School Holidays in Japan 2024-2025

Have you ever wondered how Japan’s school holidays align with the country’s vibrant cultural traditions and public holidays? Japan’s school holidays are not just breaks from academic life; they are deeply intertwined with the nation’s cultural festivities and public observances. Whether you’re a parent whose children are studying at one of the Best International Schools in Japan or a student who’s simply curious about the school holidays in Japan, this guide can help you plan better and make the most of these special times in 2024-2025. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various school holidays, the agencies that decide them, and how they impact daily life in Japan.

Overview of School Holidays in Japan 2024-2025

In Japan, the japanese school year typically begins in April and ends in March of the following year. The school year begins in April according to the Ministry of Education. The school holidays are structured around the seasons and coincide with both traditional events and public holidays. The main school holidays include the summer break, winter break, and spring break, each offering a respite for students and a chance to engage in cultural activities or leisure.

Japan's school holidays are generally uniform across the country, though there are some regional exceptions such as Tokyo Citizen's Day and Okinawa Memorial Day, which have unique cultural significance.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) is the government agency responsible for setting the academic calendar and determining the dates for school holidays. These holidays are generally observed across all public and private schools in Japan, though there may be some variations depending on the region or specific school.

Public Holidays in Japan 2024-2025

Public holidays in Japan, also known as national holidays, are observed nationwide, with schools and most businesses closing to allow people to participate in cultural events, spend time with family, and enjoy a break from their regular routines. The national government, specifically the Cabinet Office, is responsible for determining the dates of these public holidays. Here’s a detailed list of the key public holidays from April 2024 to March 2025:

• Shōwa Day (昭和の日, Showa no hi): 29th April (Monday)
• Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日, Kenpo kinen bi): 3rd May (Friday)
• Greenery Day (みどりの日, Midori no hi): 4th May (Saturday)
• Children’s Day (こどもの日, Kodomo no hi): 5th May (Sunday)
• Children’s Day Holiday: 6th May (Monday)
• Ocean Day (海の日, Umi no hi): 15th July (Monday)
• Mountain Day (山の日): 11th August (Sunday)
• Mountain Day Holiday: 12th August (Monday)
• Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日, Keiro no hi): 16th September (Monday)
• Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日, Shubun no hi): 22nd September (Sunday)
• Autumnal Equinox Holiday: 23rd September (Monday)
• Sports Day (体育の日, Taiiku no hi): 14th October (Monday)
• Culture Day (文化の日, Bunka no hi): 3rd November (Sunday)
• Culture Day Holiday: 4th November (Monday)
• Labour Day (勤労感謝の日, Kinro kansha no hi): 23rd November (Saturday)
• New Year’s Day: 1st January (Wednesday)
• Coming of Age Day (成人の日, Seijin no hi): 13th January (Monday)
• National Foundation Day (建国記念日, Kenkoku kinen bi): 11th February (Tuesday)
• The Emperor’s Birthday (天皇誕生日, Tenno tanjo bi): 23rd February (Sunday)
• The Emperor’s Birthday Holiday: 24th February (Monday)
• Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日, Shunbun no hi): 20th March (Thursday)

Japan’s public holidays reflect the unique importance that the country places on its culture, nature and historical heritage. For example, Golden Week is a series of consecutive public holidays at the end of April and beginning of May which not only provides opportunity for cultural and historical reflection but also extended leisure time, making it a popular travel period for families. Additionally, when public holidays take place on the weekend, there would usually be a make-up holiday on Monday.

These public holidays offer a mix of cultural, historical, and seasonal celebrations, allowing residents and visitors alike to experience the rich traditions of Japan. For the official release of public holidays in 2024 and in 2025, please visit the government website.

Public and Private School Term Breaks in Japan 2024-2025

In addition to public holidays, Japanese schools have designated term breaks that are consistent across most regions. These breaks are important periods for students to relax, travel, or prepare for the next term.

