ð Marine Day (Umi no Hi) â Japanâs Sea Day on July 21
Partager
This year, Marine Day falls on Monday, Julyâ¯21, 2025, making it a national public holiday across Japan ￌ.
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ð What Is Marine Day?
Also known as Sea Day or Umi no Hi, itâs Japanâs official holiday to honor the seas, express gratitude for the oceanâs bounty, and reflect on the oceanâs importance to Japan as an island nation ￌ.
Its roots go back to 1941âs âMarine Memorial Day,â which commemorated Emperor Meijiâs return to Yokohama by ship in 1876. It became a national holiday in 1996 and was shifted to the third Monday in July in 2003 to create a long weekend tradition ￌ.
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ð How People Celebrate Marine Day
⢠Beach days, water sports & aquariums: Families often head to the beach or coastal aquariums, where marine-themed events, exhibitions, and water shows take place ￌ.
⢠Maritime festivals: Many port cities host ship parades, lantern festivals, and even âmud-ball throwingâ events where balls filled with microorganisms are tossed into the sea to help clean it ￌ.
⢠Special exhibitions: National aquariums and maritime museums feature interactive programs, demos by the Maritime Self-Defense Force, and ocean education sessions ￌ.
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ðïž What It Means for Travelers
⢠Itâs a long weekend holiday: expect higher domestic travel and crowds in coastal areas and tourist spots in late July ￌ.
⢠Public transport runs a holiday schedule; some shops and offices will be closed or crowded. Attractions like USJ or aquariums may get busier than usual ￌ ￌ.
⢠Itâs a great opportunity to explore nearby oceans or ports if youâre based in Kyotoâjust plan ahead!
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ð For Kyoto Visitors: Local Ideas on Marine Day
⢠Visit aquariums or coastal cities like Osaka Kaiyukan or Kobe Harborland.
⢠Explore Umi-themed events at local museums or cultural centers in Kansai during the holiday weekend.
⢠Pack eco-friendly gearâjoin beach cleanups or participate in community marine projects for a meaningful experience.
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ð¡ Fun Fact
Japan is unique in having a national holiday solely dedicated to the sea! It reflects how central the ocean is to Japanâs culture, economy, and history