🌊 Marine Day (Umi no Hi) – Japan’s Sea Day on July 21
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This year, Marine Day falls on Monday, July 21, 2025, making it a national public holiday across Japan .
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🌟 What Is Marine Day?
Also known as Sea Day or Umi no Hi, it’s Japan’s official holiday to honor the seas, express gratitude for the ocean’s bounty, and reflect on the ocean’s importance to Japan as an island nation .
Its roots go back to 1941’s “Marine Memorial Day,” which commemorated Emperor Meiji’s 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 .
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🎉 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 .
• Maritime festivals: Many port cities host ship parades, lantern festivals, and even “mud-ball throwing” events where balls filled with microorganisms are tossed into the sea to help clean it .
• Special exhibitions: National aquariums and maritime museums feature interactive programs, demos by the Maritime Self-Defense Force, and ocean education sessions .
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🏖️ What It Means for Travelers
• It’s a long weekend holiday: expect higher domestic travel and crowds in coastal areas and tourist spots in late July .
• 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  .
• It’s a great opportunity to explore nearby oceans or ports if you’re based in Kyoto—just plan ahead!
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🐟 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 gear—join beach cleanups or participate in community marine projects for a meaningful experience.
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💡 Fun Fact
Japan is unique in having a national holiday solely dedicated to the sea! It reflects how central the ocean is to Japan’s culture, economy, and history