Navigating Japan’s New Year Closures: Your Essential Checklist & Open Services Guide

Planning a trip to Japan during the New Year period can be exciting, filled with unique cultural experiences like Hatsumode (first shrine visit). However, if you’re an international visitor, the period from approximately **December 29th to January 3rd or 4th** can present unexpected challenges. Essential services, from banks and post offices to many local restaurants and clinics, observe significant closures. This lack of prior knowledge often leads to frustration: difficulty finding food, inability to withdraw cash, confusion over transport, and anxiety about emergencies.

This guide is designed to remove that friction. We’ll provide you with a practical, comprehensive checklist and an open services guide to ensure your New Year’s visit to Japan is smooth, safe, and enjoyable. You will learn what closes, what stays open, how to manage your finances, navigate transport, and access medical assistance during this period.

The Challenge: Japan’s New Year Pause

New Year (お正月 – Oshōgatsu) is Japan’s most significant holiday, a time for family gatherings, reflection, and traditional rituals. Unlike Western holidays, where many services remain open, Japan largely observes a deep, collective pause. This cultural emphasis on family time and traditions means many businesses close completely, allowing staff to celebrate.

For visitors, this translates into unexpected unavailability of services you might take for granted. Understanding this cultural context helps manage expectations and highlights the importance of planning ahead. Your goal is to be self-sufficient and informed during this unique period.

Essential Services: What Closes & What Stays Open

Knowledge is your primary tool. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Banks and Post Offices

• Closures: Most Japanese banks and post offices are closed from **December 31st to January 3rd (inclusive)**. This means no counter services for withdrawals, currency exchange, or sending packages.
• ATMs: While main bank ATMs will likely be inaccessible, ATMs at convenience stores (Seven Bank at 7-Eleven, E-net at FamilyMart, Lawson Bank at Lawson) usually remain operational. However, they may have reduced hours, transaction limits, and almost always incur fees during holidays or outside normal banking hours. Plan your cash needs accordingly.
• Visual Cue: Look for signage with 休業 (Kyūgyō – Closed) or 年末年始 (Nenmatsu Nenshi – Year-end and New Year holidays).

Clinics, Pharmacies, and Hospitals

• Closures: Many smaller, independent clinics and pharmacies will close from around **December 29th/30th to January 3rd/4th**. Confirm with your accommodation or a local information center if you anticipate needing routine medical attention.
• Emergency Services: Larger hospitals typically maintain emergency services (救急外来 – kyūkyū gairai). These are for genuine emergencies only, not routine check-ups or minor ailments. Be prepared for potentially longer wait times.
• Pharmacies: Even if a hospital has an emergency room, its attached pharmacy might have limited hours. Stock up on any prescription medications beforehand.

Restaurants and Groceries

• Local Restaurants: Many independent and family-run restaurants, especially in smaller towns, will close for the New Year holiday. Some may close earlier and reopen later than the main Jan 1-3 period.
• Chain Restaurants & Tourist Areas: Larger chain restaurants (e.g., McDonald’s, Starbucks, some ramen chains) and eateries in major tourist hubs, train stations, or department stores are more likely to remain open, possibly with reduced hours.
• Convenience Stores (Konbini): Your most reliable source! 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are generally open 24/7 throughout the New Year period. They offer a wide array of ready-to-eat meals (onigiri, bento), snacks, drinks, toiletries, and even some over-the-counter medicines. Some might have slightly reduced hot food offerings due to staff availability.
• Supermarkets: Many large supermarkets will have reduced hours or close entirely on New Year’s Day, with some reopening from Jan 2nd or 3rd. Stock up on essentials on December 30th or 31st.
• Department Stores: Often closed on January 1st, reopening with special New Year sales (初売り – Hatsuuri) on January 2nd or 3rd. Food halls (depachika) in their basements might have more flexible hours.

Tourist Information Centers

• Reduced Hours/Closures: Most Tourist Information Centers (TICs) may have reduced hours or be closed during the main New Year period.
• Alternatives: JNTO’s official website (japan.travel/en/) or app can be a good alternative for general information. Hotel staff are also a valuable resource.

Navigating Your Finances: Cash, ATMs, & Currency Exchange

Japan remains largely a cash-based society, especially outside major cities. New Year closures amplify the need for careful financial planning.

Pre-Trip Cash Withdrawal

Before the end of December, withdraw sufficient Japanese Yen to cover your planned expenses, including food, transport, and minor purchases, for at least Dec 31st to Jan 3rd. It’s better to carry a little extra than to be caught without cash.

🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Consider withdrawing enough cash to last you through January 4th, as some smaller establishments may take a day or two longer to resume normal operations.

ATM Access & Fees

Your primary fallback for cash during the New Year period will be convenience store ATMs. These are widely available and generally accept international cards.

To locate ATMs, use these official resources:

• Seven Bank International ATM Guide
• Japan Post Bank ATM Finder (Note: Post office ATMs will be closed, but some are available outside.)

Public Transportation: Holiday Schedules & Hatsumode

Public transportation (trains, subways, buses) generally operates throughout New Year, but with significant alterations.

