Knowing the Japan public holidays 2027 calendar can help you choose the best travel dates, especially if you want to avoid busy periods or plan around major Japanese holidays.
For Singaporeans planning a holiday to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto or Hokkaido, checking the public holiday dates in advance can make it easier to plan flights, hotels, and attractions.
Japan has 16 national holidays in 2027, according to the official calendar published by Japan's Cabinet Office. In addition, 22 March 2027 is designated as a substitute holiday because Spring Equinox Day falls on a Sunday. This means there are 17 public holiday days off in total during 2027.
The following table lists the official Japan public holidays 2027, including the substitute holiday on 22 March.
Japan has 16 national holidays in 2027 plus one substitute holiday resulting in 17 public holiday days off throughout the year.
Some of the biggest travel periods include New Year, Golden Week and the September holiday period. These periods can be particularly busy as domestic travel increases and popular attractions may experience larger crowds.
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Several Japan public holidays 2027 fall on Mondays or connect with weekends, creating opportunities for longer breaks.
Holiday Period | Dates | Opportunity |
New Year's Day | 1 to 3 January | 3 day weekend |
Coming of Age Day | 9 to 11 January | 3 day weekend |
Vernal Equinox Day | 20 to 22 March | 3 day weekend |
Marine Day | 17 to 19 July | 3 day weekend |
Respect for the Aged Day | 18 to 20 September | 3 day weekend |
Sports Day | 9 to 11 October | 3 day weekend |
🚨Notes: The March holiday is particularly notable because Vernal Equinox Day falls on Sunday, so Monday, 22 March becomes a substitute holiday.
Golden Week offers one of the biggest opportunities for an extended break in 2027.
Showa Day falls on Thursday, 29 April, followed by the Golden Week holidays from 3 to 5 May. Taking annual leave on Friday, 30 April would connect these periods, giving you a potential seven day break from 29 April to 5 May.
However, Golden Week is also the busiest travel periods in Japan. Singaporeans planning to visit Japan during this period should book flights and accommodation well in advance.
September is another useful period for annual leave planning.
Respect for the Aged Day falls on Monday, 20 September, while Autumnal Equinox Day falls on Thursday, 23 September. Taking leave on Tuesday, 21 September to Wednesday, 23 September and Friday, 24 September, you can potentially enjoy a 9 day break from 18 to 26 September (including weekends) using just 3 days of annual leave.
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Japan's public holidays are a great opportunity to experience traditional celebrations, seasonal scenery and cultural attractions. However, popular tourist spots, transport hubs and hotels can become busier during major holiday periods, so it is worth planning your itinerary in advance.
New Year's Day is one of the most important holidays in Japan. Many people return to their hometowns, spend time with family and visit shrines or temples for Hatsumode, the first shrine or temple visit of the year.
Places to visit: Visit Meiji Jingu in Tokyo, Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo or Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto for a traditional New Year atmosphere. These popular sites can become extremely crowded, especially around the first few days of January.
Coming of Age Day celebrates young people who have reached adulthood and is held on the second Monday of January. In 2027, it falls on 11 January.
You may see young adults dressed in colourful furisode kimono attending ceremonies and taking photos with family and friends.
Places to visit: Head to Shibuya or Meiji Jingu in Tokyo to potentially see young people in traditional clothing. Yokohama is another popular place to experience Coming of Age Day celebrations.
National Foundation Day takes place on 11 February and commemorates the founding of Japan.
As it falls during winter, it can be a good opportunity to explore Japan's major cities while enjoying seasonal attractions.
Places to visit: Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, Osaka Castle in Osaka or Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto for a mix of history, culture and sightseeing.
The Emperor's Birthday is celebrated on 23 February and is the birthday of Japan's reigning Emperor.
February is still winter in much of Japan, making this a good period for winter sightseeing, seasonal food and snow activities.
Places to visit: Visit the Tokyo Imperial Palace and its surrounding area, or travel to Sapporo for winter scenery and seasonal attractions. If you are heading to Kyoto, Arashiyama is also a beautiful winter sightseeing spot.
Vernal Equinox Day falls on 21 March 2027. As the date falls on a Sunday, 22 March is observed as a substitute holiday.
The holiday marks the arrival of spring and is traditionally associated with visiting family graves and appreciating nature.
Places to visit: Visit Ueno Park in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto or Osaka Castle Park to enjoy the early spring atmosphere. Depending on the year and location, some areas may also be approaching cherry blossom season.
