The Emperor's Birthday: Japan's National Holiday Explained

A late-winter holiday celebrates the reigning emperor, and it comes with a public greeting at the Imperial Palace.

Published October 19, 2026 at 12:45 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: The Emperor's Birthday, Tenno Tanjobi, is a national holiday in Japan held on February 23, the birthday of Emperor Naruhito. It has been observed on that date since 2020. Under the previous emperor, the holiday fell on December 23. The Imperial Household Agency sometimes arranges a public greeting at the Imperial Palace, so check its site for details.

What the holiday is

Tenno Tanjobi, the Emperor's Birthday, is a national holiday celebrating the birthday of the reigning emperor. It is one of Japan's public holidays, so schools, government offices and many businesses are closed. The holiday is observed quietly by most people, as a day off and a reminder of the imperial institution. Under Japan's current constitution, the emperor is a symbol of the state and of the unity of the people. The birthday holiday is therefore a civic occasion in addition to a ceremonial one, and it is celebrated in a calm and respectful tone.

If the date falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a substitute holiday, following the standard rule for Japanese national holidays. Check an official calendar each year for exact days. National holidays in Japan have changed over time, and this one reflects the continuity of the imperial line through changing eras. Many people simply enjoy it as a welcome long weekend in a stretch of the calendar with few other holidays.

Dates through the reigns

The date of the holiday follows the birthday of the person on the throne. During the reign of Emperor Akihito, from 1989 to 2019, it was observed on December 23. Before that, during the Showa era, the emperor's birthday was April 29, a date that is now celebrated as Showa Day. Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne on May 1, 2019, at the start of the Reiwa era, and his birthday is February 23. The first holiday on this date took place in 2020.

Because there was no birthday for the new emperor between his accession in May and the end of 2019, there was no Emperor's Birthday holiday that year. The shift means that Japan's winter calendar now has a holiday in late February, when plum blossoms are blooming and the first hints of spring are visible. Era names, such as Heisei and Reiwa, mark the reign of each emperor, so references to a holiday date are often linked to the era in which they were made. Older books and websites may mention December 23 for that reason.

The public greeting at the Imperial Palace

On the day, the emperor and imperial family traditionally appear before the public in the palace grounds to offer greetings and receive congratulations. This is done at the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo, where crowds gather to wave small flags. Appearances are brief, and the family usually greets the crowd from a balcony or a designated spot. The details of the greeting, including the number of appearances and the entry procedure, are decided by the Imperial Household Agency and can change. Some years have different arrangements, such as advance registration or limited entry.

Always consult the agency's official website for current rules, as information is posted in advance. The other major public greeting takes place on January 2, as part of New Year's celebrations. Visitors who wish to see either event should plan carefully and expect security checks and crowds. Participants usually enter through a designated gate and follow marked routes. Small flags are often provided at the entrance, and the atmosphere is cheerful, with families and visitors waiting patiently for the family to appear.

Visiting the Imperial Palace area

The Imperial Palace occupies a large site in central Tokyo, close to Tokyo Station. You can reach the area on foot from the station in around ten to fifteen minutes, or via several subway lines. The palace itself is not open for general entry, though the East Gardens are available to visitors on most days, and some tours must be reserved. The grounds feature stone walls, moats, historic gates and gardens, making the area a pleasant place to stroll.

Surrounding parks and paths are also popular with joggers and walkers. The nearby Marunouchi district offers shops and restaurants. Opening hours and closure days vary, particularly around national holidays, so check the official information. On the holiday itself, access may be restricted for events, and security staff will direct visitors. Cycling, running and strolling are popular around the palace moat, and a loop of the outer path is a pleasant way to see the old walls from different angles. Benches are available along the way for a rest.

What people do on the day

For most people, the holiday is a day off. Some families travel, others relax at home or attend local events. Because it falls in late winter, it is a good time for hot-spring trips, plum viewing and indoor activities like museums. Flags are displayed in some places, such as public buildings and a few homes, usually in a modest way. In schools and in broadcasts, there may be brief explanations of the holiday's meaning.

The date February 23 also has a lighthearted association with Mount Fuji, because the numbers two, two and three can be read as fu-ji-san. Some regions near the mountain mark the day with Mount Fuji events, an example of how the calendar can bring unexpected links. Department stores sometimes host spring sales or seasonal promotions around the long weekend. If you are traveling, it is smart to confirm that your planned restaurants or attractions are open before heading out.

Seasonal notes: plum blossoms and late winter

Late February is the season of ume, plum blossoms. These blooms appear before cherry blossoms and are admired at gardens and shrines across Japan. Famous plum viewing places include gardens in Mito, Tokyo's Yushima Tenjin shrine and many local parks. The weather is still cold in much of the country, so dress warmly. In northern areas, snow festivals and winter sports are in full swing, while in the south, spring flowers begin to appear.

Seasonal sweets such as plum-flavored treats and early spring wagashi are on sale. A holiday weekend is a chance to enjoy them at a tea house or garden while taking in the pale flowers. Plum viewing is often quieter and more reflective than cherry blossom parties. Visitors stroll along paths, admire the delicate fragrance and perhaps enjoy a warm cup of tea, making it a lovely way to spend a holiday afternoon.

Etiquette and tips for visitors

If you plan to attend a public greeting, follow instructions from staff and police, keep belongings small and be prepared for security checks. Flags are often given or sold to participants, and waving them gently is a common way to join in. Do not climb barriers or block pathways. Travel plans should account for the holiday. Public transport may be busier than usual, and some businesses are closed. Restaurants and shops in tourist areas usually remain open, but hours may change.

Show respect for the imperial family by avoiding disruptive behavior or loud comments. The mood is courteous, and visitors who follow the lead of the crowd will find the experience smooth and pleasant. Dress warmly in layers, since waiting outdoors in February can be chilly. Bringing a small thermos of hot tea, where permitted, can make the wait more comfortable, and be sure to dispose of any rubbish properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Emperor's Birthday holiday?

It falls on February 23, the birthday of Emperor Naruhito, and has been observed on this date since 2020. Under the previous emperor, it was held on December 23. If it falls on a Sunday, Monday is a substitute holiday. Check an official calendar in advance, since substitute holidays and long weekends can change where the day falls in a particular year.

Can the public see the emperor on his birthday?

Often yes, through a public greeting at the Imperial Palace, though arrangements vary by year. Check the Imperial Household Agency's official website for current information about times, entry and any registration requirements. Because arrangements have varied in the past, the Imperial Household Agency posts notices ahead of time, and it is wise to read them before traveling to Tokyo.

Why does Mount Fuji appear on February 23?

The numbers two, two and three can be read in Japanese as fu-ji-san, which is the name of the mountain. Some regions near Mount Fuji use the day to hold events celebrating it. The wordplay is a light touch rather than an official part of the holiday, but it explains why Mount Fuji appears in news and local events around that date.

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