Marine Day

Marine Day is a Japanese national holiday celebrating the ocean and it's importance to Japan. Being an island nation, Japan is heavily influenced by the ocean and all the resources it provides. Marine day lands on the third Monday in July, prompting many Japanese to celebrate this day by heading to the beach. First designated as a national holiday in 1995, Marine Day was formerly known as Marine Memorial Day, designated in 1941 to commemorate the anniversary of the Meiji Emperor's return to Yokohama Port during his 1876 voyage in the Meiji Maru, an iron steamship.

While there are no particular traditions on this day besides celebrating with ocean-themed festivities or a trip to the beach, all the national aquariums feature special events or attractions related to the oceans. There are numerous aquariums in Tokyo, Osaka, and the rest of Japan that are perfect to explore during this nautical-themed holiday. Port-towns like Nagasaki and Yokohama are also great cities to tour during Marine Day's festivities!

Looking to celebrate Marine Day during your vacation? Add a stop to Yokohama or an aquarium visit in Osaka with our custom tour options, or add them during your free day on our line of fully-guided Cherry Blossom Japan Tours or Nikkei Tours packages available spring or year-round with Japan Deluxe Tours!