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