Greenery Day

Greenery Day, or Midori no Hi (みどりの日), is a Japanese national holiday observed annually on May 4. In 2026, it falls on Monday, May 4, during Golden Week, the sequence of public holidays from late April through early May. The holiday encourages people to appreciate nature, recognize the benefits of forests and plants, and cultivate a richer and more harmonious inner life through contact with the natural world.

The holiday developed from the birthday of Emperor Hirohito, later known as Emperor Showa, which was celebrated on April 29. After his death in 1989, April 29 was renamed Greenery Day in recognition of his reported affection for plants, trees, and nature, while also preserving a public holiday at the beginning of Golden Week. In 2007, April 29 became Showa Day, commemorating the historical period of the Showa era, and Greenery Day was moved to May 4. The change established the modern holiday calendar and gave Greenery Day a distinct environmental and cultural meaning.

Greenery Day is commonly observed through outdoor recreation, visits to parks, botanical gardens, forests, gardens, and nature reserves, as well as gardening, tree planting, environmental education, and local conservation projects. Many municipalities and public institutions organize activities focused on biodiversity, recycling, woodland management, or learning about native plants. Some parks, zoos, museums, and nature-related facilities offer free or discounted admission, although programs vary by location and year.

Because Greenery Day falls within Golden Week, many people combine its nature-centered message with family outings, domestic travel, hiking, picnics, and visits to relatives. There is no single traditional dish or nationwide ceremonial ritual associated with the holiday; seasonal picnic foods, regional specialties, and spring produce are often enjoyed informally. Standard greetings are less formalized than on New Year’s Day, but people may say “Midori no Hi omedetō gozaimasu” (みどりの日おめでとうございます, “Happy Greenery Day”) or exchange wishes for a pleasant Golden Week and appreciation of nature.