astronomical equinox | | 12 October | Sports Day | Monday | Happy Monday System | | 3 November | Culture Day | Tuesday | | | 23 November | Labor Thanksgiving Day | Monday | |
What Happens When a Sunday Pushes a Day Off to Monday in Japan
When a national day off lands on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a Substitute Holiday (振替休日). In 2026 this applies only to Constitution Day (3 May, Sunday). The substitute date is Wednesday 6 May, stretching the Golden Week break.
Which 2026 Monday Holidays Create Long Weekends?
Four dates use the Happy Monday System to create three-day weekends. These always fall on a Monday:
- Coming of Age Day: 12 January (second Monday of January)
- Marine Day: 20 July (third Monday of July)
- Respect for the Aged Day: 21 September (third Monday of September)
- Sports Day: 12 October (second Monday of October)
Which Days Make Up Golden Week 2026?
Golden Week runs from 29 April to 6 May 2026. Five consecutive days are non-working days:
- 29 April (Wednesday): Showa Day
- 3 May (Sunday): Constitution Day
- 4 May (Monday): Greenery Day
- 5 May (Tuesday): Children's Day
- 6 May (Wednesday): Substitute Holiday
Many businesses shut for the entire stretch. Public transport runs on holiday schedules. See the Yokohama Holiday Scheduling Guide for what closes.
Do Obon and New Year Count as Public Holidays?
Obon (mid-August) is not a national day off, but many businesses close from 11-15 August. Mountain Day (11 August 2026) falls within this window.
Shōgatsu (New Year) runs 29 December to 3 January. In 2026-2027:1 January 2027 (Friday) is a day off, with closure typically starting 29 December.
What Closes in Yokohama on a Public Holiday
- Banks and government offices: Closed on all national days off and substitute days.
- Post offices: Closed. ATMs remain available at convenience stores.
- Retail: Most shops and department stores open normal hours. Some adjust opening times on 1 January and during Golden Week.
- Restaurants: Generally open. Some independent restaurants close for Obon and New Year.
- Public transport: Runs on Saturday/Sunday/holiday timetables. Trains start later and end earlier. See Yokohama Last Train Times.
For a full breakdown of typical opening hours, read Business Hours in Yokohama.
Planning Travel Around Japanese Holidays
- Avoid flying domestically: Golden Week, Obon, and New Year are peak travel periods. Trains and flights sell out weeks in advance.
- Book accommodations early: Hotels in Yokohama and nearby Tokyo fill up during Golden Week and New Year.
- Check museum and attraction hours: Many cultural sites close for 3-5 days over New Year and during Obon.
- Use holiday timetables: If you need to catch a train on a day off, check the holiday schedule. First and last trains differ from weekdays.