Don’t Get Stuck: Your Essential Guide to Japan’s New Year Closures, Cash & Hatsumode

Planning a trip to Japan over the New Year holiday? Many visitors discover, often too late, that this period comes with unique challenges. Banks close, ATMs run low on cash, transport schedules change, and essential services become scarce. You’re not alone if you’ve felt a wave of anxiety about unexpected closures or how to participate in Japan’s significant New Year traditions.

This comprehensive Japan New Year travel guide is designed to remove that friction. We’ll equip you with practical steps and critical information to navigate the New Year period in Japan (typically December 29th to January 3rd, sometimes longer). From securing your cash supply to understanding public transport changes and respectfully participating in Hatsumode, you’ll learn how to manage potential disruptions and enjoy the festive season like a seasoned local fixer.

Navigating New Year Closures: Banks, Post Offices & Government Services

One of the most significant challenges during Japan’s New Year holiday is the widespread closure of essential services. From late December through early January, many establishments shut down for an extended period, echoing the importance of this holiday for domestic celebrations and family time.

Understanding the Closure Schedule

Most banks, post offices, and government agencies typically observe a New Year holiday closure from approximately December 29th/30th to January 3rd. In some cases, these closures can extend to January 5th. This means that financial transactions, postal services, and administrative tasks will be unavailable during this time.

For international visitors, this directly impacts access to banking services and traditional ATM facilities. It’s crucial to recognize that even if a bank building is physically open, its ATM services might be limited in hours or cash availability.

Securing Your Cash Supply: ATM Access During the Holidays

Japan remains a cash-heavy society, and this is especially true during the New Year. Many smaller businesses, temple/shrine offerings, and some local transport options still rely on cash. Planning your cash access is paramount to avoid being stranded.

Where to Find Reliable ATMs

1. Convenience Store (Konbini) ATMs: These are your most reliable option. 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart convenience stores usually operate 24/7, and their ATMs are generally the most accessible for international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus, etc.).

   Visual cue: Look for bright green (7-Eleven), blue (Lawson), or green/white (FamilyMart) logos. ATMs are typically located near the entrance or back of the store.

   

2. Japan Post Bank ATMs: Located inside post offices or standalone locations, these ATMs also accept many international cards. However, their operating hours may be reduced during the New Year period, unlike convenience store ATMs.
3. City Bank/Major Bank ATMs: While major bank ATMs (like MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho) are widespread, not all accept international cards, and their holiday hours are often severely limited or completely closed.

Proactive Cash Management

🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Withdraw sufficient cash before December 29th. Aim to have enough for at least 5-7 days of spending, including a buffer for emergencies. While card payments are increasing, cash is still king for many transactions during the holidays, especially for shrine offerings and smaller vendors.

Even convenience store ATMs can temporarily run out of cash due to high demand during peak holiday periods. Don’t wait until the last minute.

Useful Link: Find a 7-Eleven ATM: 7-Eleven Japan ATM Locator

Useful Link: Find a Japan Post Bank ATM: Japan Post Bank ATM Locator

Public Transport: Holiday Schedules & New Year’s Eve Services

Getting around Japan during the New Year requires attention to altered public transport schedules. While trains, subways, and buses continue to run, their frequency often changes.

Holiday Timetables

Public transport typically shifts to a weekend or holiday schedule (休日ダイヤ – Kyūjitsu Daiya) during the New Year period (Jan 1-3). This means fewer trains and buses, potentially leading to longer wait times. Plan your journeys with extra time.

Visual cue: Look for signs reading ‘休日ダイヤ (Kyūjitsu Daiya)’ or ‘年末年始ダイヤ (Nenmatsu Nenshi Daiya)’ at stations or on official transport websites. These indicate holiday timetables.

New Year’s Eve (Omisoka) Special Services

On New Year’s Eve (December 31st), many major train lines, especially in large cities like Tokyo and Osaka, offer extended or overnight services. This is primarily to accommodate people traveling to shrines and temples for Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the New Year. These special services can run until the early morning hours of January 1st.

Check official transport operator websites closer to the date for specific extended service announcements.

Useful Link: JR East (Tokyo Area) official website (check for holiday updates)

Useful Link: Tokyo Metro (Subway) official website (check for holiday updates)

Hatsumode: Experiencing Japan’s First Shrine Visit

Hatsumode (初詣) is one of Japan’s most cherished New Year traditions, involving the first visit to a shrine or temple of the year. It’s a profound cultural experience you can participate in, typically occurring between January 1st and 3rd, with many people going at midnight on December 31st.

How to Participate in Hatsumode

1. Choose Your Shrine/Temple: Popular spots like Meiji Jingu in Tokyo or Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto attract millions. Smaller, local shrines offer a more tranquil experience.
2. Queue Up: Expect long, orderly queues, especially at midnight on New Year’s Eve or during the day on January 1st.
3. Approach the Main Hall: Once you reach the front of the line, you’ll be at the offering box (賽銭箱 – saisenbako).

   Visual cue: Large wooden offering boxes are prominently placed in front of the main hall (本殿 – honden) of the shrine or temple.

   

4. Make an Offering (お賽銭 – Osaisen): Gently toss a monetary offering into the box. A ¥5 coin is popular as its pronunciation, “go-en,” sounds like “good fate” or “good connection.” Any amount is acceptable.
5. The Bows and Claps (Shrine specific):
   • Bow twice deeply.
   • Clap your hands twice at chest height.
   • Make a wish or offer a silent prayer.
   • Bow once deeply.

   (At temples, the clapping step is generally omitted. Just bow twice, pray, and bow once.)

6. Optional: Omamori & Omikuji: Many people buy new omamori (good luck charms) for the year and receive omikuji (fortunes) at Hatsumode. Old charms are often returned to the shrine for burning.

Cultural Integration: Understanding this simple etiquette enhances your experience and shows respect for Japanese traditions. Don’t hesitate to observe and follow what others are doing.

Finding Open Food & Pharmacy Services

While many independent businesses close, you won’t starve or be entirely without options for basic necessities during Japan’s New Year. Knowing where to look is key.

Food Options

1. Convenience Stores (Konbini): Again, your most reliable choice. 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are generally open 24/7, offering a wide range of bento boxes, onigiri, sandwiches, hot snacks, drinks, and daily essentials.
   
2. Chain Restaurants: Major fast-food chains (e.g., McDonald’s, KFC), family restaurants (e.g., Denny’s, Gusto,

Sukiya, Yoshinoya), and some larger cafes in urban areas are likely to remain open, though they might have reduced hours.

3. Supermarkets: Larger supermarket chains (e.g., Aeon, Ito-Yokado) might operate with reduced hours, especially on January 1st, or close entirely for a short period. Stock up on groceries a day or two before January 1st if you plan to cook.
4. Department Store Food Basements (Depachika): Often a good bet for high-quality prepared foods, but check their specific New Year opening hours, which can be limited.

Smaller, independent restaurants and cafes are most likely to be closed, so research specific establishments in advance if you have a particular place in mind.

Pharmacy & Medical Needs

1. Chain Drugstores: Large chain drugstores (e.g., Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia,