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As with any culture, Japan celebrates many holidays throughout the year. Some holidays like Valentine's Day and Christmas are celebrated in Japan, but they're a bit different than their Western counterparts. Holidays are similar to Japanese Festivals, but a key difference is holidays aren't associated with a shrine. Instead, holidays are a time to spend with family, friends, or in nature. There are holidays focused around love, sports, and wellness. Celebrating a Japanese holiday is always best with friends, and some holidays are marked with special edition products, such as Sakura-flavored candies and goods during March & April's cherry blossom season.
During the weeks between April and May, Japan has multiple holidays lined-up. This period is called Golden Week and is usually when the Japanese travel the most. There's also a shorter period in September known as Silver Week when companies take time off to let their workers enjoy the holidays.
Interested in learning more about Japanese culture? Japan Deluxe Tour's Japanese Holidays page has some of the biggest holiday celebrations listed below, and don't forget to check out our line of Japanese Festival Tours!
New Years is the most important holiday and tradition
Congratulate those who have reached the age of majority
Bean-throwing ceremony to welcome the beginning of spring
Unlike America, women give the men chocolate on Valentine's Day in Japan
National Foundation Day is a holiday celebrating the founding of Japan
Celebration of girls' happiness and growth
Answer day to Valentine's Day when men show their gratitude
National holiday for children to celebrate children's health, growth, and happiness
One of the four greatest festivals in Tohoku, held every summer in Sendai
Commemoration of ancestors; when the spirits of the deceased return
Marine Day is a Japanese national holiday celebrating the ocean and it's importance.
Mountain day is Japan's newest holiday, intended for citizens to get familiar with mountains.
Families and Friends Gather to Watch the Harvest Moon
Sports Day, is a national holiday held on the second Monday in October.
Respect for the Aged Day is a public holiday to honor elderly citizens
Rite of passage for girls age three and seven and boys age five
Christmas Eve is celebrated more festively than Christmas Day
Japanese New Years Eve when families eat soba noodles
End of the Year Party
Culture Day is a holiday to promote Japan's culture, art, and academic endeavors.
Labor Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday to commemorate hard-work and labor
The Emperor's Birthday is a national holiday in Japan currently celebrated on December 23rd