Calendar & Information of all Japan Holidays 2022

Japan Holidays 2022. Brief Introduction

Japan recognizes 16 national holidays with the newest addition, Mountain Day, making its way on to the list in 2016. While most of Japan's holidays are rooted thousands of years in the past, the dates and traditions of some holidays were modified after the fall of the Empire of Japan. Some examples include Autumnal Equinox Day and Vernal Equinox Day, which were revamped as secular holidays, and Greenery Day, which previously celebrated Emperor Hirohito. Today, Japan's holidays represent a mix of both modernity and tradition.

Japan is also known as a country of hard workers, and as such, Japanese people sometimes avoid using their own personal leave due to (usually unspoken) pressures from society. For this reason, the Japanese government has come up with several schemes aimed at improving the work-life balance of its citizens. One of these schemes is known as the Happy Monday System, which resulted in the moving of a number of holidays, such as Coming of Age Day, Marine Day, and Respect for the Aged Day to Mondays. This created more 3-day weekends, giving workers more chances to travel and visit friends and family.

Japan Holidays 2022 - New Year’s Day

January 1 2022, Saturday

Perhaps the most important holiday in Japan, New Year's Day represents new beginnings and hope for the future. To provide the perfect setting for the fresh start, Japanese people clean every inch of their houses and apartments, including hard-to-reach spots that might normally be neglected. This practice is known as oosouji, and it also takes place in classrooms and at the workplace. After the cleaning is complete, it's common for Japanese people to spend New Year's Eve reflecting on the year with family or out partying with friends. On New Year's Day in Japan, families often go to the shrine to pay respects and wish for good luck in the coming year.

Japan Holidays 2022 - Coming of Age Day

January 10 2022, Monday

In Japan, turning 20 years old marks the start of adulthood, as young people are granted the rights to drink, gamble, and get married without parental consent. Each year, Coming of Age Day honors those who turned 20 during the previous year. The holiday's highlight is a ceremony that takes place at each government ward throughout the country which includes speeches from government officials as well as lots of photos and socializing. In preparation for the ceremonies, young women often spend hours getting their hair and makeup done and putting on traditional kimonos or furisode, an altered version of a kimono with longer sleeves. Men generally wear suits and ties or kimonos with hakama (a garment similar to pants).

Japan Holidays 2022 - National Foundation Day

February 11 2022, Friday

National Foundation Day celebrates the foundation of the country and its first emperor, Emperor Jimmu. Formerly known as Empire Day, this holiday was modified after World War II to abandon the Shinto customs it was once shrouded in. Today, the holiday features low key celebrations with a day off from work and reflections on what it means to be a Japanese citizen.

Japan Holidays 2022 - The Emperor's Birthday

February 23 2022, Wednesday

While Japan's emperor relinquished governmental power after World War II, his position still symbolizes national unity today. As such, the Emperor's birthday has remained a national day of celebration. Japanese people celebrate this day by enjoying a well-deserved day off from work or school. Those in Tokyo have a chance to see the emperor in person at the Imperial Palace, a large complex of buildings that only opens its doors to the public for a few days each year. The date of this holiday changes based on the birth date of the current emperor.

Japan Holidays 2022 - Vernal Equinox Day

March 21 2022, Monday

Marking the start of spring and end of winter, Japan's Vernal Equinox Day was originally a Shinto celebration. Today, some of the original traditions of this secular holiday are still upheld. With the day off from work and school, families gather together and visit ancestral graves to pay respects. Events are often held at local shrines, and traditional spring snacks like umeboshi (pickled plums) can be found at street stalls and in shops.

Japan Holidays 2022 - Showa Day

April 29 2022, Friday

Showa Day honors Emperor Showa whose reign lasted from 1926 to 1989, an era that brought many major changes to the country. In addition, people often visit local shrines or enjoy their time off with friends. Showa Day also signals the start of Japan's Golden Week, a holiday that lasts through May 5.

