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Obon in Japan 2027: dates and the busiest days for trains

Obon is not a public holiday. The only national holiday in August is Mountain Day, Wednesday 11 August 2027. In 2026 JR Central counted 7 to 16 August as its Obon period, and the busiest day was Sunday 16 August, with 294,000 passengers heading to Tokyo.

Updated

0public holidays for Obon itself
294,000passengers on the busiest day in 2026
10days in JR Central's Obon period

Not a public holiday

Mountain Day and the Obon travel period

Obon is a family custom, not a day set by law. Mountain Day is the holiday in August.

Mountain Day and JR Central's Obon period
YearMountain DayJR Central's Obon period
2026Tuesday 11 August 20267–16 August 2026
2027Wednesday 11 August 2027Not announced

Source: Cabinet Office — National holidays (国民の祝日について)

Mountain DayAugust 11. This day is for seizing the opportunity to acquaint oneself with the mountains and expressing gratitude for their blessings.Act on National Holidays

When the Shinkansen was busiest at Obon 2026

JR Central carried 4,149,000 passengers on the Tokaido Shinkansen in the 10 days from 7 to 16 August 2026. Every Nozomi was reserved-seat only in those days.

Total passengers
4,149,000
Days counted
10 days
Busiest from Tokyo
283,000 · Sat 8 Aug
Busiest to Tokyo
294,000 · Sun 16 Aug

Passengers on the busiest day in each direction (Tokaido Shinkansen)

2026 — leaving Tokyo, Sat 8 August283,000
2026 — heading to Tokyo, Sun 16 August294,000
2025 — leaving Tokyo, Sat 9 August291,000
2025 — heading to Tokyo, Sun 17 August282,000

Source: JR Central — Obon 2026: passenger results (17 August 2026)

Banks and museums at Obon

Banks close only on Mountain Day and at weekends, because Obon itself is not a holiday.

Banks
Closed on Mountain Day and at weekends. Open on the other days of Obon.
National museums in Tokyo and Kyoto
Closed on Mondays as usual. Their pages list no extra closing days for Obon.
Imperial Palace tours
No afternoon tours from 1 July to 30 September, and no tours on Mountain Day.

Frequently asked questions

Is Obon a public holiday in Japan?

No. Obon is a family custom. The only national holiday in August is Mountain Day, Tuesday 11 August in 2026 and Wednesday 11 August in 2027.

When is Obon 2027?

There is no official date, because Obon is not a public holiday. JR Central's Obon period ran from 7 to 16 August 2026. Mountain Day 2027 is Wednesday 11 August 2027.

When are trains busiest at Obon?

In 2026 the Tokaido Shinkansen was busiest leaving Tokyo on Saturday 8 August (283,000 passengers) and heading to Tokyo on Sunday 16 August (294,000 passengers).

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Compiled by Japan Japan !! · Updated October 2, 2026