Coming of Age Day in Japan: A Guide to Seijin no Hi

What is Coming of Age Day?

Coming of Age Day, or Seijin no Hi, is a Japanese national holiday held annually on the second Monday of January. This holiday is designed to celebrate and encourage young adults who have reached the legal age of adulthood. While the Civil Code was amended in April 2022, lowering the legal age of adulthood to 18, many local governments continue to hold ceremonies for 20-year-olds. It is important to check with local municipal offices regarding specific age requirements and event schedules in your area.

Ceremonies and Traditions

The most significant part of the day is the Seijin-shiki, or Coming of Age Ceremony, organized by local city or ward offices. These ceremonies are formal events where young adults gather to receive congratulations from community leaders. While the ceremonies themselves are often organized for local residents, the surrounding atmosphere in cities is very festive.

You will often see young women wearing Furisode, which are highly decorative, long-sleeved kimonos. Men frequently wear formal suits or traditional Hakama. Because these outfits are expensive and require professional fitting, many families book hair stylists and kimono rental services months in advance. Visiting shrines or temples is also a common tradition, as young adults seek blessings for their new stage of life.

What to Expect as a Visitor

If you are a resident or visitor during this time, you will notice that many shopping districts are crowded. While the day is a holiday, please be aware that many government offices and banks will be closed. Public transportation operates on a holiday schedule, which may mean different timings than usual. If you are traveling to a major city like Tokyo or Osaka, expect popular shrines and parks to be quite busy with families and young people in traditional dress.

Good to know

• Check local rules: Because the legal age changed to 18, some cities celebrate 18-year-olds while others stick to 20. Always check your local municipal website.

• Book in advance: If you plan to rent a kimono or book a professional photoshoot, do so several months ahead of January.

• Respect privacy: While it is tempting to take photos of people in beautiful kimonos, always ask for permission before photographing individuals.

• Holiday closures: Expect most government services and some non-essential businesses to be closed on this Monday.

Official information

• Prime Minister's Office of Japan
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Rules and fees can change. Please confirm the latest details with the official sources above.