Japan Holidays 2022 - Constitution Memorial Day

May 3 2022, Tuesday

Constitution Memorial Day commemorates the enactment of Japan's democratic constitution which was put in place after World War II. On this symbolic day, significant buildings such as the National Diet Building are opened to the public while speeches and lectures are held at several locations around the country, including the Tokyo National Museum.

Japan Holidays 2022 - Greenery Day

May 4 2022, Wednesday

Greenery Day is celebrated each year during Japan's Golden Week. Seen as a time to commemorate and honor nature, Greenery Day gives people a chance to enjoy the spring weather with friends and family. Throughout the country, people plant trees and parades are held in major cities. The year's green tea harvest also begins around this time, so many head to the nearest tea house to sip on one of the country's most popular beverages.

Japan Holidays 2022 - Children's Day

May 5 2022, Thursday

This holiday celebrates the happiness and healthy growth of Japan's children. On Children's Day, families hang up koi nobori (carp-shaped windsocks), which appear to be swimming upstream while they blow in the wind. Like most holidays in Japan, there's a special snack associated with the date. For Children's Day, both kids and adults enjoy kashiwa mochi, a sticky rice cake filled with sweet red beans and wrapped in an oak leaf.

Japan Holidays 2022 - Marine Day

July 18 2022, Monday

Celebrated each year on the third Monday in July, Marine Day gives Japanese people a chance to give thanks to the oceans that have been crucial in the country's development and sustenance. Marine Day is the perfect chance to hit the beach for some swimming and snorkeling or head to the local aquarium.

Japan Holidays 2022 - Mountain Day

August 11 2022, Thursday

The newest holiday on the list, Mountain Day was declared an official holiday in 2016. This day is a time to appreciate the mountains that make up around 75% of Japan's terrain. On this date, many people choose to go for a hike or visit outdoor hot springs.

Japan Holidays 2022 - Respect for the Aged Day

September 19 2022, Monday

With 28% of its population over the age of 65, Japan is home to one of the oldest populations in the world. Elders are honored for their wisdom and longevity on Respect for the Aged Day, which combines with the weekend to create a 3-day break. In some cities, performances are put on for local seniors, while other cities hold athletic events and competitions aimed at showing the spirit and activeness of the elder community.

Japan Holidays 2022 - Autumnal Equinox Day

September 23 2022, Friday

Like many holidays in Japan, the origins of Autumnal Equinox Day are rooted in the religions of Shintoism and Buddhism. This day marks the beginning of autumn and is a time to honor ancestors who have passed on. One of the main activities associated with Autumnal Equinox Day is cleaning the graves of ancestors and offering incense, flowers, or ohagi, a glutinous rice ball covered in sweet red bean paste.

Japan Holidays 2022 - Sports Day

October 10 2022, Monday

In Japan, the aim of Sports Day is to promote healthy lifestyles through fitness and exercise. On this day, schools and businesses shut down, with some holding sports festivals for students and employees. These exciting games include events like relay races, long jump, and group activities like three-legged races and tug-of-war.

Japan Holidays 2022 - Culture Day

November 3 2022, Thursday

Culture Day gives people the chance to celebrate traditional Japanese culture in various ways. With the day off from school and work, it's the perfect opportunity for citizens to take advantage of free admission to museums or visit a cultural event like the Meiji Shrine Autumn Festival in Tokyo.

Japan Holidays 2022 - Labor Thanksgiving Day

November 23 2022, Wednesday

Japan's Labor Thanksgiving Day honors the contributions of the country's labor force. The holiday gives workers and students some much-needed rest and relaxation, with people often choosing to spend their time off with friends and family. In the days leading up to the holiday, some companies hold award ceremonies for their employees, while schoolchildren write thank-you letters to civil servants like firefighters, the police force, and doctors.

FAQ about Japan Holidays 2022

Q: What's Japan's version of Thanksgiving?

A: Japan's Thanksgiving is known as Labor Thanksgiving Day, a holiday honoring the contributions of workers.

Q: How many national holidays are there in Japan 2022?

A: In 2022, there are 16 national holidays in Japan.

Q: When is the emperor's birthday in Japan 2022?

A: The emperor's birthday is celebrated in Japan on February 23, 2022.