Japan calendar countdown
Children's Day is getting closer.
Children's Day falls on 5th May and closes Japan's Golden Week holiday period.
Dates for 2026 to 2028 are listed below
Children's Day in Japan
Families celebrate children's happiness and growth. A substitute holiday may apply when a national holiday falls on Sunday.
About Children's Day in Japan
Kodomo no Hi was established as a national holiday in 1948, but it grew from Tango no Sekku, an older festival traditionally focused on boys. Families fly carp-shaped koinobori streamers, display samurai helmets and eat kashiwamochi, rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves. Some households take a bath scented with iris leaves, which are believed to ward off illness and bring health.
When is Children's Day in Japan?
Children's Day is fixed on 5 May every year, and when a national holiday falls on a Sunday a substitute holiday is normally declared.
| Calendar | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | Tuesday 5 May 2026 | Wednesday 5 May 2027 | Friday 5 May 2028 |
Planning around Children's Day
Golden Week is among the busiest travel periods in Japan, so reserve accommodation and reserved shinkansen seats well ahead and expect crowds at theme parks and museums. Work out shifts and childcare cover with the free shift planner, or browse every holiday countdown.
Children's Day questions
How many days until Children's Day in Japan?
The live counter at the top of this page shows the days, hours, minutes and seconds left until the next Children's Day in Japan, using the time zone you choose. The dates for 2026 to 2028 are in the table above.
When is Children's Day in 2027 in Japan?
Children's Day falls on Wednesday 5 May 2027 in Japan.
Why are carp streamers flown on Children's Day?
The carp is admired in Japan for swimming upstream against strong currents, and legend says it can become a dragon. Hanging koinobori expresses hope that children will grow up healthy, strong and determined.