Marine Day in Japan
Marine Day, or Umi no Hi, is a Japanese national holiday on the third Monday of July. It gives thanks for the benefits of the sea and expresses a wish for Japan’s prosperity as a maritime nation.[1]
A holiday rooted in Japan’s maritime history
The holiday’s history reaches back to 1876, when Emperor Meiji returned to Yokohama by sea from a tour of northeastern Japan. He traveled aboard the Meiji Maru, a lighthouse inspection vessel. The return on July 20 later became the basis for Marine Memorial Day, established in 1941.[2]
Marine Day was added to Japan’s national holidays by a 1995 amendment and first observed as a holiday in 1996. It originally fell on July 20; since 2003, it has been observed on the third Monday of July to create more leisure time. Japan’s Cabinet Office describes it as a day to appreciate the sea’s benefits and wish for the prosperity of a country whose history and life have long been connected to the sea.[1]
How people mark the day
There is no single nationwide custom that everyone follows. The holiday’s purpose is to encourage appreciation of the sea, its resources and its role in Japan’s life. The Cabinet Office says that government bodies and local authorities are encouraged to hold events that deepen public understanding and interest in the ocean.[1]
Activities vary by place and year. Official accounts describe ship and maritime experiences, displays and educational events, while July is also designated as Marine Month for outreach about the sea. These events offer ways to observe the holiday, but their schedules and availability are set locally.[3]
A national holiday and a long weekend
Japan’s Act on National Holidays lists Marine Day as a public holiday on the third Monday of July. The law says national holidays are holidays. It also provides a substitute holiday when a national holiday falls on Sunday; because Marine Day is set on Monday, that Sunday rule does not create an extra day off for it.[1]
The national holiday does not by itself guarantee every worker a day away from work. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s model employment rules treat days off as workplace conditions that employers set out in employment rules. Employees should check their work schedule.[4]
Planning around Marine Day
Opening hours vary by business and region. Japan’s tourism organization says urban shops commonly open daily, while offices generally operate on weekdays; some convenience stores and chain businesses remain open around the clock, including on national holidays. Check individual venues for holiday hours.[5]
The holiday can make a three-day weekend for people whose regular days off include Saturday and Sunday. For travel, check the relevant railway or bus operator’s timetable and book ahead if your plans depend on a particular service; schedules and business hours can differ.[2][5]
Marine Day questions
When is Marine Day?
It falls on the third Monday of July each year. The dates change from year to year because the holiday is set by weekday rather than a fixed calendar date.[1]
Is Marine Day a day off for everyone?
Are shops, offices and public transport open?
Hours vary. Shops may open, while offices generally operate on weekdays; some stores remain open 24 hours. Check the specific business and transport operator for its holiday schedule.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for Marine Day in Japan:
- 各「国民の祝日」について- Cabinet Office, Government of Japan
- 特集 今年は30回目の海の日！- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
- 海事：海に親しむ- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
- The Model Rules of Employment- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
- Japan Business Hours | Japan Holidays | Travel Japan | JNTO- Japan National Tourism Organization