Embracing French Holiday Traditions: A Calendar Guide for Niseko & Furano Hosts
2023.10.14
Hokkaido stands as one of Japan’s most captivating tourist destinations.
In particular, the Niseko and Furano areas continue to enchant visitors from both within Japan and abroad with their natural beauty.
Notably, France ranks second in the number of European tourists visiting Hokkaido, making the French a significant clientele for the Niseko and Furano regions.*
Through this article, let’s delve into the inbound trends and understand the traditions that resonate with the French.
*Reference:Hokkaido Tourist Arrival Report Fiscal Year 2019
Understanding France
: A Glimpse into the National Calendar and Traditions
Understanding a country’s culture is pivotal to seizing business opportunities, as it’s closely tied to the public’s consumption behavior.
Here, we’ll explore the religious aspects intertwined with the French lifestyle and their approach to holidays, both crucial in understanding their needs.
A Nation Steeped in Catholicism
Since the baptism in the late 5th century, Catholicism has been the foundational religion in France.
According to a 2020 survey, about 47% of the French public identified as Catholics.1
This significant Catholic population influences many aspects of life in France, from national holidays to family traditions.2
For instance, out of the 11 public holidays celebrated annually in France, four are directly related to Catholicism.
The French Vacation Calendar: When and How They Celebrate
In France, it’s mandatory for workers to take five weeks of paid leave annually.3
Moreover, students enjoy five long breaks throughout the year, each lasting about two weeks.4
Many French families utilize these breaks to travel, making it essential for businesses to be aware of these calendar periods.
Trends Among French Tourists Visiting Japan5
Historical data (pre-COVID) indicates that April sees the highest influx of French tourists to Japan, followed by July and October.
These trends align with the long breaks in the French academic calendar and the national holiday periods.
Conversely, June and September witness fewer visitors, as schools and businesses operate as usual.
Furthermore, there’s a decline in French tourists from December to February, as many celebrate Christmas and other traditions with family.6
Quoted from Data list | Japan Tourism Statistics
Highlighting France’s 2023 National Holidays: What Do They Celebrate?
France boasts 11 national holidays annually.
Let’s focus on the prominent ones that influence the travel behaviors of the French public.7
July 14, 2023 (Friday): Bastille Day
Commemorating the end of the monarchy with the storming of the Bastille in 1789, this is one of France’s most celebrated national holidays.
In France, grand parades grace the Champs-Élysées, and the Patrouille de France, an aerobatic team, paints the sky with the colors of the French flag.
By night, the Eiffel Tower lights up with projection mapping and fireworks, creating a festive atmosphere.
Interestingly, many French tourists in Japan during this period would appreciate services or decorations reminiscent of these traditions.
August 15, 2023 (Tuesday): Assumption of Mary
One of the four Catholic holidays in France, many spend this day with family or friends.
Numerous villages in France, especially in Provence, host festivals during this period.
Many Catholics gather at various locations for worship, with notable events like the Marian procession in Paris and the Maria festival in Le Puy-en-Velay.
November 1, 2023 (Wednesday): All Saints’ Day
A day to remember all saints and martyrs, this Catholic holiday coincides with a two-week break in French schools.8
Some visit graves, while others enjoy the public festivities.
December 25, 2023 (Monday): Christmas
Celebrated worldwide, Christmas holds special significance in France, where most of the public are Christians.
The tradition involves spending time with extended family, starting with dinner on Christmas Eve.
After the meal, many families head to the midnight Christmas Mass, even those who might not regularly attend church services throughout the year.
On Christmas Day itself, it’s customary to have another family meal and attend Mass, a practice deeply rooted in tradition.
Moreover, gift-giving isn’t limited to just children; presents are exchanged among all family members, emphasizing the spirit of love and togetherness.
Thus, expecting a surge in inbound French tourists during this period might be optimistic.9
January 1, 2024 (Monday): New Year’s Day
Historically, March 1st was celebrated as the New Year in France.
Nowadays, families and friends gather around the dinner table to usher in the New Year.
The French greeting for the New Year, “Bonne Année,” is exchanged until the third week of January.
April 1, 2024 (Monday): Easter Monday
The day after the resurrection of Christ is a public holiday in France.
Children often search for hidden egg-shaped chocolates, a tradition known as “Easter” in Japan.
With the holiday falling on a Monday in 2024, it creates a long weekend for the French public.
May 1, 2024 (Wednesday): Labor Day (May Day)
Since 1947, May Day has been a paid holiday in France.
Originating from a demonstration in the US demanding an 8-hour workday, this tradition found its way to France.
A unique custom in France involves gifting a sprig of lily-of-the-valley, with tax exemptions applied to its sale on this day.
May 9, 2024 (Thursday): Ascension Day
Another Christian holiday, many French take the subsequent Friday off, creating a long weekend.
This period sees heightened consumer activity and coincides with the spring school break.10
May 20, 2024 (Monday): Whit Monday
Celebrated the day after Pentecost, which is 50 days after Easter, this too is a public holiday in France, creating another long weekend.11
Elevate Niseko & Furano with Tailored Hospitality for the French!
How did you find this article on the French calendar and its traditions?
With a significant number of French tourists flocking to Niseko and Furano, especially during their national holidays in April, July, and October, tailoring services to their traditions can enhance their experience.
By understanding and respecting their culture, and offering Japanese hospitality, we can further boost the tourism industry in the Niseko and Furano areas.
- Report on the Religious Landscape Abroad ↩︎
- Assumption Day in France, the 15th August ↩︎
- French Labor Knowledge – Part 7: Paid Leave ↩︎
- Calendrier scolaire | Ministère de l’Education nationale et de la Jeunesse ↩︎
- Trends in Visitor Arrivals to Japan ↩︎
- Understanding Visiting French Tourists through Data ↩︎
- Public Holidays in France ↩︎
- Calendrier scolaire | Ministère de l’Education nationale et de la Jeunesse ↩︎
- Understanding Visiting French Tourists through Data ↩︎
- Calendrier scolaire | Ministère de l’Education nationale et de la Jeunesse ↩︎
- Pentecost Monday is a public holiday in France
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