Japanese Calendar
Quick start: pick dates, then choose the best next guide.
1 Check the full-year view
Compare seasons, holidays, and travel windows at a glance.
2 Pick the best season
Open a timing hub for the season you’re aiming for.
3 Browse cultural itineraries
Turn your chosen dates into a 1–3 day culture-first plan.
4 Enjoy interactive trip planning
Use The Wa Story tools to draft, compare, and refine your plan.
Want festivals (not just timing)? Shortlist cherry-blossom festival spots by timing and region, then confirm dates and updates on the final link.
Spring Highlights
Why Japan Loves the World Baseball Classic
Japan World Baseball Classic Why Japan Loves the World Baseball Classic Baseball, festivals, and the spirit of cheering…
Tool: Sakura Festival Finder (Cherry Blossom Search)
Sakura Festival Finder Sakura Festival Finder by The Wa Story is a Japan-focused tool to shortlist cherry-blossom festival…
White Day in Japan: Meaning, History, and Gift Etiquette
White Day in Japan Seasonal Culture Guide – White Day in Japan Quick Summary White Day in Japan…
Late-bloom Sakura in Japan (Cherry Blossoms): Timing by Region & Best Places
Late-bloom sakura in Japan Late-bloom sakura is the “second act” of spring—ideal if you missed the main wave…
Exciting Seasonal Events in Japan | Travel & Culture Calendar 2026
← Back to Plan Your Trip Events in Japan Discover Japan’s Seasonal Festivals and Traditions Japan’s cultural calendar…
Fun Setsubun in Japan: Bean-Throwing Festival and the Start of Spring
Setsubun in Japan Quick Summary Setsubun in Japan is a lively seasonal tradition held around early February, marking…
Taking Off Shoes – The Etiquette of Genkan (Entrance)
Introduction In Japan, taking off shoes when entering homes, temples, and certain restaurants is an important custom. This…
Calendar Related Articles
-
Spring (Haru): March–May — warming weather, flowers, start of festival season.
Trip ideas: Tokyo in spring: 3-day cultural itinerary , Kansai spring cultural itinerary -
Early Summer / Rainy Season (Tsuyu):
June — hydrangeas, indoor culture, softer travel pace.
Trip ideas: Hydrangea & rainy-season flower guide -
Summer (Natsu):
July–August — matsuri peak, fireworks, heat-aware planning.
Trip ideas: Summer festivals & fireworks - Early Autumn (Aki): September — cooler evenings, harvest themes, transition festivals.
-
Autumn Leaves Season (Koyo):
October–November — foliage peaks, gardens, temple visits.
Trip ideas: Autumn cultural itinerary (Coming soon) , Japanese gardens in autumn -
Winter (Fuyu):
December–February — New Year culture, snow regions, hot springs.
Trip ideas: Winter culture & travel ideas
Japanese Calendar (English)
Basics
- Gregorian Year:
- Wareki (Era):
- Eto (Stem-Branch):
Major 8 Sekki
List of National Holidays
Holiday dates are based on data from the Japanese government and related public sources.
Rokuyō – Meanings & Tips
- Taian — Very auspicious. Best for weddings, contracts, openings, moving.
- Tomobiki — “Pull together.” Good for weddings. Avoid funerals.
- Senshō — “Win by acting early.” Good in the morning; quick decisions. Avoid major contests in the afternoon.
- Senpu / Senmake — “Acting first loses.” Unlucky in the morning. Better in the afternoon; go calmly.
- Shakkō — Fiery energy. Only 11:00–13:00 is lucky. Avoid contracts/groundbreaking at other times.
- Butsumetsu — Generally inauspicious. Avoid celebrations, openings, weddings. Good for planning, learning, quiet starts.
* Rokuyō is a traditional custom-based guide; interpretations may vary by region and faith.
External Resources