Events and Public Holidays in Yokohama
January
1 January (national holiday): New Year's Day - celebrated with visits to shrines and temples, and special foods at home. Most companies are closed for the first three days of the year.
Second Monday in January (national holiday): Coming of Age ceremony - a celebration for young people who turn 20 during the year
February
3 February: "Setsubun" - the beginning of spring celebrated at most temples and shrines. Tradition has it that beans are thrown to expel evil spirits.
Early February: Yokohama Film Festival
11 February (national holiday): National Foundation Day
Mid-February: Chinese New Year celebrations at Yokohama China Town
14 February: Valentine's Day - in Japan, women give chocolate to men to declare their affection
Plum Blossom Viewing, e.g. in Sankeien Garden or Ookurayama Plum Garden
Late Febraury: Yokohama International Women's Ekiden relay race
March
3 March: "Hina matsuri" girls' festival
Mid-March: St. Patrick's Day Parade
21 or 22 March: Spring Equinox
Late March: Cherry Blossom Viewing
April
Early April: Cherry Blossom Viewing
Street Arts performances
May
29 April - 5 May: Golden Week - four national holidays in one week. Many Japanese take the remaining two days off from work and use Golden Week to travel.
5 May: Children's Day and "Tango no sekku" Boy's festival - many families hang up carp streamers outside and display samurai costumes in the home
Early May: Minato Festival
Mid-May: Noh theatre performance by torchlight at Shomyoji temple in Kanazawa ward
Late May: Yokohama Port Cutter Race
Late May: Yokohama International Marine Entertainment Show
June
Early June: Yokohama Port Opening Festival and Commemorative Bazaar
Mid-June: Hakkeijima Hydrangea Festival
July
Third Monday in July (national holiday): "Umi no hi" Ocean Day
Late July: Yokohama Hawaii Festival
Late July: Asahi Jazz Festival
Fireworks shows
"Tanabata" star festival
August
"Tanabata" star festival
Fireworks shows
"Obon" festival - many Japanese travel to their town or village of origin to commemorate their deceased ancestors
Late August: YOKOHAMA Honmoku Jazz Festival
September
Yokohama Floating Yacht Show
Harvest Moon Viewing at Sankeien Garden
October
Early October: Yokohama Oktoberfest
November
"Shichi go san" festival for children - celebrated in shrines
Yokohama Marathon
Shomyoji Temple
© The City of Yokohama
December
Year end illuminations, e.g. at Shomyoji temple and around Yokohama Station
23 December (national holiday): Emperor's Birthday
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