Every country has its holidays. A wide variety of public holidays lie their roots in history, religion, culture, etc.

People typically cheer when they find out that they can finally be on holiday and have a day off! However, we should also try to understand a little bit why it is the case that we get a day off. Let’s give it a chance here.

Here are some of the reasons for the most significant holidays in Japan:

～ To cultivate beautiful customs of freedom and peace, while building a better society and a more prosperous life. A day for the people to celebrate, appreciate what should be acknowledged and commemorate something or someone. ～

There are a few unique points on Japanese holidays.

・ Some days of public holidays are not necessarily fixed but vary year by year and tend to be set near a Monday.
E.g. Adults day: 2nd Monday of January.

・ Weekdays (Monday to Saturday) that are not “national holidays” could be holidays.
E.g. If “National holiday” and a Sunday overlap, the next Monday will also be free becomes a bank holiday weekend.
E.g. A weekday that falls on a national holiday, e.g. 4th March.

In addition to holidays, events that had initially been of foreign cultures have also been incorporated in Japanese festivities. Christmas, Halloween and Valentine’s Day are typical examples. Besides, there is “Obon”, as a holiday period unique to Japan. This is a summer holiday in line with the custom of celebrating ancestors and dears who passed away.

Long holidays such as New Year holidays move crowds everywhere. One way to avoid these is to travel to less popular places. However, it is also true that many events are unique to the holidays and the annual events.

Please make sure to book everything (accommodation and transport) well in advance if you are travelling during a holiday.