Young Japanese women in colorful furisode kimono celebrating Coming of Age Day

Japan Coming of Age Day Guide 2025

On the second Monday of January, Japan's cities transform into seas of furisode kimono as young adults celebrate their official entry into adulthood. Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi) is one of the year's most visually spectacular public events — a genuine cultural experience available to any visitor in Japan during January.

Book Your January Tokyo Stay

Tokyo's Coming of Age Day combines Meiji Jingu shrine celebrations with the city's quieter, post-New Year atmosphere — an ideal time to visit.

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What Is Seijin no Hi?

Seijin no Hi (成人の日, Coming of Age Day) is a Japanese national holiday held on the second Monday of January each year. It celebrates those who have turned or will turn 20 (or 18 since the 2022 age-of-majority change) during the current academic year, officially welcoming them into adulthood. Municipal governments across Japan hold formal seijin-shiki (成人式) ceremonies — typically at local civic halls — where new adults receive a congratulatory address and commemorative gifts from the city.

The most visible aspect for visitors is the public spectacle of thousands of young people dressed in their finest traditional garments gathering outside train stations, shrines, and ceremony venues throughout the morning. Young women typically wear furisode — long-sleeved formal kimono in bold colors with elaborate obi — while young men wear either hakama (formal Japanese trousers) or Western suits.

Furisode — the Coming of Age Kimono

Furisode (振袖, “swinging sleeves”) are formal kimono with exceptionally long sleeves — up to 114cm — that are traditionally worn by unmarried women for formal occasions. Seijin-shiki is the most common occasion for wearing furisode in contemporary Japan.

Furisode at Seijin-shiki

CostFurisode rental for seijin-shiki: ¥30,000–¥150,000 (includes kimono, obi, accessories, and hair styling). Purchase: ¥150,000–¥1,000,000+

BookingFurisode rental for January ceremonies must be reserved 6–12 months in advance; popular dates and styles book in summer of the previous year

ColorsBold, vivid patterns prevail — deep reds, blues, greens, and black with floral (peony, chrysanthemum, plum) and crane motifs are traditional

Where to See Seijin-shiki Celebrations

Meiji Jingu Shrine (Tokyo)

Best in Tokyo

Many young adults make a shrine visit before or after the official ceremony — Meiji Jingu sees large numbers of furisode-clad women and hakama-wearing men on Coming of Age Day. The forest path leading to the shrine provides a beautiful contrast to the vivid garments. 09:00–12:00 is the peak period.

Makuhari Messe (Chiba)

Chiba City holds one of Japan's largest and most media-covered seijin-shiki at the convention center. The ceremony frequently attracts photographers and TV crews. Accessible by JR Keiyo Line.

Naha (Okinawa)

Okinawa's seijin-shiki is famous throughout Japan for its exuberant, carnival-like atmosphere — some participants arrive in modified cars, colorful hairstyles, and creative interpretations of traditional dress. The Naha event has achieved national media notoriety as a uniquely spirited coming-of-age celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Coming of Age Day in Japan?▼

Seijin no Hi is held on the second Monday of January each year. In 2025, it falls on January 13. The seijin-shiki ceremonies take place throughout the morning of this day at municipal halls, with shrine and celebration gatherings continuing through the afternoon.

What is the age for Coming of Age Day in Japan?▼

Japan lowered the age of majority from 20 to 18 in April 2022. However, many municipalities continue to hold ceremonies for those turning 20 (as the traditional threshold), while others have transitioned to celebrating those turning 18. Check each city's specific ceremony criteria — both ages co-exist in different regions.

Can foreign visitors attend a seijin-shiki ceremony?▼

The formal ceremony halls are typically for participants and their families, but the public gathering outside venues — shrine visits, photographing celebrations in public spaces — is openly accessible to all. Japan's coming-of-age celebrations are inherently public events in parks, shrine grounds, and around train stations.

Book Your Tokyo January Hotel

January is one of Tokyo's quieter months for tourists — great weather, comfortable prices, and the extraordinary spectacle of Coming of Age Day.

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