Top holidays celebrated in Japan and their traditions

Holidays play an important role in bringing families and communities together across Japan. From New Year’s celebrations to seasonal festivals, many holidays celebrated in Japan focus on family, tradition, and honoring important milestones.

Whether you have family in Japan or simply want to learn more about Japanese traditions, understanding these important celebrations offers insight into the customs that connect generations.

If you’re supporting family and friends during these special occasions, you can send money to Japan quickly and conveniently with Western Union.

Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year)

Oshogatsu, or Japanese New Year, is one of the most important holidays celebrated in Japan. Observed from January 1 through January 3, it is a time for family gatherings, reflection, and welcoming good fortune for the year ahead.

Many people return to their hometowns to celebrate with relatives, making it one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Common traditions include:

• Visiting shrines or temples for the year’s first prayer, known as hatsumode
• Enjoying traditional New Year’s foods called osechi ryori
• Sending New Year’s cards, or nengajo
• Giving children monetary gifts called otoshidama

For families living abroad, sending financial support before the New Year can help those who matter most prepare for celebrations, meals, and gatherings. You can begin a money transfer online in just a few steps.

Golden Week

Golden Week is one of the most widely celebrated holiday periods in Japan. Taking place from late April through early May, it combines several national holidays, including:

• Showa Day
• Constitution Memorial Day
• Greenery Day
• Children’s Day

Because these holidays occur close together, many schools close and families take time off to travel, visit relatives, or enjoy time together.

For many households, Golden Week provides an opportunity to reconnect with family and participate in community celebrations.

Obon

Obon is a traditional Buddhist festival that honors the spirits of ancestors. Usually celebrated in mid-August, although dates may vary by region, Obon is one of the most meaningful Japanese holidays.

Much like family-centered observances in other cultures, Obon brings relatives and friends together. Many people return to their hometowns to:

• Visit family graves
• Clean and decorate ancestral memorials
• Participate in community Bon Odori dances
• Share meals with relatives

The holiday emphasizes remembrance, gratitude, and family connections across generations.

For families living abroad, sending money during Obon can help relatives prepare gatherings, maintain family memorials, or purchase items for traditional ceremonies.

If your recipient prefers digital access to funds, Western Union also supports international mobile wallet transfers in select destinations where available.

Shichi-Go-San

Celebrated on November 15, Shichi-Go-San marks important milestones for girls ages three and seven and boys age five.

Families often dress children in traditional clothing and visit shrines to pray for their health, happiness, and future success. Grandparents and relatives may also give gifts or money to celebrate the occasion.

For family members living overseas, a monetary gift can be a meaningful way to participate in this special celebration and share in the moment from afar.

Other holidays celebrated in Japan

In addition to these major celebrations, Japan observes several other holidays throughout the year, including:

• Coming of Age Day (January)
• National Foundation Day (February)
• Marine Day (July)
• Respect for the Aged Day (September)
• Sports Day (October)
• Culture Day (November)
• Labor Thanksgiving Day (November)

Each of these holidays reflects important aspects of Japanese history, culture, family life, and community values.

Major holidays in Japan at a glance

Sending money to Japan during holiday seasons

Many Japanese holidays involve family gatherings, shared meals, gift-giving, and travel. Planning ahead can help ensure your family and friends have access to funds when they need them most.

With the international money transfer app, you can send money from almost anywhere, track your transfer, and support family during Japan’s busiest holiday seasons.

Whether you’re helping with holiday expenses, sending a gift, or supporting relatives during a family celebration, Western Union provides convenient options for international transfers.

Celebrate together, even from afar

Even when you’re far apart, holidays can be a meaningful way to stay close to family. Whether it’s Oshogatsu, Golden Week, Obon, or Shichi-Go-San, supporting those who matter most can be part of the celebration.

When you’re ready, begin a money transfer with Western Union and help your family celebrate life’s important moments.