Public holidays in Tokyo
Although it's well known that the Japanese don't get many holiday days throughout the year, it's true that in exchange they have more public holidays than is common in the majority of countries.
Public holidays in Japan are as follows:
1st January: New Year
Much like in the majority of countries.
Second Monday of January: Celebration of Adulthood
In Japan, you're considered an adult at the age of 20. If you've turned 20 between April of the year before and the current year, this is the day where you meet to learn about your responsibilities as an adult.
11th February: Foundation of Japan
According to the old legend, this was the day when Emperor Jimmu established the capital in the Yamato district.
20th March: Spring Equinox
This is the day in which the Japanese people pray for the dead and offer flowers and incense at the temples of the city.
29th April: Day of Emperador Showa
Día dedicado al Emperador Showa (Hirohito), gobernador de Japón durante 62 años, desde finales de 1926 hasta su muerte en 1989.
3rd May: Day of the Constitution
Signed in 1947 it prohibited both war and a standing army.
4th May: Green Day
This is a day dedicated to nature
5th May: Day of the Child
With the low and sometimes problematic birth rate in Japan, children are a symbol of progress and prosperity.
Third Monday of July
Similar to Green Day, this is a day celebrating the influence of the sea on Japanese culture.
Third Monday of September: Day of respect for the elderly
This day pays tribute to the contribution of the elderly to Japanese society.
23rd of September: Autumn Equinox
As with the spring equinox, on this day the Japanese pray for the dead and offer flowers and incense at the temples of the city.
Second Monday of October: Day of Health and Sport
This day tries to promote sport as a source of health. It also commemorates the Tokyo Olympic games in 1964.
3rd November: Day of Culture
This day promotes the importance of science and investigation and is the day when they give medals to the scientists of the year.
23rd November: Day of Work
This day reinforces the importance of work.
23rd December: Day of the Emperor
Although he will never again govern the country, the emperor will always be a symbol of the history of Japan. This is the day of the year when the Japanese royal family is seen on the balcony of the palace.