Want to experience the beauty of Japan without battling hordes of tourists? Then understanding the Japanese school holiday calendar is crucial! While international visitors often flock to Japan during specific seasons, knowing when Japanese students are on break can help you avoid the extra crowds.
Summer School Vacation: When Japan Gets Hot
The Japanese summer school break typically begins around July 20th or 21st and ends between August 21st and 30th. This period sees a surge in domestic tourists as families take advantage of the break. But it’s not just families; high school students also embark on explorations of Japan’s major cities. Be prepared for a scorching summer! Even those accustomed to hot climates will find Japanese summers particularly brutal.
Don’t forget the Obon National Holidays, a 2-3 day celebration in mid-August. These holidays add another layer of crowds to the summer season. You can easily find the exact dates for Obon by searching online for “When are Obon holidays (insert year)?”.
National Holidays: Spilling Into Weekends
While not school holidays, a few national holidays occur between the summer and winter breaks in Japan. These dates vary annually, so it’s best to research the specific year you’re traveling. Remember, if a national holiday falls near a weekend, expect increased crowds.
Winter School Vacation: New Year’s Family Time
Winter school vacation in Japan usually starts around December 26th and ends around January 6th. Christmas Day is not a public holiday in Japan, so don’t expect the festive atmosphere you might find elsewhere. But don’t fret! There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Christmas season in Japan.
Hokkaido’s winter break stretches longer than the rest of Japan, typically lasting from December 22nd to January 18th. This longer break is due to the region’s unique weather conditions.
Interestingly, despite the school break, you won’t find many students out and about during this period. This is because New Year’s in Japan is a special time for families to reunite. Most people travel back to their hometowns, making popular destinations like Tokyo Disneyland less crowded.
Spring School Vacation: Peak Season and Golden Week
Spring in Japan is a popular time for both international and domestic tourists. School breaks typically run from around March 25th-26th to April 5th, 6th, or 7th. However, just a few weeks after school resumes, Japan experiences Golden Week, the longest holiday period for most working Japanese people.
This period sees a massive influx of travelers, making bullet train stations, airports, restaurants, and tourist sites extremely crowded. It’s essential to research Golden Week dates for your travel year and remember that the weekends surrounding this period will also be packed.
If you find yourself with a trip booked during Golden Week, don’t worry! There are still ways to have an enjoyable time, even amidst the crowds.
While planning your trip, keep in mind that the cherry blossom season can be unpredictable. The best way to increase your chances of witnessing the beautiful blooms is to stay for an extended period during spring and keep an eye on cherry blossom prediction sites, typically published in February.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, understanding the Japanese school holiday calendar can significantly enhance your experience. By planning ahead and being aware of peak travel periods, you can avoid the crowds and fully enjoy all that Japan has to offer.
