Japanese Calendar Events

The Four Seasons of Japan

Japan goes through the same four seasons as the rest of the world, but each one is woven with its own cultural rituals, seasonal aesthetics, and celebrations that reflect the heart of Japanese tradition. 

Spring (March - May) is the season of renewal where cherry blossoms symbolize fleeting beauty and fresh beginnings.

Summer (June - August) gets lively with matsuri, fireworks, and traditions that celebrate community and the power of nature.

Autumn (September - November) is seasoned with crimson leaves, harvest gratitude, and deep appreciation for seasonal flavors.

Winter (December - February) brings a serene time of snow festivals, spiritual cleansing, and New Year rituals that welcome good fortune.

Of the many holiday and events throughout the year, here are some of the highlights of each month!

 

January

  • Shōgatsu (New Year’s Day) - 1st
    • Unlike Western New Year’s fireworks, Japan emphasizes quiet reflection, ritual, and renewal.
    • Decorations:  Kadomatsu (pine and bamboo arrangements) and Shimenawa (sacred straw ropes) to invite good spirits and ward off evil.
    • Hatsumōde (First Shrine Visit): People visit Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples to pray for health, happiness, and prosperity.
    • Kagami Mochi: Two round rice cakes (mochi) stacked on top of each other, with a bitter orange (daidai) placed on top.  It resembles an ancient bronze mirror, a sacred object in Shinto. - often in the tokonoma (alcove) or household Shinto altar (kamidana)
    • Ozōni (New Year soup) or shiruko (sweet red bean soup). Absorbing the good fortune of the New Year.
    • Osechi Ryōri: Traditional foods are served in lacquered boxes (jūbako). Each dish has symbolic meaning:
      • Black beans (health)
      • Sweet rolled omelet (prosperity)
      • Shrimp (long life)
    • Otoshidama: Children receive money in decorated envelopes from parents and relatives.
  • Seijin no Hi (Coming of Age Day) - Second Monday
    • Celebration of becoming an adult 20.  Recognition, responsibility, and celebration
      • Kimono
      • Shrine for temple visit

 

February

  • Setsubun (Day of Seasonal Division) - 2nd~4th
    • Marking the start of spring, celebrated with bean‑throwing to chase away evil spirits
    • Ehoumaki (Lucky Sushi Roll)
  • Kenkoku Kinen no Hi (National Foundation Day) - 11th
    • Commemorates the legendary founding of the Japanese nation and the accession of its first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, in 660 BCE
  • Valentine (Valentines Day) - 14th
    • Girls give chocolate to Guys
  • Tennō Tanjōbi (Emperor’s Birthday) - 23rd
  • Sapporo Yuki Matsuri (Sapporo Snow Festival ) - Anytime in February

 

March

  • Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) - 3rd
    • Hina Ningyō (Doll Displays)
      • The dolls are arranged on tiered platforms (hinadan), with the Emperor and Empress at the top, followed by attendants, musicians, and miniature furniture. (symbolizes protection and blessings for girls)
    • Hishimochi: Diamond‑shaped rice cakes in pink (health), white (purity), and green (growth)
    • Chirashizushi: Sushi rice topped with colorful ingredients like shrimp, egg, and vegetables.
    • Shirozake: Sweet white sake traditionally enjoyed by adults.
    • Hina‑arare: Small pastel rice crackers, often given to children.
  • White Day - 14th
    • Cookies: Guys responds to Valentines chocolate with Cookies
  • Shunbun no Hi (Vernal Equinox Day) - 20th or 21st
    • Embodies Japan’s deep respect for seasonal change and ancestral connection.
    • Ohaka Mairi (visiting family grave to pay respect)
      • Food offering at alter
  • Hanami (Cherry Blossom viewing) - End of March ~ Early April
    • Sakura viewing, picnic
      • Bento boxes with spring ingredients (like bamboo shoots, sakura shrimp, and seasonal vegetables).
      • Sakura-themed treats
      • Drinks like sake, beer, or soft drinks
      • Singing, dancing, and games often accompany gatherings

 

April

  • Shingakki (New school term) - 1st
    • Nyugakushiki: Entrance ceremony

 

May

  • Midori no Hi (Greenery Day) - 4th
    • Japan national holiday dedicated to appreciating nature and expressing gratitude for its blessings
  • Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day) - 5th
    • Cultural heritage, and hopes for the next generation’s success.
    • Koi: Carp Kite (symbolizes strength and perseverance, inspired by the Chinese legend of a carp swimming upstream to become a dragon)
      • Black carp for the father
      • Red/Pink carp for the mother
      • Smaller carps for each child.
    • Gogatsu Ningyō: Warrior dolls, helmets (kabuto), or miniature suits of armor - symbolize courage, protection, and the wish for children to grow strong and resilient
    • Kashiwa Mochi: Rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves, symbolizing prosperity and family continuity
    • Chimaki: Sweet rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, eaten for good health and protection

 

June

  • Hotaru‑gari (Firefly Watching) - Early June
    • Classic early summer tradition of firefly viewing
  • Ajisai (Hydrangea viewing) - Early June
    • Symbol of the rainy season

