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Japan New Year Shutdown: Essential Procedures for Banking, Mail & Emergency Prep
Planning to be in Japan during the New Year period? You’re likely wondering what services remain operational when much of the country winds down. The extensive New Year (Oshogatsu) holiday, typically from late December to early January, can present significant logistical hurdles for international visitors and residents alike.
This guide removes the uncertainty. We’ll detail exactly what to expect regarding banking, cash access, mail services, and how to navigate emergencies during Japan’s New Year shutdown (specifically for the 2025-2026 period). Prepare efficiently to ensure a smooth, stress-free holiday.
Table of Contents
Navigating the New Year Shutdown in Japan
Japan’s New Year, or Oshogatsu (お正月), is a period when many businesses, government offices, banks, and post offices observe an extended holiday. This typically runs from around December 29th, 2025, to January 3rd or 4th, 2026. Some smaller businesses may close even earlier and reopen later.
This shutdown impacts daily logistics significantly. While it’s a time for quiet reflection and family gatherings in Japan, it also means limited access to essential services. Planning is key to avoid frustration and ensure you have access to funds, can send critical mail, and know how to handle any emergencies. This is particularly crucial as public transport can be busy, and many people travel back to their hometowns.
Banking & Cash Access During Oshogatsu
One of the biggest concerns during the New Year shutdown is access to money. While Japan is increasingly cashless, cash remains important, especially in smaller establishments or for unexpected situations.
Bank Branch & ATM Closures
Major bank branches, including MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, and Japan Post Bank, are generally closed from December 31st, 2025, to January 3rd, 2026. Please note that since January 4th, 2026, falls on a Saturday and January 5th on a Sunday, normal operations for most banks will typically resume on Monday, January 6th, 2026.
Bank-affiliated ATMs (those located directly at bank branches) may also have reduced hours or be completely unavailable during this period. Attempting to withdraw cash from these locations can be unreliable. Always check specific bank websites or the ATM location’s posted schedule if you plan to use a bank-affiliated machine.
Reliable Cash: Convenience Store ATMs
Your most reliable option for cash withdrawals during the New Year shutdown will be ATMs located inside major convenience stores. These include 7-Eleven (Seven Bank), Lawson (Lawson Bank), FamilyMart, and Mini Stop (E-net ATMs).
Convenience store ATMs are generally accessible 24/7 throughout the New Year period. They accept most international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus, Maestro) for withdrawals. Be aware that transaction fees typically apply, and these might increase slightly during holiday periods. Plan to withdraw larger sums less frequently to minimize fees.
🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Before December 30th, 2025, ensure you have enough cash (yen) for the entire holiday period. Relying solely on convenience store ATMs might incur more fees than anticipated, and unexpected issues can always arise.
Digital Transactions: Plan Ahead
Online banking services are generally functional 24/7. However, if you need to make inter-bank transfers or payments, be aware that these transactions initiated during the holiday period may not be processed until the next business day (January 6th, 2026). If you have critical payments or transfers, complete them by December 30th, 2025, at the latest.
While digital payments are growing, remember that cash is still king in many smaller shops, restaurants, and rural areas. Do not assume all establishments will accept credit cards, especially during this quiet time of year.
📋 Quick Reference Card: Banking & Cash
Screenshot or print this section for easy access:
- ✅ Bank Branches: Closed Dec 31st, 2025 – Jan 3rd, 2026. Resume Jan 6th, 2026.
- ✅ Bank ATMs: Limited hours/availability. Check locally.
- ✅ Convenience Store ATMs (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart): Generally 24/7, accept international cards. Fees apply.
- ✅ Online Banking: Functional, but inter-bank transfers process from Jan 6th, 2026.
- ✅ CASH: Stock up before Dec 30th, 2025. Essential for small purchases.
- 🔗 7-Bank ATM Finder: sevenbank.co.jp/intl/en/
Mail & Parcel Services: What to Expect
If you plan to send or receive mail or parcels around the New Year, prepare for significant delays or complete suspension of services.
Japan Post Office Counters & Mail Delivery
Most Japan Post counter services (sending mail, buying stamps, banking services) will be closed from December 31st, 2025, to January 3rd, 2026. Some larger central post offices in major cities might offer limited hours for basic postal services only, but this is not guaranteed.
Regular mail delivery (letters, postcards) is typically suspended from December 31st, 2025, to January 3rd, 2026. This means no deliveries will occur during this period. Express Mail Service (EMS) and Yu-Pack (parcel delivery) will also experience limited or suspended services. Any parcels or letters sent late December will likely not be delivered until January 6th, 2026, or later.
