Japan Public Holidays 2027: Official Calendar, Dates & Long Weekends

Japan has several public holidays throughout the year, including Golden Week, New Year's Day, and other national celebrations. If you're traveling from the Philippines to Japan in 2027, knowing these dates can help you plan your trip and avoid busy travel periods.

Public holidays in Japan can affect hotel availability, train reservations, attraction crowds, and business hours, especially in popular destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Here's the complete Japan public holidays 2027 calendar, including important dates, long weekends, and useful travel tips for Filipinos.

Japan Public Holidays 2027 at a Glance

Japan's Cabinet Office has officially announced 16 national holidays for 2027, plus one substitute holiday on March 22.

A few dates are especially useful for travel planning:

• New Year's Day: January 1
• Coming of Age Day: January 11
• National Foundation Day: February 11
• Emperor's Birthday: February 23
• Vernal Equinox Day: March 21
• Substitute Holiday: March 22
• Golden Week: April 29 and May 3 to 5
• Marine Day: July 19
• Mountain Day: August 11
• Respect for the Aged Day: September 20
• Autumnal Equinox Day: September 23
• Sports Day: October 11
• Culture Day: November 3
• Labor Thanksgiving Day: November 23

Vernal Equinox Day falls on Sunday, March 21, 2027, so Monday, March 22 is designated as a substitute holiday. Golden Week is another important travel period, with public holidays on April 29 and May 3 to 5. However, April 30 is a regular working day.

Japan Public Holiday 2027 Calendar

The Japan Public Holiday 2027 calendar gives you a quick overview of the official holidays throughout the year. Save the calendar below to help plan your trip, check long weekends, and avoid busy travel periods in Japan.

Japan Public Holidays 2027

Japan has 16 national holidays in 2027, plus one substitute holiday on March 22. These dates have been officially published by Japan's Cabinet Office.

📝 Note: March 22, 2027, is a substitute holiday because Vernal Equinox Day falls on Sunday, March 21. Japan's holiday law provides an additional day off when a national holiday falls on a Sunday.

What Are the Major Public Holidays in Japan?

Japan's public holidays celebrate the country's history, culture, traditions, and nature. Here are the major public holidays in 2027 and what Filipino travelers should know about them.

Japan Golden Week 2027: Dates and Travel Information

Golden Week is one of Japan's most important holiday periods. It takes place from late April to early May and includes several national holidays.

During Golden Week, many Japanese residents travel domestically, visit family members, or take extended vacations.

Golden Week 2027 Calendar

Important: Golden Week is not one continuous seven-day public holiday. April 30 is a regular working day, although some people may take leave to enjoy a longer break.

Is Golden Week 2027 a Good Time to Visit Japan?

Golden Week can be an exciting time to visit Japan because many attractions, shopping areas, and tourist destinations are active.

However, it is also one of the busiest domestic travel periods.

What to Expect:

• Hotels: Popular destinations may have higher room rates and limited availability.
• Trains: Shinkansen services and major railway routes can be busy.
• Attractions: Theme parks, temples, and popular sightseeing spots may experience longer lines.
• Flights: Domestic flights and some international routes may see stronger demand.
• Restaurants: Popular dining locations may require reservations.

⚠️ Important: If you're visiting Japan during Golden Week 2027, book your accommodation and transportation early. Avoid assuming that train seats or attraction tickets will be available on your preferred dates.

Japan Long Weekends in 2027

Several public holidays fall on Mondays, giving residents opportunities to enjoy three-day weekends.

These periods may attract more domestic travelers, especially in popular cities and resort destinations.

💡 Pro Tip: If your Japan itinerary includes Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or Mount Fuji, check the public holiday calendar before booking. Traveling on weekdays outside major holiday periods may help you avoid some of the crowds.

Other Important Holiday Periods in Japan

Not every important holiday period in Japan is an official national holiday.

Some traditional celebrations and seasonal breaks can still affect transportation, accommodation, and attraction crowds.

Obon Festival 2027

Obon is a traditional Japanese Buddhist observance when many families honor their ancestors.

It is commonly observed around August 13–16 in many parts of Japan, although dates vary by region.

What Travelers Should Know:

• Obon is not a nationwide statutory public holiday.
• Many companies allow employees to take summer vacations around this period.
• Domestic transportation may be especially busy.
• Flights and accommodation can be in high demand.
• Some family-run businesses may close temporarily.

Since Mountain Day falls on August 11 in 2027, the days around Obon could be a particularly busy travel period.

New Year Holiday Period

Although January 1 is the official national holiday, many businesses also close during the surrounding New Year period.

Some government offices and businesses observe year-end and New Year closures from December 29 to January 3.

However, opening schedules vary by business and attraction.

Travelers should check operating hours before making plans.

Best Time to Visit Japan in 2027 to Avoid Holiday Crowds

If you prefer a more relaxed trip, consider visiting Japan outside Golden Week, Obon, and major long weekends.

These periods are general recommendations. Crowd levels can still vary because of cherry blossom season, autumn foliage, festivals, school vacations, and major events.

When Is Japan Most Crowded?

Some of the busiest periods for domestic travel include:

• New Year: Late December to early January
• Cherry Blossom Season: Usually March to April, depending on the region and bloom timing
• Golden Week: Late April to early May
• Obon: Around mid-August
• Autumn Foliage Season: Particularly October to November in popular destinations

If you're traveling during these periods, plan transportation and accommodation ahead of time.

Are Shops, Restaurants, and Attractions Open During Japan Public Holidays?

Yes, many tourist attractions, shopping centers, restaurants, and convenience stores remain open during public holidays in Japan.

However, operating hours depend on the establishment.

📝 Note: Japan's public holidays do not mean that all businesses close. Major shopping districts and tourist areas often remain active, but it is best to confirm official opening hours before visiting.

Important Travel Tips for Filipinos Visiting Japan in 2027

Japan's public holiday calendar is useful when planning flights, hotels, transportation, and sightseeing activities.

Here are some important tips for Filipino travelers.

• Book flights early: Compare flight options before Golden Week, Obon, and other busy travel periods.
• Reserve hotels in advance: Accommodation in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other popular destinations can fill up during peak seasons.
• Check Japan visa requirements: Philippine ordinary passport holders generally need a visa to visit Japan for tourism. Confirm the latest requirements through the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
• Reserve train seats: Consider booking Shinkansen tickets early if you're traveling during major holidays.
• Check attraction schedules: Theme parks, museums, and popular attractions may have special operating hours.
• Prepare cash and cards: Japan widely accepts cards, but some smaller businesses may prefer cash.
• Check the weather: Japan's weather varies considerably by season and region.
• Prepare mobile internet: Having an eSIM or other internet access can make navigation and transportation easier.

⚠️ Important: Japanese public holidays are different from Philippine public holidays. A holiday in Japan does not automatically mean there is a holiday in the Philippines, and vice versa.