School Holidays in Japan in 2020-2021

If you or someone in your family attends one of the best international schools in Japan, you may want to know more about the school holidays in Japan for the year 2020.

The school year in Japan usually begins in April and is divided into three semesters, separated by vacations. The first term runs until around July 20, when summer vacation begins. The kids return to school in early September for the second term, which lasts until about December 25. The final term begins in early January and continues until late March.

During the summer vacation, most Japanese public elementary and middle schools remain closed starting from Marine Day on July 20 and usually last for around six weeks through the end of August.

The second term of the school year includes big events such as field day and the school festival, and comes to an end in December. In most Japanese middle schools, finals begin toward the end of November and are usually held over three days, covering nine subjects: English, math, Japanese, science, social studies, physical education, home economics, music, and art.

Public elementary and middle schools in Japan are closed on national holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Here is a list of school holidays in Japan for the year 2020-2021. Please note that all dates are subject to errors and changes.

Spring Holidays: from March 27, 2019 to April 12, 2019

Shōwa Day: April 29, 2020

Constitution Memorial Day: May 3, 2020

Greenery Day: May 4, 2020

Children’s Day: May 5, 2020

Constitution Memorial Day (observed): May 6, 2020

Summer Holidays: from July 20, 2020 to August 31, 2020

Respect-for-the-Aged Day: September 15, 2020

Autumnal Equinox Day: September 23, 2020

Health-Sports Day: October 10, 2020

Culture Day: November 3, 2020

Labor Thanksgiving Day: November 23, 2020

Emperor’s Birthday: December 23, 2020

Winter Holidays: from December 25, 2020 to January 7, 2021

Coming of Age Day: January 13, 2021 (second Monday in January)

Adults’ Day: January 15, 2021

National Foundation Day: February 11, 2021

Emperor’s Birthday: February 23, 2021

Vernal Equinox Day: March 21, 2021