The old Japanese calendar used 和風月名 (wafū-getsu-mei), to refer to the months. 和風月名 are based on the seasons and events of the old lunar calendar, and are still used sometimes in the present day. However, there is a 1-2 month difference between the 和風月名 and the current seasons.
Japanese
Romaji
Meaning
旧暦の月
Kyūreki no tsuki
Old Lunar Calendar Months
睦月
Mutsuki
Month of gathering with relatives and friends for New Year’s celebrations.
如月
Kisaragi
Also known as Kinugasa-tsuki (衣更着). Still cold, so people wear layers of clothing.
弥生
Yayoi
Plants and trees start to grow.
卯月
Uzuki
Month of the 卯の花 (uzuki hana) flower.
皐月
Satsuki
Also known as Satsuki (早月). Time to plant rice seedlings.
水無月
Minazuki
Water month. Time to irrigate the rice paddies.
文月
Fumizuki
Also known as Hozumi-zuki (穂含月). Month when rice ears start to bear fruit.
葉月
Hazuki
Month of falling leaves.
長月
Nagatsuki
Also known as Yona-zuki (夜長月). Nights start to get longer.
神無月
Kannazuki
Month of the gods. According to some, the gods gather at Izumo Taisha, leaving their local shrines unattended.
April 30, May 1, and May 2 are not public holidays but many Japanese take those days off. GW = Golden Week: https://matcha-jp.com/en/1788
Constitution Memorial Day (GW)
May 3 (Fri)
April 27 - May 6 (10 days) [GW]
Greenery Day (GW)
May 4 (Sat)
April 27 - May 6 (10 days) [GW]
Children’s Day (GW)
May 5 (Sun)
April 27 - May 6 (10 days) [GW]
Marine Day
July 15 (Mon)
July 13 - 15 (3 days)
Mountain Day
August 12 (Mon)
August 10 - 12 (3 days)
Obon
August 13 - 16
Obon is not considered a national holiday but many people take time off
Respect for the Elderly Day
September 16 (Mon)
September 14 - 16 (3 days)
Autumnal Equinox Day (Sun)
Sep-22
September 21 - 23 (3 days)
Sports Day
Oct-14
October 12 - 14 (3 days)
Culture Day
November 3 (Sun)
November 2 - 4 (3 days)
Holidays and Events
Table 1: National Holidays in Japan
Date
Japanese Name
English Name
Description
January 1
元日 (Gantan)
New Year’s Day
The first day of the year is a national holiday in Japan. People celebrate by visiting shrines and temples, eating special foods, and exchanging gifts.
January 15
成人式 (Seijin Shiki)
Coming-of-Age Day
This holiday celebrates the coming of age of 20-year-olds. Young women wear traditional furisode kimonos, while young men wear suits.
February 11
建国記念の日 (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi)
National Foundation Day
This holiday commemorates the founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu in 660 BC.
March 20
春分の日 (Shunbun no Hi)
Spring Equinox Day
This holiday celebrates the spring equinox, which occurs when the day and night are of equal length. People visit their ancestors’ graves and eat special foods.
April 29
昭和の日 (Showa no Hi)
Showa Day
This holiday commemorates the birthday of Emperor Showa, who reigned from 1926 to 1989.
May 3
憲法記念日 (Kenpo Kinenbi)
Constitution Memorial Day
This holiday celebrates the enactment of the Japanese Constitution in 1947.
May 4
みどりの日 (Midori no Hi)
Greenery Day
This holiday celebrates nature and the environment. People plant trees and go for walks in the park.
May 5
子供の日 (Kodomo no Hi)
Children’s Day
This holiday celebrates the health and happiness of children. People fly carp streamers and eat special foods.
July 17
海の日 (Umi no Hi)
Marine Day
This holiday celebrates the ocean and its importance to Japan. People go swimming, fishing, and boating.
September 15
敬老の日 (Keiro no Hi)
Respect for the Aged Day
This holiday celebrates the elderly and their contributions to society. People visit their grandparents and give them gifts.
September 23
秋分の日 (Shūbun no Hi)
Autumn Equinox Day
This holiday celebrates the autumn equinox, which occurs when the day and night are of equal length. People visit their ancestors’ graves and eat special foods.
October 10
スポーツの日 (Supōtsu no Hi)
Sports Day
This holiday promotes sports and physical activity. People participate in athletic events and watch professional sports games.
November 3
文化の日 (Bunka no Hi)
Culture Day
This holiday celebrates culture and the arts. People visit museums, go to concerts, and participate in other cultural activities.
November 23
勤労感謝の日 (Kinrō Kansha no Hi)
Labor Thanksgiving Day
This holiday celebrates the labor movement and the contributions of workers. People give thanks for their jobs and enjoy a day off from work.
