Japan’s New Year Shutdown: A Nomad’s Survival Guide for Food, Work & Services (2025-2026)

The New Year period in Japan, known as Shogatsu (正月), is a significant national holiday. While it offers a unique cultural experience, it also brings a widespread shutdown of businesses and services from approximately December 29th/30th, 2025, through January 3rd, 2026. For international visitors, especially those living or working remotely, this can present unexpected challenges: finding an open restaurant, maintaining your work routine, or accessing essential services.

This guide is designed to remove that friction. We’ll equip you with practical strategies and specific information to navigate Japan’s New Year holiday, ensuring you have access to food, can maintain your remote work schedule, and utilize essential services despite the closures. By understanding what to expect and planning proactively, you can enjoy the holiday without disruption.

Understanding the New Year Shutdown

Japan’s New Year is a time for family gatherings and traditions like Hatsumode (first shrine visit). Most businesses observe this holiday strictly. Expect significant closures from December 29th/30th to January 3rd/5th. January 1st is the most universally closed day across all sectors. This comprehensive Japan New Year shutdown period requires foresight.

🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Always assume a business is closed between December 30th and January 3rd unless you have confirmed otherwise. Verify hours directly online or by checking local signs.

Visual Cues to Watch For:

• Look for signs stating ‘年末年始休業’ (Nenmatsu Nenshi Kyugyo – New Year’s Holiday Closure).
• Other common phrases include ‘年始休業’ (Nenshi Kyugyo – New Year’s Day Closure) or ‘営業時間変更のお知らせ’ (Eigyo Jikan Henko no Oshirase – Notice of Business Hour Change).
• Red characters on white or yellow paper often indicate special holiday hours or closures. A red circle with a diagonal line through it (like a ‘no’ symbol) over a calendar or clock icon means ‘closed’.
• On Google Maps, check the “Holiday hours” section, though direct verification is always best.

Food Survival Strategy: Eating Well During Closures

One of the biggest concerns during the Japan New Year shutdown is reliable access to food. Many independent restaurants and smaller grocery stores close for several days. Planning ahead is crucial to avoid hunger and frustration.

Stocking Up on Groceries

1. Before December 30th: This is your primary window. Visit larger supermarkets like Seiyu, Aeon, or Ito-Yokado to stock up on groceries, non-perishables, and snacks. Fresh produce will be limited or unavailable after this date.
2. Supermarket Hours: Large chains like Seiyu often operate with reduced hours during New Year’s, but may remain open. Aeon and Ito-Yokado might close on January 1st, reopening with special hours on January 2nd/3rd. Always check their specific websites for the exact 2026 holiday schedules. Smaller, independent grocers are almost certainly closed.

Finding Open Restaurants

While many establishments close, you still have options:

• Fast Food Chains: Major chains like McDonald’s, Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and Matsuya typically operate with normal or slightly reduced hours throughout the holiday. These are reliable for a quick, affordable meal.
• Convenience Stores (Konbini): 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are your best friends. They generally remain open 24/7 nationwide, offering a range of ready-to-eat meals (bento boxes, onigiri), sandwiches, snacks, hot food items (fried chicken, oden), and drinks. They are a consistent source of basic necessities.
• Department Store Food Basements (Depachika): Some larger department stores in major cities might have their food basements open, though hours will be heavily reduced or they might close entirely on January 1st. Check specific store information.
• Online Food Delivery: Services like Uber Eats and Demae-can are available, but expect limited restaurant availability, potentially longer wait times, and higher fees due to reduced staff and increased demand, especially on January 1st. Order well in advance.

Maintaining Remote Work Productivity

For digital nomads or those on extended stays, maintaining your remote work routine during the Japan holiday survival guide period requires planning. Access to reliable workspaces and internet can be challenging.

Workspace Solutions

1. Co-working Spaces: Most co-working spaces will be closed from late December through early January (typically Dec 29th – Jan 5th). Confirm specific closure dates and hours directly with your chosen venue well in advance.
2. Cafes: Many independent cafes will also be closed. Major chain cafes (e.g., Starbucks, Doutor, Tully’s) in busy areas might remain open with reduced hours, but expect them to be crowded and not ideal for focused work.
3. Hotel Room: If staying in a hotel, your room is often the most reliable workspace. Ensure your hotel has stable Wi-Fi. If not, consider a pocket Wi-Fi device or a local SIM card with ample data.
4. Home/Apartment: If you have a rented apartment, this is your primary workspace. Ensure all utilities are functioning and you have a comfortable setup.

Connectivity and Equipment

Ensure your internet connection is stable. If you rely on public Wi-Fi or cafes, plan for alternatives. Charge all your devices, external batteries, and power banks. Access to electronics stores for repairs or new purchases will be extremely limited.

