1.Emperor’s Birthday: A Unique Japanese National Holiday You Should Know About
If you’re planning a trip to Japan in February, there’s a national celebration that might just add a royal twist to your itinerary — the Emperor’s Birthday, known in Japanese as 天皇誕生日 (Tennō Tanjōbi). This special day is one of the country’s most symbolic national holidays, honoring the birth of Japan’s reigning emperor.
As of 2025, the current emperor is Emperor Naruhito, who was born on February 23, 1960. Since ascending the throne in 2019, this date has been marked as a national holiday across Japan. On this day, many government buildings and public spaces proudly display the national flag, and a series of formal and traditional events are held, with the centerpiece being a rare public appearance by the emperor himself.
What makes the Emperor’s Birthday truly special is that it's one of only a few occasions when the general public is allowed to enter the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Thousands of people gather to wave flags and listen to the emperor’s address from the palace balcony — a moment both solemn and celebratory.
2.A Walk Through History: The Imperial Family and the Origins of the Emperor’s Birthday
Japan’s imperial family is the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world, with a recorded history that stretches back over 2,600 years. The current emperor, Naruhito, is the 126th emperor in an unbroken line that, according to legend, began with Emperor Jimmu in 660 BCE.
The tradition of celebrating the emperor’s birthday as a national holiday has its roots in Japan’s long-standing reverence for the imperial institution. During the pre-war era, it was known as Tenchōsetsu (天長節), and it was a deeply ceremonial occasion marked with rituals, military parades, and official proclamations. After World War II, with the adoption of the new constitution and the emperor’s symbolic role, the holiday evolved into a more civic and cultural event, though its national importance remains.
The date of the celebration changes with each emperor. For example:
- Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito): April 29 — now celebrated as Shōwa Day
- Emperor Akihito: December 23 — no longer a public holiday
- Emperor Naruhito: February 23 — the current date of celebration
Each emperor brings a new personality and tone to the role, influencing how the public perceives and celebrates the holiday. While the modern emperor no longer holds political power, he is still regarded as a symbol of national unity, continuity, and peace.
To explore the history of Japan’s imperial family, visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens in Tokyo, where remnants of Edo Castle still stand. For a deeper dive into imperial history, the National Museum of Japanese History in Chiba offers fascinating exhibits on Japan’s ancient dynasties.
3.Experience the Official Ceremonies: Watching the Emperor’s Speech Live
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Emperor’s Birthday is the rare opportunity to see the emperor in person. On this day, the inner grounds of the Tokyo Imperial Palace — usually closed to the public — are opened to welcome thousands of visitors eager to take part in this national celebration.
The highlight of the day is the emperor’s public address, delivered from a glass-covered balcony of the Chōwaden Reception Hall. Standing beside members of the imperial family, the emperor greets the crowd and expresses gratitude and hopes for peace and happiness for the nation. The audience waves small Japanese flags and often shouts “Banzai!” — a traditional cheer wishing long life to the emperor.
This is one of only two times each year the general public is invited inside the palace grounds (the other being New Year’s Greeting on January 2), making it a truly special and memorable experience for both locals and tourists.
- Gates typically open around 9:30 AM
- The imperial family appears on the balcony several times, usually between 10:20 AM and noon
- Security is strict, so expect bag checks and wait times
- Entrance is free, but arriving early is recommended to beat the crowds
Some Japanese visitors wear traditional clothing such as kimono or hakama for the occasion, adding an extra layer of cultural richness to the experience.
The closest station to the Imperial Palace is Tokyo Station (Marunouchi Exit) or Otemachi Station. Plan to arrive by 9:00 AM for easier access. Keep your camera ready — while photography is allowed, drones and selfie sticks are strictly prohibited.
4.Discover the Festive Streets: Decorations, Parades, and Local Traditions
While the official ceremonies at the Imperial Palace are the centerpiece of the Emperor’s Birthday, the spirit of celebration flows through the streets of Japan like a quiet but powerful wave of pride and tradition. It’s a day when the country takes a breath, reflects, and shines — not with fireworks, but with grace, culture, and quiet joy.