• Summer Break (夏休み, natsu yasumi): 20 July – 31 August 2024. The longest holiday in the school calendar, lasting about five to six weeks. This is a popular time for family vacations, festivals, and summer activities. The summer vacation typically begins in late July and lasts about 30-40 days, varying by region.
• Winter Break (冬休み, fuyu yasumi): 26 December 2024 –6 January 2025. Spanning about two weeks, this break includes New Year celebrations, which are one of the most important events in Japan.
• Spring Break (春休み, haru yasumi): 25 March–5 April 2025. A short break marking the end of the academic year. Many students use this time to prepare for entrance exams or to participate in spring festivals. The spring vacation typically spans from the end of March to early April, with some regional variations.

Generally, all public (公立, koritsu) and private (私立, shiritsu) Japanese schools (学校, gakko) follow the same schedule, with slight regional variation. However, even though the MEXT establishes the school and public holidays, the municipalities (市区町村, shi ku cho son) can decide to adapt these slightly. Compared to primary and secondary education, Japanese universities only have two semesters. Typically, they begin their academic year in April, ending in July, with a two-month summer holiday across August and September. The second term generally runs from October to February, with a spring break in March. Preschools (幼稚園, yochien) often have longer school breaks. Younger children can expect to have half-days or extra holidays at the beginning and end of each term. For example, while almost all elementary and secondary schools begin around 6 April, preschools will begin the following Monday, 10 April.

Compared to public schools, international schools in Japan may have slightly different term dates, often aligning more closely with the international calendar. Parents should therefore double-check with their children’s schools to plan accordingly. Most international schools have two semesters beginning in late August and ending in June. Holidays include:

• A long weekend in October
• A four-day weekend in November
• A three-week winter holiday
• Another long weekend or week-long break in February
• A spring break of one or two weeks in March or April

Typically, Japanese children will receive a substantial amount of homework to finish during the school holidays. This is true especially for students studying one of the more demanding curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB). It is advised that parents hiring an IB tutor in Japan during school holidays to help their children improve their academic performance.

Additional School Holidays in Japan

In addition to the main term breaks and public holidays, there are other days when schools might close, such as:

• School Foundation Day: A day celebrating the founding of the school, specific to each institution.
• Cultural Festivals: Many schools host cultural festivals, which might include an additional day off.
• Sports Day (体育の日, Taiiku no hi): A significant event on 9 October 2024 where all public schools in Japan close to host sports competitions, often resulting in a day off on the following day.

These additional holidays vary by school and region, so it’s essential for parents to stay informed through the school’s communication channels.

List of School Holiday Activities Ideas

During the Japanese school holidays, students have the opportunity to engage in various activities that can be both fun and educational. Here are five activity ideas:

• Private Tutoring: Hiring a private tutor is becoming increasingly common in Japan, particularly in big cities. Hiring an SAT tutor in Tokyo, for example, is on the rise due to tutors’ ability to help students stay ahead academically, especially if they are preparing for important exams or seeking to improve their grades.
• Cultural Workshops: Japan offers numerous cultural workshops where students can learn traditional arts like tea ceremony, calligraphy, or ikebana. These activities are a great way to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture.
• Outdoor Adventures: Japan’s diverse landscape provides ample opportunities for hiking, skiing, or visiting nature reserves. These activities encourage physical fitness and an appreciation for nature.
• Volunteering: Participating in community service projects can be a rewarding way for students to spend their time. Many organisations offer opportunities for young people to contribute to their communities during the holidays.
• Museum Visits: Exploring museums, such as the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo, allows students to learn more about history, science, and the arts in an engaging way.

Conclusion

Understanding Japan's school holidays for the academic year 2024-2025 is essential for both planning and participation in the country’s rich cultural life. The combination of public holidays, term breaks, and additional school closures offers students and families numerous opportunities to relax, learn, and explore. Whether you’re looking to engage in cultural activities, academic pursuits with an SAT tutor in Japan or simply enjoy time together as a family, these holidays provide a valuable respite from the busy school year.