Table 2: Twenty-Four Solar Terms
Japanese Name
English Name
Date
Description
立春 (Risshun)
Beginning of Spring
February 4
This solar term marks the beginning of spring. The weather starts to warm up and the days get longer.
雨水 (Usui)
Rain Water
February 19
This solar term marks the beginning of the rainy season. The weather becomes wetter and the plants start to grow.
啓蟄 (Keichi)
Awakening of Insects
March 5
This solar term marks the awakening of insects from their winter hibernation. The weather becomes warmer and the flowers start to bloom.
春分 (Shunbun)
Spring Equinox
March 20
This solar term marks the spring equinox, when the day and night are of equal length.
清明 (Seimei)
Clear and Bright
April 5
This solar term marks the beginning of the clear and bright weather of spring. The days get longer and the flowers bloom in full.
穀雨 (Kokuu)
Grain Rain
April 20
This solar term marks the beginning of the rainy season. The weather becomes wetter and the rice plants start to grow.
立夏 (Rikka)
Beginning of Summer
May 5
This solar term marks the beginning of summer. The weather starts to get hot and the days get longer.
小満 (Shōman)
Small Fullness
May 21
This solar term marks the beginning of the hot weather of
Beginning of Cold - marks the gradual increase in coldness in the latter half of winter.
寒の入り (Kan no Iri)
The Beginning of the Coldest Period
January 7
人日の節句 (Jinjitsu no Setsuku) (七草 (Shichi-gusa))
Jinjitsu Festival (Seven Herbs) - observed by eating seven-herb porridge to pray for good health throughout the year.
January 11
鏡開き (Kagami-biraki)
Mirror-Opening Ceremony - involves breaking open the mochi rice cakes offered to deities during New Year’s and consuming them to 祈願 (kigan) - pray for good health and fortune in the coming year.
Second Monday of January
成人式 (Seijin no Hi)
Coming-of-Age Day - a national holiday celebrating the coming of age of 20-year-olds.
January 15
小正月 (Kozatsu)
Little New Year - traditionally the first full moon of the lunar year, previously considered New Year’s Day.
Around January 20
大寒 (Daikan)
Deep Cold - marks the coldest period of the year.
February
Date
Event
Description
February 1
旧正月 (Kyūshōgatsu)
Old New Year - celebrates the beginning of the new year based on the traditional lunar calendar.
Around February 3
節分 (Setsubun)
Bean-Throwing Festival - marks the transition from winter to spring and involves throwing roasted soybeans to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year.
Around February 4
立春 (Risshun)
Beginning of Spring - marks the start of the spring season.
Around February 6
初午 (Hatsuuma)
First Horse Day - celebrated at Inari shrines on the first 午の日 (Uma no Hi) after Risshun, offering prayers for good harvest and prosperity.
February 8
針供養 (Hari Kuyo)
Needle Memorial Day - a day to show gratitude for needles and pray for safety in sewing and other needlework activities.
February 11
建国記念の日 (Kenkoku Kinen no Hi)
National Foundation Day - commemorates the legendary founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu in 660 BC.
February 14
バレンタインデー (Valentine’s Day)
Valentine’s Day - celebrated in Japan as a day for women to express their love by giving chocolate to men.
Around February 19
雨水 (Usui)
Rainwater - marks the arrival of spring rains and the gradual melting of snow.
February 23
天皇誕生日 (Tenno Tanjōbi)
Emperor’s Birthday - celebrates the birthday of the reigning Emperor.
March
Date
Event
Description
March 3
上巳の節句 (Jōshi no Sekku) (桃の節句 (Momo no Sekku))
Girls’ Day (Hinamatsuri) - celebrates the health and happiness of girls. Also known as “Peach Festival” due to the blossoming of peach flowers during this time.
Around March 6
啓蟄 (Keichitsu)
Awakening of Insects - marks the emergence of insects from hibernation as the weather warms.
Around March 18
彼岸入り (Higan Iri)
Spring Equinox Buddhist Memorial Day - the beginning of the Spring Equinox period, a time to honor ancestors and visit their graves.
Around March 21
春分の日 (Shunbun no Hi), 春分 (Shunbun)
Vernal Equinox Day - a national holiday celebrating the arrival of spring and honoring nature.
戊の日 (Bo no Hi) closest to Spring Equinox
社日 (春社) (Sha Nichi (Haru no Sha))
Shrine Day (Spring) - a day to worship the god of the land and pray for a bountiful harvest.
Around March 24
彼岸明け (Higan Ake)
Spring Equinox Buddhist Memorial Day - the end of the Spring Equinox period.
April
Date
Event
Description
April 1
エイプリルフール (Ēpuriru Fūru)
April Fools’ Day - a day when it is considered acceptable to play harmless pranks on others.
