How to take advantage of prefectural holidays

Recently, Genkidesu told us about ways to get more acquainted with the prefectures in which we reside. Like Genkidesu, I've found that the pandemic has curtailed my wanderings and I’ve stuck close to home. While you may be bummed out by the situation, it’s also an opportunity to explore the region where you live or neighboring prefectures.

And we’ve got lots of holidays on which to explore. Japan has sixteen national holidays to give you a respite from work and for your children, a break from studies. In addition to the statutory holidays, you'll also likely get a long break from your schedule for the observed holidays at Obon in August and Oshogatsu for the new year. In addition to these national holidays and observances, you may be able to take advantage of prefectural holidays.

Prefectural Holidays in The Kanto Region

For residents of the Kanto region, there are a handful of prefectures that mark their birthdays in November. The first up is Ibaraki Prefecture on November 13th. This year, the holiday falls on a Sunday. While Sunday is a day off for a lot of people, it still comes with some treats for visitors and residents alike. Many institutions such as museums and natural beauty spots are free or discounted admission.

Saitama Prefecture encourages visitors and residents to explore the prefecture with a free ticket, an all-day pass on a number of train lines in the prefecture allowing you to hop on and hop off for a day.

I'm tempted to visit Gyoda City for the ancient burial mounds, photo Saigen Jiro

Yamanashi Prefecture celebrates the big day on November 20th. Many tourist attractions, gardens, and museums offer free or discounted admission for the day.

I live in one prefecture, Chiba, and work in another, Saitama, so I’m intending to take advantage of the day off work on a discounted train ticket to see a location I haven’t had the chance to explore yet.

The Chichibu Mountains in autumn, photo Koichi Oda

Prefectures that Mark their Holidays

Not all prefectures have a citizen's holiday. Here's a list of those that do. As Genkidesu says, check out brochures at train stations and explore their websites to find out what's on.

Fukui Prefecture February 7th

Ehime Prefecture February 20th

Mie Prefecture April 18th

Toyama Prefecture May 9th

Tochigi Prefecture June 15th

Chiba Prefecture June 15th

Kagoshima Prefecture July 14th

Hokkaido Prefecture July 15th

Fukushima Prefecture August 21st

Shizuoka Prefecture August 21st

Akita Prefecture August 29th

Tottori Prefecture September 12th

Tokyo October 1st

Gunma Prefecture October 28th

Ibaraki Prefecture November 13th

Saitama Prefecture November 14th

Yamanashi Prefecture November 20th

Wakayama Prefecture November 22nd

Do you live in one of these prefectures? Does your prefecture have deals or treats on the day?