Plan your trips for 2027 and 2028 with ease by checking key vacation dates, including three- and four-day weekends, Golden Week (GW), and other opportunities for extended holidays. Knowing Japan’s public holidays in advance helps you avoid peak travel times, secure better accommodations, and plan a more relaxing retreat experience.
2027’s Holidays in Japan
Japan will have 17 public holidays in 2027 (including one substitute holiday), and seven holiday periods with at least three consecutive days off.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| January 11 | Monday | Coming of Age Day |
| February 11 | Thursday | National Foundation Day |
| February 23 | Tuesday | The Emperor’s Birthday |
| March 21 | Sunday | Vernal Equinox Day |
| March 22 | Monday | Substitute Holiday (for Vernal Equinox Day) |
| April 29 | Thursday | Showa Day |
| May 3 | Monday | Constitution Memorial Day |
| May 4 | Tuesday | Greenery Day |
| May 5 | Wednesday | Children’s Day |
| July 19 | Monday | Marine Day |
| August 11 | Wednesday | Mountain Day |
| September 20 | Monday | Respect for the Aged Day |
| September 23 | Thursday | Autumnal Equinox Day |
| October 11 | Monday | Sports Day |
| November 3 | Wednesday | Culture Day |
| November 23 | Tuesday | Labor Thanksgiving Day |
Golden Week (GW) is the highlight. Because May 3, 4 and 5 fall on Monday to Wednesday and May 1 is a Saturday, you get five consecutive days off from May 1 to May 5 without using any paid leave. Taking just Friday, April 30 off extends this to a seven-day break from April 29 (Showa Day) to May 5. Taking May 6 and 7 as well makes a nine-day vacation.
A substitute holiday in March: The Vernal Equinox Day falls on Sunday, March 21, so Monday, March 22 becomes a substitute holiday, creating a three-day weekend from March 20 to 22.
No Silver Week in 2027: Respect for the Aged Day (Monday, September 20) and Autumn Equinox Day (Thursday, September 23) are separated by two ordinary weekdays, so there is no automatic Silver Week. However, taking September 21 and 22 off gives you six days (September 18–23), and adding Friday, September 24 stretches it to a nine-day trip (September 18–26) using only three days of leave.
Other three-day weekends: January 9–11 (Coming of Age Day), July 17–19 (Marine Day), September 18–20 (Respect for the Aged Day) and October 9–11 (Sports Day).
New Year holiday: Many businesses close from around December 29, 2027 to January 3, 2028, a six-day break.
2028’s Holidays in Japan
In 2028, Japan will have 16 public holidays. Two of them, New Year’s Day (January 1) and Showa Day (April 29), fall on Saturdays, so only 14 are weekday days off. There will be eleven holiday periods with at least three consecutive days off, more than in 2027.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Saturday | New Year’s Day |
| January 10 | Monday | Coming of Age Day |
| February 11 | Friday | National Foundation Day |
| February 23 | Wednesday | The Emperor’s Birthday |
| March 20 | Monday | Vernal Equinox Day |
| April 29 | Saturday | Showa Day |
| May 3 | Wednesday | Constitution Memorial Day |
| May 4 | Thursday | Greenery Day |
| May 5 | Friday | Children’s Day |
| July 17 | Monday | Marine Day |
| August 11 | Friday | Mountain Day |
| September 18 | Monday | Respect for the Aged Day |
| September 22 | Friday | Autumnal Equinox Day |
| October 9 | Monday | Sports Day |
| November 3 | Friday | Culture Day |
| November 23 | Thursday | Labor Thanksgiving Day |
Golden Week 2028: May 3, 4 and 5 (Wednesday to Friday) combine with the weekend for a five-day break from May 3 to 7. Taking Monday, May 1 and Tuesday, May 2 off links this with the weekend of April 29–30, giving a nine-day vacation from April 29 to May 7.
Many three-day weekends: January 8–10, February 11–13, March 18–20, July 15–17, August 11–13 (Mountain Day), September 16–18, September 22–24, October 7–9, November 3–5, and December 30–January 1.
September 2028: Two separate long weekends (September 16–18 and September 22–24) are only three working days apart. Taking September 19, 20 and 21 off creates a nine-day break from September 16 to 24.
Late November: Labor Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 23. Taking Friday, November 24 off gives a four-day weekend.
No Silver Week in 2028 either: The next likely Silver Week is in 2032, when September 20–22 would form a run of consecutive holidays (subject to the official equinox announcement).
Key Long-Holiday Periods at a Glance
| Period | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Week | May 1–5 (5 days), up to 7 days with Apr 30 off | May 3–7 (5 days), up to 9 days with May 1–2 off |
| Silver Week | None (9 days possible with 3 days off, Sep 18–26) | None (9 days possible with 3 days off, Sep 16–24) |
| Obon (mid-August) | Aug 11 (Wed) + 2 days off = 5 days | Aug 11–13 (Fri–Sun) + weekend extension |
| Year-end / New Year | Dec 29 – Jan 3 (typical) | Dec 29 – Jan 3 (typical) |
How Many Public Holidays Does Japan Have? A Global Comparison
Japan has 16 national holidays per year, one of the highest counts among major economies. By comparison, the U.S. has around 11, France 11, and Germany 9 to 13 depending on the region. Some countries, such as India, have more. Japan’s substitute holiday rule applies only when a holiday falls on a Sunday (the following weekday becomes a holiday, as with March 22, 2027). There is no substitute when a holiday falls on a Saturday, which is why 2028 has two “lost” holidays. Also, a weekday sandwiched between two national holidays automatically becomes a holiday (the “citizens’ holiday” rule), which is how Silver Week is created.
Recommendations for Making the Most of Long Weekends
- Book early. GW and the New Year period are the most expensive and crowded times. Reserve hotels and transport 3–6 months ahead.
- Use “bridge days.” In 2027, one day of leave (April 30) creates a seven-day GW. In 2028, two days (May 1–2) create nine days.
- Consider off-peak alternatives. With no Silver Week in either year, September can be a quieter time for a trip. Weekday travel in mid-June (rainy season) is also a bargain.
- Try a retreat. Hot spring stays in the mountains, mindfulness programs in nature, and yoga and meditation experiences are popular ways to recharge, and they pair well with the 3–4 day weekends that appear throughout both years.
Make the Most of Japanese Holidays!
Knowing Japan’s holidays in advance is the first step toward better travel. With a long Golden Week in 2027 and a record number of three-day weekends in 2028, thoughtful planning will help you keep a healthy work-life balance. Find the holiday style that suits you and enjoy a fulfilling year!