🎯 Local Pro-Tip: If your work demands strict deadlines, consider front-loading tasks before the holiday or communicating potential delays to your team. Having a backup internet plan (e.g., tethering from a mobile device) is always wise.

Navigating Essential Services: Banks, Post Office & Emergencies

Access to fundamental services also sees significant disruption during the New Year closures Japan. Cash, mail, and even medical care require forethought.

Banking and Cash Access

1. Bank Branches: All bank branches will be closed from December 31st to January 3rd (inclusive). Do not expect any over-the-counter services during this period.
2. ATMs: ATMs are generally accessible 24/7, even during the holidays. However, it is crucial to check your specific bank’s machine for any holiday service limitations. More importantly, ATMs can run low on cash, especially in smaller towns, due to increased withdrawals and no resupply. Withdraw sufficient cash by December 30th.
3. Credit/Debit Cards: While major stores accept cards, many smaller establishments in Japan remain cash-only. Relying solely on cards during the holiday period can be risky. Ensure you have enough physical cash for emergencies and daily purchases.

Post Office Services

1. Counter Services: Japan Post counter services (shipping, banking, insurance) will be closed from December 31st to January 3rd.
2. Mail Delivery: Mail delivery may be suspended or significantly delayed during this period. If you are expecting important documents or parcels (Yu-Pack), plan for disruptions.
3. Post Office ATMs: ATMs located at post offices often follow similar operating hours to bank ATMs, but are also subject to potential cash shortages.

For official information, always consult the Japan Post Official Website (English).

Emergency Preparedness

While Japan is a safe country, unexpected situations can arise:

1. Medical Services: Non-emergency medical clinics will likely be closed. For severe medical emergencies, hospitals’ emergency departments remain open. Know your travel insurance details and emergency contact numbers.
2. Emergency Numbers: Police: 110, Ambulance/Fire: 119. These are free and work from any phone.
3. Critical Supplies: Ensure you have any prescription medications you need, as pharmacies will also be closed or have reduced hours.

Public Transportation During Shogatsu

Public transportation (trains, subways, buses) operates on a holiday schedule from approximately December 30th to January 3rd. This means reduced frequency. Be prepared for longer wait times. Special late-night services are often available on New Year’s Eve for Hatsumode. Check official JR and local transport websites for specific holiday timetables.

JR East Official Website (English)

Japanese Phrases for Holiday Hours

Overcoming language barriers is key to navigating the Japan essential services holiday period. Use these polite phrases to inquire about operating hours:

Pro-Tips for a Smooth New Year

🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Cash is King. Always have sufficient cash on hand. Smaller shops, vending machines, and some local restaurants might be cash-only, and ATM access can be unpredictable.

🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Embrace Konbini Culture. Familiarize yourself with your nearest 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart. They are lifesavers for food, drinks, toiletries, and ATM access.

🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Google Translate’s Camera. Use the camera function on the Google Translate app to quickly decipher Japanese signs regarding operating hours.

🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Experience Hatsumode. While planning for closures, don’t forget to embrace the cultural aspect. Hatsumode (first shrine visit) is a memorable experience. Be prepared for crowds at popular shrines like Meiji Jingu or Senso-ji on January 1st-3rd.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating Closure Impact: Assuming “some” places will be open. The shutdown is comprehensive.
• Running Out of Cash: Believing all ATMs will be consistently stocked. Plan withdrawals by December 30th.
• Last-Minute Grocery Shopping: Waiting until December 31st for groceries when shelves are empty and stores are closed.
• Relying on Online Delivery Exclusively: Expecting normal service levels for food delivery apps.
• Ignoring Public Transport Schedules: Missing trains or buses due to reduced holiday frequency.
• Not Having a Work Backup Plan: Assuming your usual cafe or co-working space will be open.

Conclusion

Navigating Japan’s New Year shutdown requires preparation, but it is entirely manageable. By understanding the typical closure dates, planning your food, work, and essential service needs in advance, and having a bit of cash on hand, you can bypass most inconveniences. Embrace the unique cultural aspects of Shogatsu while staying practical about your daily necessities.

This period offers a different side of Japan—quieter, more focused on tradition. With this guide, you’re ready to experience it without disruption. Enjoy your New Year in Japan!

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information based on typical holiday patterns in Japan. Specific operating hours for businesses, especially supermarkets and restaurants, may vary annually and by location. Always verify specific schedules with individual establishments or official sources for the most accurate, up-to-date information for 2025-2026. Emergency contact numbers are accurate as of the publication date.