Did you know that Japanese workers are known as the hardest working people, ranked 10th in the World? They work for the longest hours per week i.e., an average of 33-40 hours a week.
In spite of working hard, there are loads of public holidays enjoyed by the citizens.
Here is a list of holidays observed by Japanese in a year? If you are planning your trip to Japan, know these public holidays so that you do not encounter crowded venues and booked-out hotels!
Also know how the Japan school holidays are planned and which are the most important holidays given to students. You will get all details in this article so do read further and get more information.
What is the Japanese School Year?
The Japanese school year is the same as any Financial year, beginning on 1 April and ending on 31 March divided into three terms with a break in between each term.
● 1st Term:- April to Mid July
● 2nd Term:- September to Mid December
● 3rd Term:- Mid Jan to March
If you are planning to take school admission for your child in any of the best Japanese schools, make sure to check your child’s school holidays so that you can plan well for summer vacation in Japan. If you don’t get any information, then you can contact school authorities (counselors/ teachers) to get exact dates.
Most of Japan’s Public or Private’s elementary and middle schools are closed on national holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
In Japan, people think spring is the best time to start anything new. Education is an important thing in any student’s life and Japanese schools consider spring to be the perfect time to begin the year.
Spring is the time when cherry blossoms are in full bloom and to convey the new beginning of the year and the life of students, most schools have cherry blossom trees at the entrance of the school so that parents and children can take pictures entering school for the first time and cherish the memories.
When does School Vacation in Japan Start and How Long Do They Last?
Private International Schools prepare their own calendar for school holidays by following the western timetable. The school year begins in August and ends in early June.
How Long is Summer Vacation in Japan?
Public School:- Summer School Holidays:- End of July to End of August (30-40 days)
International School:- Summer Holidays:- Mid June to Mid August (30-35 days)
How Long is Spring Vacation in Japan?
Public School and International School:- Spring holiday:- End of March to the beginning of April (2 weeks)
How Long is Autumn Vacation in Japan?
There is no autumn vacation for students in Public schools or International schools.
How Long is Winter Vacation in Japan?
Public School:- Winter holiday:- End of December to the First week of January (2 weeks)
International School:- Winter holiday:- Mid December to the Mid of January (3-4 weeks)
Japan School Holidays 2024
Japan celebrates 15 public holidays all year along with the holiday period of Obon, and Hinamatsuri where most of the businesses and stores are closed.
Japanese School Holidays and Events for 2024-2025
How to Spend School Holidays in Japan?
If you are planning a trip to Japan, then these are the peak seasons where you will get to enjoy lots of festivals and events.
Peak Time in Japan is between July and August as most of the schools have summer holidays and there are various numerous festivals and events held during that period. You will get to enjoy amazing fireworks during this period throughout the country.
You can utilize long vacation periods to enjoy your trip and at the same time get to know more about the cultures of Japan with the Golden Week, Obon, and Silver Week which are held in May, August and in mid-September respectively. If you want to enjoy winter vacation then New Year’s time is the best.
Note:- Hotels are the most expensive during these times and you will get to see more traffic and crowds on roads, trains and popular tourist areas.
If you want to enjoy a longer vacation then do plan your holidays at the same time when other holidays are all lined up in the same week. You can take holidays in between the weekdays or during the weekend.
For eg:- Respect for the Aged Day, the Autumnal Equinox Day
If you want to avoid the peak season, then you can plan your holidays during spring or after the second Monday of January.
Conclusion
You must now have a better idea of all the public holidays and the school holidays. Now, you can plan better for your upcoming vacation or for your child’s admission to the Tokyo international school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the daily school schedule in Japan?
Usually, kids start school at 8:45 am and finish around 3:15 pm, spending about six and a half hours in school every weekday. Many also join after-school clubs and attend juku (cram school) for extra studying in the evenings.
What is secondary school called in Japan?
In Japan, secondary education is divided into junior high schools for grades seven through nine, and senior high schools, which typically include grades ten through twelve.
How long is summer vacation in Japan?
Summer vacation at most Japanese public elementary and middle schools typically begins around July 20 and lasts for about six weeks until the end of August. However, in regions such as Hokkaido, where winters are cold, summer breaks may be slightly shorter, with longer winter breaks instead.
How old are you in middle school?
Elementary school covers kindergarten through 5th grade (ages 5-10), middle school encompasses grades 6-8 (ages 11-13), and high school includes grades 9-12 (ages 14-18).
