2026 · 10 events
2026 Promotion Calendar for Japanese Restaurants
Plan your restaurant promotions around Japan's key holidays, seasonal traditions, and cultural events in 2026. From Oshogatsu to year-end bonenkai, capture every dining occasion.
January1 events
New Year (Oshogatsu)Jan 1-3
- Offer a traditional osechi-ryori (New Year meal box) pre-order campaign — start promoting in early December for January delivery.
- Create a "Hatsumode Special" set menu for families visiting shrines — warm soba, ozoni soup, and seasonal sides.
- Run a "Fukubukuro" (lucky bag) promotion — mystery meal bags at a fixed price with contents worth much more.
February2 events
Setsubun (Bean-Throwing Festival)Feb 3
- Offer ehomaki (lucky direction sushi rolls) with premium fillings — customers eat uncut rolls facing the lucky direction of the year.
- Create a "Demon-Banishing" themed menu with spicy dishes — playing on the tradition of throwing beans to ward off evil spirits.
Valentine's DayFeb 14
- Offer a Valentine's course menu with chocolate-themed desserts — in Japan, women traditionally give chocolate, so cater to group and solo diners too.
- Sell giri-choco (obligation chocolate) dessert sets for corporate customers to give to colleagues and clients.
March1 events
White DayMar 14
- Offer "White Day Return Gift" dessert sets — men traditionally return gifts to women who gave Valentine's chocolate, so create elegant gift-ready packages.
- Launch a white-themed menu — white chocolate, milk pudding, tofu cheesecake — tying into the "white" theme of the day.
May1 events
Golden WeekApr 29 - May 5
- Launch a "Golden Week Family Feast" set menu with sharing platters — many families dine out during the consecutive holidays.
- Offer a special GW delivery promotion — tourists and staycationers order in, so push delivery platform visibility.
- Create a limited-time "Kodomo no Hi" (Children's Day, May 5) kids' menu with kashiwa-mochi and fun character-shaped dishes.
July1 events
Tanabata (Star Festival)Jul 7
- Offer a "Tanabata Wish" promotion — customers write wishes on tanzaku paper strips displayed in your restaurant, and get 7% off on July 7.
- Create star and Milky Way-themed dishes and drinks — somen noodles (traditional Tanabata food) served in beautiful star-shaped presentations.
August1 events
Obon FestivalAug 13-16
- Offer family reunion catering packages — many Japanese return to their hometowns during Obon and gather with extended family.
- Create a refreshing summer menu with hiyashi chuka (cold ramen), kakigori (shaved ice), and seasonal fruit desserts.
September1 events
Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro no Hi)Sep 21
- Launch a "Grandparents' Feast" set menu with traditional Japanese comfort food — treat your grandparents to a special meal.
- Offer a free dessert or drink for customers aged 65+ on Keiro no Hi — creates goodwill and encourages family groups to dine in.
October1 events
HalloweenOct 31
- Create Instagram-worthy Halloween-themed dishes — kabocha (pumpkin) tempura, black squid ink ramen, and ghost-shaped onigiri.
- Run a "Costume Discount" — customers in Halloween costumes get 10% off their order, driving foot traffic and social media buzz.
December1 events
Christmas & Year-End Parties (Bonenkai)Dec 1-25
- Offer bonenkai (year-end party) course packages with nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) — corporate groups book heavily in December.
- Sell Christmas cake (kurisumasu keeki) pre-orders — strawberry shortcake is the iconic Japanese Christmas dessert.
- Launch an "Early Bonenkai Booking" discount — 15% off for groups that book their year-end party before November 30.