New Year's Day
Jan 1 – 4
4days off
Thu1★
Fri2↓ off
Sat3·
Sun4·
Take 1 day off → 4-day weekend
Long weekends
Long Weekends in Japan 2026
7Long weekends
3Bridge days
33Total days off
3Vacation days to take
Take 3 vacation days this year and enjoy 33 days off in total.
Coming of Age Day
Jan 10 – 12
3days off
Sat10·
Sun11·
Mon12★
Natural 3-day break — no vacation needed.
Emperor's Birthday
Feb 21 – 23
3days off
Sat21·
Sun22·
Mon23★
Natural 3-day break — no vacation needed.
Vernal Equinox Day
Mar 20 – 22
3days off
Fri20★
Sat21·
Sun22·
Natural 3-day break — no vacation needed.
Golden Week
Apr 29 – May 5
7days off
Wed29★
Thu30↓ off
Fri1↓ off
Sat2·
Sun3·
Mon4↓ off
Tue5↓ off
7-day holiday period.
Marine Day
Jul 18 – 20
3days off
Sat18·
Sun19·
Mon20★
Natural 3-day break — no vacation needed.
Mountain Day
Aug 8 – 11
4days off
Sat8·
Sun9·
Mon10↓ off
Tue11★
Take 1 day off → 4-day weekend
Respect for the Aged Day
Sep 19 – 21
3days off
Sat19·
Sun20·
Mon21★
Natural 3-day break — no vacation needed.
Health and Sports Day
Oct 10 – 12
3days off
Sat10·
Sun11·
Mon12★
Natural 3-day break — no vacation needed.
Culture Day
Oct 31 – Nov 3
4days off
Sat31·
Sun1·
Mon2↓ off
Tue3★
Take 1 day off → 4-day weekend
Labour Thanksgiving Day
Nov 21 – 23
3days off
Sat21·
Sun22·
Mon23★
Natural 3-day break — no vacation needed.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a long weekend in Japan?
A long weekend in Japan occurs when a public holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, giving you a 3-day weekend without using any vacation days.
What is a bridge day?
A bridge day is a working day between a public holiday and a weekend. Taking that one day off creates a stretch of 4 or more consecutive days off. For example, if a holiday falls on Thursday, taking Friday off gives you a 4-day weekend.
How many long weekend opportunities are there in Japan in 2026?
In 2026, Japan has 10 vacation extension opportunities — a combination of natural long weekends and bridge days.
When are the best long weekends to travel in Japan in 2026?
The best long weekends for travel in Japan depend on the season and your destination. Spring and autumn bridge days often offer the best mix of good weather and fewer crowds.