Japan National Day 2027

When

11 February 2027

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Where

Japan

JapanJapan

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About the event

Families travel, visit shrines, shop or eat out, while the deeper national story sits in the imperial calendar, Shinto symbolism and the red sun flag. The day was celebrated before World War II as Kigensetsu, then abolished after the war and re-established in 1966 as National Foundation Day.

Japanese culture balances ancient court and shrine traditions with modern design, anime, technology, food craft and seasonal festivals. National Foundation Day is one small window into that long continuity.

Why this day

11 February marks National Foundation Day in Japan, based on the traditional date of Emperor Jimmu's accession in 660 BCE. The date is mythic rather than documentary, but it connects modern Japan to imperial origin stories and early state identity.

The day was celebrated before World War II as Kigensetsu, then abolished after the war and re-established in 1966 as National Foundation Day. Its modern form is intentionally quieter, encouraging reflection on the country rather than militarised celebration.

Today the day is a public holiday with flags, shrine visits, civic events and some nationalist ceremonies, but it is not a loud street festival. Visitors see a Japan where national identity is often expressed through restraint, seasonal ritual, food and local tradition.

Across Japan, the day may simply feel like a winter day off. Families travel, visit shrines, shop or eat out, while the deeper national story sits in the imperial calendar, Shinto symbolism and the red sun flag.

Timeline
  • 660 BCETraditional accession date of Emperor Jimmu
  • 1947Post-war constitution redefines emperor and state
  • 1966National Foundation Day re-established as public holiday
Key figures
same date every year11 February
National Foundation Day re-established as public holiday1966
Stay for the event

Check-in 10 Feb, check-out 12 Feb 2027 — 2 nights around 11 February 2027. Change the dates to stay longer.

AREA

Find stays in Tokyo
Getting there
  • Celebratednationwide
  • CapitalTokyo
  • Time zoneJST (UTC+9)
Host country
  • Currency: Japanese yen
  • Language: Japanese
  • Driving: on the left
  • Capital: Tokyo
  • Phone: +81
  • Emergency: 110 / 119
  • Electricity: 100 V, 50/60 Hz, plugs A
What to eat
Sushi

Vinegared rice with fish or vegetables, Japan's best-known food globally.

Tempura

Seafood or vegetables fried in a light crisp batter.

Soba

Buckwheat noodles served hot or cold, often linked to seasonal rituals.

Yakitori

Grilled chicken skewers served at casual gatherings and festivals.

Onigiri

Rice balls filled with salmon, plum or kelp for portable eating.

Mochi

Pounded rice cakes used in seasonal and ceremonial sweets.

What to drink
Green tea

Sencha and matcha carry everyday and ceremonial importance.

Sake

Rice wine used for toasts, shrine rituals and festive meals.

Ramune

Marble-stopper soda associated with festivals and nostalgia.

Culture & traditions
Shrine visits

Some people mark the day with prayers at Shinto shrines.

Imperial tradition

The holiday is tied to Japan's mythic first emperor.

Hinomaru flags

Flags appear at public buildings and some civic events.

Seasonal ritual

Japanese public culture often expresses identity through season and ceremony.

Coming years

Japan National Day 2028

  • Friday 11 February 2028Next event date

Japan National Day 2029

  • Sunday 11 February 2029Event date

Japan National Day 2030

  • Monday 11 February 2030Event date