Holiday Schedules (休日ダイヤ – Kyūjitsu Daiya)

Expect trains and buses to run on a ‘holiday schedule’ (休日ダイヤ – kyūjitsu daiya) or ‘weekend schedule’ (土日祝ダイヤ – donichi shuku daiya). This means reduced frequency, so journeys might take longer or require more planning. Always check official schedules closer to your travel date.

🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Google Maps and navigation apps like Japan Transit Planner can usually integrate holiday schedules, but confirm with official railway websites like JR East (jreast.co.jp/e/) or HyperDia (hyperdia.com/en/) for the most accurate information. Select the “holiday” option if available.

Hatsumode Special Services

For New Year’s Eve (Dec 31st) into New Year’s Day (Jan 1st), some major train lines, especially those serving popular shrines and temples for Hatsumode (like Meiji Jingu in Tokyo or Fushimi Inari-taisha in Kyoto), might offer special extended or even overnight services. Be aware that these services will be exceptionally crowded.

Shinkansen and Inter-City Travel

The New Year period is a major travel season for Japanese residents returning home or visiting family. Shinkansen (bullet trains) will be heavily booked and extremely crowded. If you plan inter-city travel, book your tickets well in advance, ideally months ahead. JR Pass holders should reserve seats as early as possible.

Emergency & Medical Care During New Year

While routine clinics close, emergency services remain accessible. However, understanding the process is critical.

🚨 Emergency Contacts

Finding Medical Assistance

• For Genuine Emergencies: Call 119 for an ambulance. State your location clearly and describe the emergency. If you cannot speak Japanese, try to find a local to assist or use a translation app.
• For Non-Emergency Medical Needs:
  • Contact your hotel front desk. They often have lists of local hospitals with emergency services or can call to inquire on your behalf.
  • Utilize the Japan Healthcare Info website to search for English-speaking doctors or hospitals with emergency services in your area. Filter by location and specialty.
  • Be prepared for potentially higher fees at emergency clinics, especially if you do not have Japanese health insurance. Keep your travel insurance details handy.

🇯🇵 Point & Speak: Essential Japanese Phrases

Language barriers can amplify stress during closures. These phrases are designed for direct use – point to the Japanese text or show this section to staff if you need assistance.

Pre-Trip & On-the-Ground Preparedness: Your Action Plan

The most effective strategy against New Year disruption is proactive planning.

1. Withdraw Sufficient Cash

   Before December 30th, get enough Japanese Yen to last you until at least January 4th. This covers days when ATMs might be sparse or inconvenient. Remember the ATM fees.

   

2. Stock Up on Essentials

   On December 30th or 31st, visit a large supermarket to buy snacks, drinks, and easy-to-prepare meals if your accommodation has cooking facilities. While convenience stores are open, their range is limited, and specific items might run out.

   

3. Confirm Transportation Schedules

   Check official railway websites for holiday schedules for any trains or buses you plan to use. If traveling long distances, book Shinkansen tickets months in advance. Anticipate crowds, especially for Hatsumode destinations.

   

4. Identify Open Food Options

   Before the closures, ask your hotel staff for a list of restaurants or chain eateries that will be open during New Year. Note down the addresses of nearby convenience stores or supermarkets that confirm partial operation.

   

5. Locate Emergency Medical Facilities

   Identify the nearest hospital with an emergency room to your accommodation. Save its address and phone number. Keep your travel insurance details readily accessible.

   

6. Prepare for Language Barriers

   Download offline translation apps (e.g., Google Translate) onto your phone. Familiarize yourself with the key Japanese phrases provided in this guide. Hotel staff are often English-speaking and can assist.

   

7. Dress for Winter

   New Year in Japan is cold. Pack warm layers, a good winter coat, hat, gloves, and waterproof shoes. Many outdoor activities, including shrine visits, will expose you to the elements.

   

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating Cash Needs: Relying solely on card payments or infrequent ATM visits can leave you stranded.
• Assuming Normal Operating Hours: Never assume a shop, restaurant, or service will be open just because it typically is. Always verify.
• Ignoring Transportation Changes: Missed connections or long waits due to not checking holiday schedules.
• Last-Minute Planning for Popular Spots: If you plan to visit major shrines or temples for Hatsumode, be prepared for immense crowds and pre-plan your route and timing.
• Neglecting Medication: Forgetting to stock up on prescription or essential over-the-counter medicines.
• Lack of Emergency Information: Not knowing local emergency numbers or where to go for medical help.

📋 Quick Reference Card: New Year Survival

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Navigating Japan’s New Year closures requires awareness and proactive planning, but it doesn’t need to be a source of stress. By understanding what services are affected, preparing your finances, confirming transportation, and knowing your emergency contacts, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday.

Embrace the unique cultural pause and experience Japan’s New Year traditions without friction. Enjoy your trip!

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information based on typical New Year patterns in Japan. Specific opening hours, service availability, and transportation schedules can vary year by year and by region. Always verify details with official sources (e.g., specific store websites, railway company announcements, your accommodation) closer to your travel dates. The information herein is for guidance and does not constitute professional advice.