 

July

  • Tanabata (Star Festival) - 7th
    • Honors the romantic legend of Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair) - two star‑crossed lovers allowed to meet only once a year across the Milky Way
    • Tanzaku (Wish Writing): Write wishes or poems on colorful strips of paper and hang them on bamboo branches
      • Tanzaku is often either burnt in a ritual fire for wishes to reach heaven or floated down rivers sending wishes to the stars across the milky way
    • Parades, dances, and fireworks
    • Street foods like Yakitori, Takoyaki, and Kakigouri (shaved ice)
    • Star Gazing
  • Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri (Kyoto's entertainment district festival) - All Month
    • Yamaboko Junko (Float Processions) - Enormous wooden flots carried through Kyoto's streets. Hoko (large) and Yama (small)
    • Yoiyama  (evening street parties)
      • The festival showcases Kyoto’s artistry, craftsmanship, and hospitality
  • Umi no Hi (Marine Day) - Third Monday
    • Honors the ocean’s importance to Japan as an island nation
    • Fireworks and Beachside fun 
    • Visit aquariums
    • Boat races

 

August

  • Yama no Hi (Mountain Day) - 11th
    • Day to celebrate Japans natural landscape
    • Hiking, climbing, and camping in Japan’s many mountain ranges.
  • Obon (ancestral spirits festival) - 13th ~ 16th
    • Honor deceased family members, express gratitude, and maintain bonds between the living and the dead.
      • Hang a paper lantern (Chōchin) to guide spirits back and at the end, float it on river or sea (toro nagashi) to send them off.
    • Bon Odori: Obon dance often performed outdoors with music and yukata (summer kimono). Awa Odori as well
    • Ohaka Mairi (visiting family grave to pay respect)
      • Food offering at alter

 

September

  • Taiiku no Hi (Sports Day) - Second Monday
    • Promotes sports, fitness, and a healthy lifestyle. 
    • Commemorating the opening of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, which symbolized Japan’s postwar recovery and reintegration into the global community
    • Undōkai Races, relays, tug-of-war, and team games. (teamwork, discipline, and community spirit.)
  • Keirō no Hi (Respect for the Aged Day) - Third Monday
    • Honors elderly citizens, expresses gratitude for their contributions to society, and celebrates longevity
  • Shūbun no Hi (Autumnal Equinox Day) - 22nd or 23rd
    • Honor ancestors, appreciate nature, and reflect on balance in life
    • Ohaka Mairi (visiting family grave to pay respect)
      • Food offering at alter
  • Aki no Shūkakusai (Autumn Harvest Festivals) - Sept ~ Nov
    • Rituals at shrines and temples express gratitude for rice and crops.
      • Rice harvest = life and prosperity.
      • Lanterns = guiding ancestral spirits and illuminating autumn nights.
      • Floats & Mikoshi = carrying deities through town to bless the community.

 

October

  • Tsukimi (Moon viewing) - 6th ~ 9th
    • Admire the Mangetsu (full autumn moon), often in gardens, temples, or scenic spots
    • Folklore & poetry: The moon rabbit legend (a rabbit pounding mochi on the moon) is often referenced, and poetry or songs may accompany the viewing
  • Halloween - 31st
    • Japan celebrate Halloween by dressing up and cosplaying. Some popular location includes
      • Shibuya
      • Tokyo Disney Land and Disney Sea
      • Universal Studio Japan
      • Kawasaki Halloween Parade
      • Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival

 

November

  • Bunka no Hi (Culture Day) - 3rd
    • Celebrate Japan’s rich cultural heritage and encourage artistic and intellectual pursuits.
  • Shichi-Go-San (Celebration for children aged 3, 5, and 7) - 15th
    • Celebrate the healthy growth of children aged three, five, and seven.
      • Families dress their children in formal kimono or suits, visit Shinto shrines, and pray for their future health and happiness
    • Chitose Ame (Thousand-year candy): Children receive long, thin red-and-white candies symbolizing longevity and good fortune.
    • Commemorative photos, making it a cherished family memory
  • Kinrō Kansha no Hi (Labor Thanksgiving Day) - 23rd
    • Honor workers, give thanks for productivity, and reflect on human rights and peace

 

December

  • Christmas Eve/Day - 24th and 25th
    • Japanese Christmas is a very romantic holiday. Activities many couples and family take part in includes
      • KFC Dinner (Kentucky fried chicken)
      • Illumination viewing (Christmas lights)
      • Gifting
      • Strawberry shortcake
      • Daiku (Performances of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9)
  • Ōmisoka (New Year’s Eve) - 31st
    • Toshikoshi Soba (Year crossing soba Noodle): Buckwheat noodles eaten on New Year’s Eve
    • Kōhaku Uta Gassen (Red vs White Song Contest): A famous NHK music show where popular artists perform, watched by millions across Japan.
    • Joya no Kane (Temple Bells): Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times to symbolize cleansing the 108 human sins and desires.