What are the major public holidays in Japan? How do people typically celebrate these festivals?

Hello! Talking about Japanese holidays is a great way to quickly understand the rhythm of life and culture in Japan. Japan has quite a few public holidays (called "Shukujitsu," しゅくじつ). Some are steeped in tradition, while others... well, let's be honest, are basically for giving people a break and boosting consumption (laughs).

Below, I'll walk you through the major holidays in chronological order and explain how people celebrate them, keeping it simple and easy to understand.

Full Year Public Holidays Overview & How They're Celebrated

January

Ganjitsu (元日) - January 1st
- What is it? New Year's Day. This is the single most important holiday in Japan. People typically take time off from late December to January 3rd, known as "Oshogatsu Yasumi" (New Year's holiday).
- How it's celebrated:
  - Family Gatherings: Like Chinese New Year, it's a time for family reunions. People working away from home return to their hometowns.
  - Traditional Food: Families eat "Osechi Ryori" (御節料理), elaborate boxed meals where each dish symbolizes good fortune. They also eat "Ozoni" (お雑煮), a soup with mochi rice cakes.
  - Hatsumode (初詣): The first shrine or temple visit of the year to pray for good luck and health. Famous shrines are packed right after midnight.
  - Watching Kohaku Uta Gassen: On December 31st, families gather around the TV to watch the "Red and White Song Battle," roughly equivalent to China's Spring Festival Gala.
  - Receiving Otoshidama (お年玉): Children receive New Year's money in decorative envelopes.
Seijin no Hi (成人の日) - Second Monday of January
- What is it? A ceremony celebrating young people who turned 18 (before April 2022, it was 20), congratulating them on reaching adulthood.
- How it's celebrated:
  - Attending Ceremonies: Local governments hold "Seijin Shiki" (Coming-of-Age Ceremonies).
  - Dressing Up: This is a highlight! Young women wear gorgeous long-sleeved kimonos ("Furisode," 振袖), while young men mostly wear suits, though some wear traditional formal kimono ("Haori Hakama," 羽織袴). Streets are filled with beautifully dressed young people, creating a picturesque scene.
  - Friends Gatherings: After the ceremony, the young adults celebrate with friends over meals and parties.

February

Kenkoku Kinen no Hi (建国記念の日) - February 11th
- What is it? National Foundation Day, commemorating the founding of Japan.
- How it's celebrated: This holiday has strong political and historical overtones. For most people, it's mainly... a day off work or school. People usually use it to rest or take short trips.
Tenno Tanjobi (天皇誕生日) - February 23rd
- What is it? The birthday of the current Emperor. This date changes with each new emperor.
- How it's celebrated:
  - Imperial Palace Open House: Parts of the Tokyo Imperial Palace open to the public, allowing people to offer congratulations to the Emperor and Imperial Family.
  - For most people, it's similarly just a regular day off to rest.

March, April & May - Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク)

One of Japan's longest holiday periods, formed by several consecutive holidays. Many people take extra paid leave to create a super-long vacation of 7 to 10 days.

Shunbun no Hi (春分の日) - March 20th or 21st
- What is it? Celebrates the arrival of spring and is also a day for visiting family graves.
- How it's celebrated: Some families visit ancestral graves and eat "Botamochi" (牡丹餅) sweets. Many also enjoy the warmer weather by going out to appreciate the spring blossoms.
Showa no Hi (昭和の日) - April 29th
- What is it? The birthday of Emperor Showa, and the start of Golden Week.
- How it's celebrated: Golden Week kicks off! People switch into holiday mode. Tourist spots and highways become extremely crowded from this day.
Kenpo Kinenbi (憲法記念日) - May 3rd
- What is it? Commemorates the enactment of Japan's current constitution.
- How it's celebrated: For most people, it's simply another day off during Golden Week.
Midori no Hi (みどりの日) - May 4th
- What is it? A day to appreciate nature and be close to the natural world.
- How it's celebrated: As the name suggests, it's a good day to visit parks, forests, or the countryside. Of course, many are just enjoying their vacation.
Kodomo no Hi (こどもの日) - May 5th
- What is it? A day to pray for children's healthy growth. Though called "Children's Day," it traditionally focuses more on boys (Girls' Day is March 3rd, but it's not a public holiday).
- How it's celebrated:
  - Hanging Koinobori (鯉のぼり): Families with boys hang carp-shaped streamers, symbolizing the hope that children will grow strong and overcome obstacles like carp swimming upstream.
  - Displaying Kabuto (かぶと): Miniature samurai helmets or armor are displayed in homes to protect children from harm.
  - Eating Kashiwa Mochi (柏餅): People eat rice cakes filled with sweet bean paste, wrapped in oak leaves.

July & August

Umi no Hi (海の日) - Third Monday of July
- What is it? A day to give thanks for the ocean's bounty. Meaningful for Japan as an island nation.
- How it's celebrated: In the middle of summer, beaches become the hottest spots. People go swimming, surfing, have BBQs, and enjoy the summer seaside.
Yama no Hi (山の日) - August 11th
- What is it? A day to give thanks for the mountains' bounty. This is a relatively new holiday.
- How it's celebrated: Many people choose to go hiking, trekking, or camping to get close to the mountains and forests.

September

Keiro no Hi (敬老の日) - Third Monday of September
- What is it? A day to respect elders and express gratitude to the elderly.
- How it's celebrated: People visit elderly family members, give them gifts, or have a family meal together. Grandchildren might draw pictures for their grandparents.
Shubun no Hi (秋分の日) - September 22nd or 23rd
- What is it? Corresponding to the Spring Equinox, it celebrates the arrival of autumn and is also a day for visiting family graves.
- How it's celebrated: Similar to the Spring Equinox – visiting graves, eating "Ohagi" (おはぎ, sweets similar to Botamochi), and enjoying the crisp autumn weather.

October & November

Supotsu no Hi (スポーツの日) - Second Monday of October
- What is it? Encourages enjoying sports and physical activity.
- How it's celebrated: Many schools and communities hold "Undokai" (運動会, sports days) around this time. Events are fun, like scavenger races and three-legged races, fostering a strong sense of community and participation.
Bunka no Hi (文化の日) - November 3rd
- What is it? A day to promote love for freedom, peace, and culture.
- How it's celebrated: Many art museums and museums offer free or discounted admission and host various cultural and artistic events.
Kinro Kansha no Hi (勤労感謝の日) - November 23rd
- What is it? A day to thank people for their hard work. Think of it as Japan's Labor Day.
- How it's celebrated: For most people, it's a welcome chance to rest before the busy year-end period.

Special Note: Obon (お盆)

What is it? This is not an official public holiday, but it's incredibly important, almost on par with New Year! Think of it as Japan's "Ghost Festival" or "Zhongyuan Festival," a time to welcome ancestral spirits back home.
When? Usually mid-August, lasting 3-4 days.
How it's observed:
- Returning Home: Most companies grant "Obon Yasumi" (Obon holiday), creating a massive travel rush second only to New Year's, putting huge pressure on transportation systems.
- Visiting Graves: People return to their hometowns to clean their ancestors' graves.
- Welcoming and Sending Spirits: Small lanterns or torches are lit at home entrances to welcome and send off ancestral spirits.
- Bon Odori (盆踊り): Communities or temples hold lively dance festivals. People gather around a central stage to dance simple traditional dances – it's very festive and atmospheric.

I hope this summary gives you a clear picture of Japanese holidays! You'll notice they beautifully blend tradition, nature, and modern life, offering an excellent window into Japanese culture.