Children's Day
Nationwide public holiday in Japan · こどもの日
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 May | Tuesday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 5 May | Wednesday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in Japan.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Sat 1 May – Wed 5 May is a 5-day weekend with no leave needed.
Take Friday 30 April off and get 7 days in a row (Thu 29 Apr – Wed 5 May).
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Tokyo around 5 May: high 22°C (72°F), low 13°C (56°F), rain on 33% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Tokyo. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Wednesday 5 May in Tokyo: (MET Norway)
About Children's Day
Children's Day, Kodomo no Hi, is held on 5 May to respect children's personalities, support their happiness and express gratitude to mothers. It became a national holiday in 1948 and is based on Tango no Sekku, a seasonal festival that was traditionally associated with boys. It is the last day of Golden Week.
Traditions
Families with children fly koinobori, carp-shaped streamers symbolising strength and perseverance, and display samurai helmets or warrior dolls in the home. Typical foods include kashiwa-mochi, rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves, and chimaki. Some people take a bath with iris leaves, a custom believed to ward off illness.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in Japan
Monday, 19 July 2027
Children's Day in other countries
More for Japan
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.