Every country has unique traditions and cultures, and Japan's national holidays offer a distinct experience from those in Singapore. With sixteen of Japan's public holidays in 2025, its calendar is rich with opportunities to immerse yourself in its culture and traditions, offering a unique experience for travellers.

It's essential to learn about Japan's holidays before your visit. On certain days, the country is abuzz with festivals and events; on others, it's quieter with fewer activities. By taking the initiative to understand Japan's holidays, you can plan your trip to make the most of your time and experiences, feeling responsible and proactive in your travel planning.

Here are the lists of Japan's public holidays in 2025, complete with explanation!

It is the first public holiday in Japan of the year and lasts for three days. Each country has its way of honouring the New Year. However, the purpose is not that different; it's a mark of new life and new hope. All people, including the Japanese, will agree with it.

Japan has multiple traditions to welcome to have fun during the holiday. For the eve, there's the Kohaku Uta Gassen Festival, where popular J-pop idols and singers perform on TV. Hatsu-hinode (sunrise-watching) on January 1 is something you cannot miss.

They tend to do family gatherings and savour multiple delicious cuisines. Each food symbolises different things. Toshikoshi soba for letting go of the past, mochi for good luck, and kazunoko for prosperity.

The first day of January is not the only date to mark a fresh start. Japanese people also consider the second Monday in January a new beginning, especially for 18-year-olds. They celebrate coming of age during the day, and it is marked as a public holiday.

During the holiday, the municipal government will host a ceremony to celebrate a new step into adulthood. They will attend it while wearing traditional clothes, though nowadays the men wear modern suits more often.

The Japanese believe that the day Jimmu was crowned as an Emperor was the first day of Japan’s history. That day happened on February 11, 660 BC, and is commemorated yearly to awaken nationalism.

According to Japanese culture, the Emperor has a vital role. So, people celebrate his birthday every year. The current Emperor was born on February 23. That's why, in the Japanese calendar for 2025, the day is considered a public holiday.

If you come to Japan during this time, you can visit the Imperial Palace because it is open to the public, not only on February 23 but also on February 24.

During Vernal Equinox Day, you can reconnect with nature and share some love with every living thing. Spring is a perfect time to watch sakura with friends or lovers. There are also traditions when families usually visit their ancestors’ graves and pray for their spirits.

The holiday usually falls on March 20 or March 21. It is when the day and night have the same length. After Vernal Equinox Day, days will gradually get longer and nights get shorter.

It's the day when Shōwa Emperor (Hirohito) was born. He is an essential figure for the people. The Japanese make it a national holiday to remember how their ancestors rebuilt their country in the Shōwa Era (1926 - 1989).

This holiday exists to remember how the Constitution of Japan was made in 1947. It's the start of Japan Golden Week 2025 because there are other holidays in the next 3 days.

Hirohito, the Shōwa Emperor, is in love with nature. That's why Greenery Day was celebrated to remember him. During the holiday, Japanese people plant trees all over the country simultaneously. They will also go on picnics with family and do nature-related activities. It's also a perfect day to visit Nagai Botanical Garden.

Every country has a different date to celebrate Children's Day. In Japan, it's on May 5. Families usually will fly carp streamers outside their homes for prosperity. Each carp represents each family member. They will also display dolls of famous warriors and eat mochi during the holiday. Make sure to bring your kids to Sanrio Puroland or Universal Studio Japan during this holiday.

Emperor Meiji was returned to the port of Yokohama on July 20, 1876. Marine Day exists because of that. Since 1995, it has become a public holiday celebrated every third Monday in July. In 2025, it falls on July 21. Experiencing Kyushu Yanagawa River Cruise is perfect for this day.

Japan has breathtaking mountain views. They created Mountain Day to dedicate their love and respect to it. Planning to hike while visiting Japan? Then, you should come during the day. You can find a private tour of Mount Fuji at Traveloka.

This Japanese holiday is celebrated every third Monday in September. They will visit their elderly relatives and give them gifts. It's also a good day to visit Japan because many communities will organise events, parties, performances, etc.

Autumnal Equinox Day is another Japanese holiday 2025 that marks how day and night have the same length. According to tradition, they will visit and clean their relatives' graves. Along with that, there was an incense burning event and giving offers in the form of food, flowers, and prayers.

Japan honours a Sports Day on the second Monday in October, and the public holiday will fall on October 13 2025. It's to commemorate the opening of the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. There are usually many sports events held during the day.

For art and culture lovers, November 3 is definitely the best time to visit Japan. There are so many festivals being held with that theme during the holidays. The weather is also usually good, with a clear blue sky and fresh breeze. Don't forget to rent a kimono to celebrate this day with them.

Workers have a very vital influence on the country. That's why Labor Thanksgiving Day exists to express gratitude toward them. It's a mark that their human rights as workers are guaranteed. They encourage each other to build a harmonious and peaceful working environment.

So, have you decided which Japan public holiday 2025 is your visit? In addition to choosing a date, don't forget to snatch the best flight and hotel deals in Traveloka. So, you can make your vacation more enjoyable and unforgettable!