Around April 5
清明 (Seimei)
Clear and Bright - marks the time when plants start to grow and the weather becomes clear and bright.
April 8
花祭り (Hana Matsuri)
Buddha’s Birthday - also known as Kanbutsue, Busshoe, and Gokutan-e, celebrates the birth of Buddha by pouring sweet tea over a Buddha statue.
Around April 20
穀雨 (Kokuu)
Rain for Crops - marks the time when rainfall helps the growth of crops.
April 29
昭和の日 (Shōwa no Hi) (旧みどりの日 (Kyū Midori no Hi))
Showa Day - celebrates the birthday of Emperor Showa and commemorates the post-war reconstruction of Japan.
May
Date
Event
Description
Around May 2
八十八夜 (Hachijūhachiya)
Eighty-Eight Nights - 88th day after Risshun, considered to be the end of the frost season and a good time for tea picking and planting seeds.
May 3
憲法記念日 (Kenpō Kinenbi)
Constitution Memorial Day - a national holiday commemorating the 施行 (Shikou) of the Japanese Constitution and promoting the country’s growth.
May 4
みどりの日 (Midori no Hi)
Greenery Day - a national holiday to appreciate nature and its benefits and foster a rich spirit.
Around May 5
こどもの日 (Kodomo no Hi)
Children’s Day - a national holiday to celebrate the happiness of children and to express gratitude to mothers. Also known as Tango no Sekku (端午の節句) and celebrates the healthy growth of boys with carp streamers and samurai dolls.
Around May 6
立夏 (Rikka)
Beginning of Summer - marks the start of the summer season.
Second Sunday of May
母の日 (Haha no Hi)
Mother’s Day - a day to express gratitude to mothers by giving them gifts, such as carnations.
Around May 21
小満 (Shōman)
Grain Buds - marks the time when plants and grains start to grow and fill out.
June
Date
Event
Description
Around June 6
芒種 (Bōshu)
Awning Seed - marks the time to plant grains with awns, such as rice and barley.
June 10
時の記念日 (Toki no Kinenbi)
Time Memorial Day - a day to appreciate the importance of time and its precise measurement.
Around June 11
入梅 (Nyūbai)
Entering the Plum Rains - 135th day after Risshun, traditionally considered the start of the rainy season, though the actual start of the梅雨 (Tsuyu) may vary.
Third Sunday of June
父の日 (Chichi no Hi)
Father’s Day - a day to express gratitude to fathers by giving them gifts, such as yellow roses.
Around June 21
夏至 (Geshi)
Summer Solstice - the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
July
Date
Event
Description
July 1
山開き (Yamabiraki), 海開き (Umihiraki)
Mountain Opening, Sea Opening - Mountain opening marks the start of the mountaineering season, while sea opening signifies the opening of beaches for swimming.
Around July 2
半夏生 (Hanageshi)
Half-Summer - 11th day after the Summer Solstice, marks the time when the plant Hanageshi (烏柄杓) grows.
July 7
七夕 (Tanabata)
Star Festival - celebrates the annual meeting of the stars Hikoboshi and Orihime, represented by the Altair and Vega constellations. People write wishes on short strips of paper and hang them on bamboo笹 (Sasa) leaves.
Around July 7
小暑 (Shōsho)
Lesser Heat - marks the time when the梅雨 (Tsuyu) rainy season ends and the real heat of summer begins.
Third Monday of July
海の日 (Umi no Hi)
Marine Day - a national holiday to express gratitude for the ocean’s blessings and pray for the prosperity of Japan as a maritime nation.
Around July 20
土用 (Doyo)
Dog Days - one of four periods in the year associated with hot and humid weather, the summer 土用 (Doyo) is known for the custom of eatingうなぎ (Unagi) eel on 土用の丑の日 (Doyo no Ushi no Hi).
Around July 23
大暑 (Taishō)
Great Heat - the hottest day of the year.
Mid-July to early August
三伏 (Sanpuku)
Three Hottest Days - refers to the three periods of the hottest days in the summer, starting from the third 庚 (Kanō) day after the Summer Solstice and ending on the first 庚 (Kanō) day after the 立秋 (Risshū) Beginning of Autumn.
August
Date
Event
Description
August 6
広島原爆の日 (Hiroshima Genbaku no Hi)
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Day - commemorates the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, during World War II.
Around August 8
立秋 (Risshū)
Beginning of Autumn - marks the start of the autumn season.
August 9
長崎原爆の日 (Nagasaki Genbaku no Hi)
Nagasaki Peace Memorial Day - commemorates the atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, during World War II.
August 11
山の日 (Yama no Hi)
Mountain Day - a national holiday to appreciate the benefits of mountains and foster a love for nature.
