Tokyo Citizens' Day

What Is Tokyo Citizens' Day?

October 1st is "Tokyo Citizens' Day" (Tomin no Hi), commemorating the abolition of special city administration restrictions and the establishment of Tokyo City Hall on this day in 1898. It was established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 1952.

A Holiday Unique to Tokyo

Tokyo Citizens' Day was established as a day to deepen residents' sense of identity as citizens of Tokyo and to celebrate the city's development -- a holiday unique to the Tokyo metropolitan area.

• Origin: commemorates the historic moment on October 1, 1898, when Tokyo City gained the ability to have its own independent city government
• Its treatment in schools: when first established, Tokyo metropolitan high schools and public elementary and junior high schools were closed for the day
• Current trends: since the introduction of the five-day school week in 2002, more schools now hold regular classes to secure enough instructional time

A Special Day When Metropolitan Facilities Open for Free

On Tokyo Citizens' Day, facilities operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government -- zoos, art museums, gardens, and more -- sometimes open free of charge, drawing crowds of families in a beloved annual tradition.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Check which metropolitan facilities are offering free admission on Tokyo Citizens' Day
• Take the family to a zoo or art museum
• Look into the history of how Tokyo City came to be
• Look up the founding holiday of your own local municipality

Knowing a City's History Nurtures Affection for the Place You Call Home

Even a city like Tokyo, lived in so casually every day, carries a history built up over time. October 1st is a day to reflect on that history and enjoy the city of Tokyo anew.