For as much as the Japanese work ethic is praised, they sure have quite a lot of national holidays. (at least it seems so as I type this...)
This list may be a little out of date. Please consult a calendar before making dinner reservations.
| WHEN? |
NAME: |
WHAT? |
| Jan 1 |
元日
ganjitsu
New Year's Day |
New year is celebrated |
| 2nd Monday in Jan |
成人の日
seijin no hi
Coming of Age Day |
Those who are 20 become adults |
| Feb 11 |
建国記念の日
kenkoku kinen no hi
National Foundation Day |
Japan's legendary first emperor, Jimmu, is said to have began his reign |
| Mar 20 or 21 |
春分の日
shunbun no hi
Vernal Equinox Day |
|
| Ap ri l 29 |
緑の日
midori no hi
Greenery Day |
Celebrate nature's goodness & former Emperor Showa's birthday |
| May 3 |
憲法記念日
kenpou kinenbi
Constitution Day |
Commemorates the Costitution of Japan |
| May 4 |
( Added Holiday ) |
Golden Week wouldn't be Golden Week if you had to work in-between two consecutive holidays! |
| May 5 |
子どもの日
kodomo no hi
Children's Day |
This is the holiday where Carp kites are put up outside |
| July 20 |
海の日
umi no hi
Marine Day |
Starting in 1996 this holiday recognizes the importance the ocean holds for Japan |
| Sept 15 |
敬老の日
keirou no hi
Respect for the Aged Day |
Celbrates the elderly |
| Sept 23 or 24 |
秋分の日
shuubun no hi
Autumnal Equinox Day |
|
| 2nd Monday in Oct |
体育の日
tai iku no hi
Health Sports Day |
Promotes sports and health |
| Nov 3 |
文化の日
bunka no hi
Culture Day |
Celebrates culture |
| Nov 23 |
勤労感謝の日
kinrou kansha no hi
Labor Thanksgiving day |
For as hard as the Japanese work, they need this and more! |
| Dec 23 |
天皇誕生日
tennou tanjoubi
Emperor's Birthday |
Japan's present Emperor, Akihito's birthday |
|