August 15
旧盆 (Kyū Bon), 終戦記念日 (Shūsen Kinenbi)
Obon Festival (Old Calendar), End of War Memorial Day - Obon is a traditional Buddhist holiday to honor ancestors, while End of War Memorial Day commemorates the end of World War II and pays tribute to war victims.
Around August 23
処暑 (Shosho)
End of Heat - marks the time when the intense heat of summer begins to subside.
September
Date
Event
Description
Around September 1
二百十日 (Nihyakujū Nichi)
Two Hundred and Tenth Day - 210th day after Risshun, marks the period with frequent typhoons.
Around September 8
白露 (Hakuro)
White Dew - marks the time when the autumn colors deepen and cool air brings white dew to plants.
September 9
重陽の節句 (Chōyō no Sekku)
Double Ninth Festival - originates from Chinese numerology, where the number 9 (陽, yō) is considered lucky. Celebrated by drinking 菊酒 (kiku-zake) sake infused with chrysanthemum petals to ward off evil and pray for longevity. Also known as 菊の節句 (Kiku no Sekku) Chrysanthemum Festival.
Around September 10
二百二十日 (Nihyakuninijū Nichi)
Two Hundred and Twentieth Day - 220th day after Risshun, marks the period with even more typhoons than 二百十日 (Nihyakujū Nichi).
Third Monday of September
敬老の日 (Keirō no Hi)
Respect for the Aged Day - a national holiday to honor the elderly and celebrate their longevity.
Around September 20
彼岸入り (Higan Iri)
Autumn Equinox Buddhist Memorial Day - the beginning of the Autumn Equinox period, a time to honor ancestors and visit their graves.
Around September 23
秋分の日 (Shūbun no Hi), 秋分 (Shūbun)
Autumn Equinox Day - a national holiday to respect ancestors and mourn the deceased.
戊の日 (Bo no Hi) closest to Autumn Equinox
社日 (秋社) (Sha Nichi (Aki no Sha))
Shrine Day (Autumn) - a day to worship the god of the land and express gratitude for the year’s harvest.
Around September 26
彼岸明け (Higan Ake)
Autumn Equinox Buddhist Memorial Day - the end of the Autumn Equinox period.
October
Date
Event
Description
Second Monday of October
スポーツの日 (Supōtsu no Hi) (旧：体育の日 (Taiiku no Hi))
Sports Day - a national holiday to enjoy sports, foster a spirit of respect for others, and strive for a healthy and vibrant society. Previously known as 体育の日 (Taiiku no Hi) Physical Education Day.
Around October 8
寒露 (Kanro)
Cold Dew - marks the time when the dew on plants becomes cold enough to freeze.
Around October 23
霜降 (Sōkō)
Descent of Frost - marks the time when the first frost begins to appear and autumn comes to an end.
October 31
ハロウィン (Harowin)
Halloween - a foreign event, the eve of All Saints’ Day, similar to Obon in Japan. Children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door chanting “Trick or treat!” Jack-o’-lanterns made by carving pumpkins and lighting candles inside are popular.
November
Date
Event
Description
November 3
文化の日 (Bunka no Hi)
Culture Day - a national holiday to promote freedom, peace, and the advancement of culture.
Around November 7
立冬 (Rittō)
Beginning of Winter - marks the start of the winter season.
November 15
七五三 (Shichi-Go-San)
Seven-Five-Three Festival - a traditional event where families with 3-, 5-, and 7-year-old children visit shrines to pray for their children’s health and growth.
Around November 22
小雪 (Shōsetsu)
Light Snow - marks the time when snow begins to fall lightly.
November 23
勤労感謝の日 (Kinrō Kansha no Hi)
Labor Thanksgiving Day - a national holiday to honor labor, celebrate production, and express gratitude among the people.
酉の日 (Tori no Hi)
酉の市 (Tori no Ichi)
酉の市 (Tori no Ichi) - a festival held at the酉の寺 (Tori no Tera) in Asakusa and other鷲神社 (Washi Jinja) and 大鳥神社 (Ōtori Jinja) shrines on 酉の日 (Tori no Hi) days in November. People pray for good luck and prosperity by buying 縁起熊手 (Engi Kumagami). The 酉の日 (Tori no Hi) occurs once every 12 days, resulting in years with 2 or 3 occurrences. Years with 3 occurrences are said to be prone to fires.
December
Date
Event
Description
Around December 7
大雪 (Taisetsu)
Heavy Snow - marks the time when heavy snowfall begins and the real cold weather arrives.
Around December 22
冬至 (Tōji)
Winter Solstice - the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
December 25
クリスマス (Kurisumasu)
Christmas - celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The streets are decorated with illuminations, and people exchange gifts and have parties with family, friends, and loved ones.
December 31
大晦日 (Ōmisoka)
New Year’s Eve - the last day of the year. It is customary to eat 年越し蕎麦 (Toshikoshi Soba) buckwheat noodles for good luck.