Silver Week

Silver Week is an occasional longer holiday of the Japanese calendar, that happens approximately every 5 to 7 years, when the dates of 2 national holidays are close enough to allow for a holiday period of at least 5 days.

Read more:

Golden Week - A Week-Long Japanese Holiday

When is the Silver Week happening?

Every year, there are 2 official national days off in September:

• Keiro no Hi, the Respect for the Aged Day, taking place on the 3rd Monday of September; and,
• Shubun no Hi, the Autumnal Equinox Day, an astronomical event with a date that varies between September 22 and 23 depending on the year.

These 2 days usually allow the population to have at least a longer weekend followed by a day off, that can be combined with a couple of paid leave.

Silver Week is a recent holiday period: the 1rst one happened in 2009, following the introduction in the Japanese law of the Kokumin no Kyujitsu ("the citizens’ holiday") system: any working day preceded and succeeded by a public holiday also becomes a public holiday.

The dates of the Silver Week for the years to come are:

• In 2025, there will be no Silver Week, but 2 longer weekends : From September 13 (Saturday) to September 15 (Monday), then from September 20 (Saturday) to September 23 (Tuesday);
• In 2026 the Silver Week will take place from September 19 (Saturday) to September 23 (Wednesday). September 22 falls between Keiro no Hi and Shubun no Hi and consequently becomes a Kokumin no kyujitsu public holiday;
• In 2027 from September 18 (Saturday) to September 20th (Monday), and on September 23 (Thursday);
• In 2028 from September 16 (Saturday) to September 18 (Monday), and on September 22 (Friday);
• In 2029 from September 15 (Saturday) to September 17 (Monday), then on September 22 (Saturday);
• In 2030 from September 14 (Saturday) to September 16 (Monday), then on September 22 (Sunday) followed by September 23 (Monday) for the places that follow the compensatory public holiday rule.

Therefore, the next "true" Silver Weeks will take place in 2026 (September 19-23), then in 2032 (September 18-22).

How does the Silver Week impact tourism?

Even if it doesn’t happen on a regular basis, the Silver Week has the same impact on tourism than the New Year’s holidays, the Golden Week in May and Obon in mid-August for travelers in Japan. The Japanese indeed take this opportunity to travel and consequently, when planning a trip in the archipelago around mid-September, one must make sure to:

• Book accommodations as early as possible on these dates;
• Book train seats as soon as arriving in Japan, especially if taking the Shinkansen and even if traveling with a Japan Rail Pass;
• Avoid driving on days of intense traffic, such as the beginning and the end of the period, when people leave the big cities, then return.

While most of the local facilities and shops (konbini, department stores and others) remain open during this period, it is not unusual for private companies and administration to close, sometimes for a week. It can also be difficult to withdraw cash: ATMs are often only usable during the banks opening hours (and they close for several days). Contactless payment and the use of bank cards 💳 are more widespread in Japan now, but we recommend arranging to have enough Yens 💴 in cash in case of any event during the Silver Week.

Is Silver Week a good time to visit Japan ?

Around mid-September, touristic destinations, such as Kamikochi, have an attendance peak, mainly due to local visitors. At this time of the year, the Japanese particularly love Okinawa for its warm weather and Hokkaido for the 1rst koyo of fall, especially in Mount Daisetsuzan.

September remains prone to typhoons 🌀, but the scorching summer heat starts to recede letting space for the increasingly drier and cooler weather of autumn. Besides its public holidays, September is a pleasant month to travel, enlivened by fall blooming (higanbana, cosmos, chrysanthemums) and the first red momiji 🍁 foliage in the colder regions. Moreover, cultural events such as traditional matsuri and harvest festivals are still happening. Although it is a low season for inbound tourism, September is ideal for outdoor activities and relaxing at an onsen ♨️ hot spring 🌸.