4-1. A City Dressed in Respect
From bustling Tokyo to the lantern-lit alleyways of Kyoto, you’ll notice how public spaces subtly transform into symbols of national unity. Red-and-white Japanese flags flutter from windows and lamp posts. Polished buildings — from city halls to post offices — proudly wear banners wishing the emperor a long and peaceful reign.
Even modern train stations like Tokyo Station or Shinjuku might surprise you with displays of traditional calligraphy, imperial emblems, or digital screens playing short historical clips of past emperors. In contrast, smaller towns offer a more intimate celebration: local taiko drummers perform in open plazas, tea ceremonies are held in community centers, and children in school uniforms recite poetry or sing national songs.
4-2. Best Places to Feel the Festive Spirit:
- Marunouchi & Hibiya Park, Tokyo – Surrounding the Imperial Palace, the atmosphere is formal yet inviting. Take a walk past the imperial moat, where flags line the paths and families gather in respectful celebration.
- Asakusa (Tokyo) – Traditional streets become especially photogenic with kimono-clad locals and Shinto blessings offered at Sensō-ji Temple
- Kyoto’s Imperial Park (Kyōto Gyoen) – A quiet, regal place to enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by centuries of imperial history
- Nikkō – Home to sacred shrines and scenic winter landscapes, this UNESCO World Heritage site often hosts special cultural displays around this time
- Kanazawa – Known for preserving Edo-period charm, the city may host small public performances or exhibit imperial-themed artworks in local museums
It’s not a flashy celebration — no confetti, no parties in the streets. But that’s what makes it so moving. The Emperor’s Birthday is a national bow — a collective gesture of respect. People dress up, temples ring bells, and neighborhoods come together in quiet appreciation of their shared heritage.
4-3. Travel Tip:
Want truly stunning photos? Visit Meiji Shrine or Yasukuni Shrine early in the morning, when the light is soft, the crowds are thin, and the sense of peace is almost tangible. For a mix of modern and traditional, stroll through Ginza, where imperial elegance meets Tokyo glamor — even the high-end storefronts get a tasteful makeover.
5.Why the Emperor’s Birthday is More Than Just a Holiday: Culture, Unity, and Tradition
At first glance, the Emperor’s Birthday may seem like a quiet, even understated holiday — no fireworks, no carnival parades, no raucous street festivals. But that’s exactly what makes it so uniquely Japanese. This day isn’t about noise; it’s about meaning.
For the Japanese people, the Emperor’s Birthday is more than a day off work — it’s a living connection to centuries of tradition, heritage, and national identity. It reflects the country’s deep respect for harmony, continuity, and quiet strength.
5-1.A Moment of Reflection in a Fast-Paced World
In the modern rush of Tokyo or Osaka, where neon lights and bullet trains dominate daily life, the Emperor’s Birthday offers a pause. People stop. They listen. They look back — not in nostalgia, but in appreciation of where they came from. It's a celebration rooted in mindfulness, with every flag, every bow, and every word spoken by the emperor carrying weight.
5-2. Final Thought for Travelers
If you ever find yourself in Japan on February 23rd, take a moment to join in — not just to witness a rare tradition, but to feel Japan’s cultural heartbeat. Whether you're among the thousands at the Imperial Palace or quietly walking the lantern-lit streets of Kyoto, you’ll understand why this day continues to matter, generation after generation.
Summary
The Emperor's Birthday (February 23rd) is a unique Japanese national holiday celebrating the reigning emperor's birth. It's one of the rare occasions when the public can enter the Imperial Palace grounds in Tokyo to see the Emperor and Imperial Family. Beyond the official ceremonies, the holiday is marked by subtle street decorations, local traditions, and a quiet sense of national unity and respect. It's a day for reflection on Japan's rich history and cultural identity, offering travelers a unique glimpse into the country's traditions.
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