Japan calendar countdown
Marine Day is getting closer.
Marine Day is usually held on the 3rd Monday in July, celebrating the ocean and its importance to Japan.
Dates for 2026 to 2028 are listed below
Marine Day in Japan
The date can be changed in exceptional years. This calendar follows the usual third-Monday rule.
About Marine Day in Japan
The date commemorates the return of Emperor Meiji by steamship from a tour of northern Japan in July 1876. Marine Day became a national holiday in 1996, the first holiday dedicated to the sea. Since 2003 it has moved to a Monday under the Happy Monday system. It also marks the start of summer holidays for many schools, with beaches opening.
When is Marine Day in Japan?
Marine Day is usually the third Monday in July, which gives 20 July 2026, 19 July 2027 and 17 July 2028.
| Calendar | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | Monday 20 July 2026 | Monday 19 July 2027 | Monday 17 July 2028 |
Planning around Marine Day
Coastal resorts, ferries and beachside hotels fill up fast during the long weekend, so book early, and check for jellyfish warnings and lifeguard hours before swimming. Work out shifts and childcare cover with the free shift planner, or browse every holiday countdown.
Marine Day questions
How many days until Marine Day in Japan?
The live counter at the top of this page shows the days, hours, minutes and seconds left until the next Marine Day in Japan, using the time zone you choose. The dates for 2026 to 2028 are in the table above.
When is Marine Day in 2027 in Japan?
Marine Day falls on Monday 19 July 2027 in Japan.
Why has the date of Marine Day sometimes changed?
The holiday was moved temporarily to suit special events such as the Tokyo Olympics, which affected the dates in 2020 and 2021. In normal years it follows the third Monday in July.