Showa Day is observed on 29 April and marks the beginning of the Golden Week holiday period.
This is one of the busiest times to travel around Japan, so expect larger crowds at major attractions and busy trains and airports.
Places to visit: If you are visiting Tokyo, explore Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya or Odaiba. In Osaka, Dotonbori and Osaka Castle are popular choices, while Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari Taisha are among Kyoto's top attractions.
These three holidays take place consecutively from 3 to 5 May, forming the core of Golden Week.
Constitution Memorial Day falls on 3 May, Greenery Day on 4 May and Children's Day on 5 May. Major tourist attractions can become particularly crowded during this period.
Places to visit: Families can enjoy Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka or Nagashima Resort in Mie. For sightseeing, Tokyo Skytree, Dotonbori and Kiyomizu-dera Temple are also popular choices.
Marine Day falls on 19 July 2027, creating a three day weekend from 17 to 19 July.
The holiday is associated with appreciation for the ocean and is a popular time for summer activities and coastal trips.
Places to visit: Spend the day at Odaiba Marine Park in Tokyo, explore Enoshima in Kanagawa or head further south to Okinawa for beaches and island activities.
Mountain Day takes place on 11 August and celebrates Japan's mountains and natural environment.
August is hot and humid in many parts of Japan, so mountain and highland destinations can offer a refreshing escape from the cities.
Places to visit: Explore Mount Takao near Tokyo, Kamikochi in Nagano or the Hakone area for mountain scenery and outdoor experiences.
Respect for the Aged Day falls on 20 September 2027, creating a three day weekend from 18 to 20 September.
The holiday is dedicated to showing appreciation and respect for older people. September also offers an opportunity to enjoy sightseeing before the cooler autumn season arrives.
Places to visit: Visit Nara Park to see its famous deer and historic temples, explore Arashiyama in Kyoto or enjoy the gardens and museums around Kanazawa.
Autumnal Equinox Day falls on 23 September 2027. The holiday is traditionally associated with paying respects to ancestors and appreciating nature.
Places to visit: Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo, Arashiyama in Kyoto or Nara Park for peaceful outdoor scenery. Autumn colours may begin appearing in northern and higher altitude areas, although peak foliage usually comes later.
Sports Day falls on 11 October 2027, creating another three day weekend from 9 to 11 October.
October is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing in Japan, with cooler temperatures in many destinations.
Places to visit: Explore Nikko for temples and nature, visit Hakone for views of Mount Fuji and hot springs, or enjoy autumn sightseeing around Kyoto's temples and gardens.
Culture Day takes place on 3 November and celebrates culture, the arts and academic achievement.
It is an excellent time to explore Japan's museums, historic districts and cultural attractions, especially as autumn foliage can be at its best in many regions.
Places to visit: Visit the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, explore Nara's historic temples or head to Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion district for traditional Japanese culture.
Labour Thanksgiving Day is observed on 23 November and is a national holiday focused on appreciating work, production and gratitude.
Late November is also one of the best periods for autumn foliage in many parts of Japan, although the exact timing varies by destination.
Places to visit: See the autumn colours at Arashiyama in Kyoto, or Osaka Castle Park. For a quieter autumn experience, consider Kanazawa's Kenrokuen Garden.
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Your ideal travel period depends on the type of Japan experience you want,
Travel Period | What to Expect |
January to February | Cold weather, winter scenery and fewer tourists outside major holiday periods |
March to April | Spring weather and cherry blossom season in many areas |
Late April to early May | Golden Week and very busy travel conditions |
June | Early summer and rainy season in many parts of Japan |
July to August | Hot summer weather and school holiday travel |
September | Warmer weather with autumn gradually approaching |
October to November | Cooler temperatures and autumn foliage |
December | Winter scenery, Christmas illuminations and year end travel |
The Japan public holidays 2027 calendar includes 16 official national holidays and one substitute holiday, giving Japan 17 public holiday days off during the year.
For Singaporeans planning a Japan holiday, the biggest periods to keep in mind are New Year, Golden Week and the September holiday period. These dates can affect hotel availability, flight prices, transportation and attraction crowds.
Planning your trip around the Japan public holidays 2027 calendar can help you decide whether to embrace the festive atmosphere or travel just outside the busiest periods for a more relaxed experience.