Private Courier Services & Convenience Store Drop-offs
Private courier services like Yamato Transport (Kuroneko Yamato) and Sagawa Express also experience significant delays and limited operations during the New Year. While you might be able to drop off parcels at convenience stores that partner with these couriers (e.g., 7-Eleven and FamilyMart for Yamato; Lawson for Sagawa), the actual pick-up and delivery will be impacted by the holiday schedule.
If you have urgent documents or parcels, send them well in advance – ideally before December 25th, 2025, to ensure they arrive before the shutdown. Expect deliveries to resume fully after January 6th, 2026.
🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Don’t leave your mail until the last minute. If you absolutely need something delivered or sent during the holiday, inquire directly with a major post office before December 30th for any special services or modified schedules.
⚠️ Common Mistake: Assuming Normal Mail Service
A common error is expecting regular mail and parcel delivery during the New Year period. Many tourists and new residents are surprised by the complete halt. Always assume services are suspended and plan accordingly. Failure to do so can result in missed deadlines or delayed essentials.
🔗 Japan Post Official Website (English): post.japanpost.jp/index_en.html
🔗 Yamato Transport (Kuroneko Yamato) English: kuronekoyamato.co.jp/ytc/en/
Emergency Services: Always Available
While many services shut down, emergency services in Japan remain fully operational 24/7 nationwide throughout the New Year holidays. Knowing how to access them is critical, especially for non-Japanese speakers.
Immediate Assistance: Police (110) & Fire/Ambulance (119)
In any police emergency, dial 110. For fire or medical emergencies requiring an ambulance, dial 119. These numbers are free and accessible from any phone (landline, mobile, or public phone).
When you call, state your emergency clearly. Operators often have access to interpreter services for non-Japanese speakers. Be patient as they connect you, and clearly state “Tsūyaku ga hitsuyō desu” (通訳が必要です – I need an interpreter) if you cannot communicate in Japanese.
Medical Care: Emergency Rooms
Hospital emergency rooms (救急外来 – kyūkyū gairai) are open 24/7, even during the holidays. However, general clinics and outpatient departments (一般外来 – ippan gairai) will be largely closed. This means non-urgent medical issues might be difficult to address, so it’s best to handle them before the shutdown if possible.
In case of a medical emergency, head to the nearest emergency hospital. It is advisable to locate nearby emergency hospitals in advance, especially if you are traveling to rural areas. Hotels can often provide this information. The JNTO and local prefectural websites are also good resources.
🚨 Emergency Contacts
| Police | 110 |
| Ambulance/Fire | 119 |
All numbers are free and work from any phone. State “Kinkyū desu” (緊急です – Emergency) immediately.
Visual Step-by-Step: Identifying Emergency Services
Knowing what to look for can save critical time.
Step 1: Identify Police Vehicles and Officers
Visual cue: Police cars are distinctively white and black. Officers wear dark blue uniforms with white shirts and peaked caps. Police boxes (交番 – kōban) are small, often glass-fronted stations found throughout cities.
What to do: If you see a police officer or a kōban, you can approach them for help. They can direct you or make emergency calls if you have language difficulties.
Step 2: Recognize Ambulances and Fire Trucks
Visual cue: Ambulances are white with a red cross (similar to the international Red Cross symbol) and often have a star of life emblem. Fire trucks are bright red. Both have distinctive flashing lights and sirens.
What to do: If you see these vehicles, they are responding to an emergency. Clear the way and follow any instructions from emergency personnel.
Step 3: Locate Hospitals
Visual cue: Hospital signs often feature a red cross symbol (similar to, but distinct from, the Red Cross organization’s symbol) or the kanji ‘病院’ (byōin). Large hospitals will have clear entrance signs, sometimes with “Emergency” or “救急外来” (kyūkyū gairai) clearly marked.
What to do: Use mapping apps to find the nearest hospital with an emergency room. Inquire at your hotel or local information centers for directions or assistance.
🔗 Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) – Emergency Guide: japan.travel/en/practical-information/emergency/
🔗 Tokyo Medical Information Network (HIMAWARI) – English: himawari.metro.tokyo.jp/qq/qq13enmn.asp (For Tokyo-specific medical info)
🇯🇵 Point & Speak: Essential Phrases for the Holidays
Show this section to staff if you’re stuck. They can read the Japanese.
English: Is the ATM working?
ATMは使えますか？
(Ē-tī-emu wa tsukaemasu ka?)
English: I want to withdraw money.
お金を引き出したいです。
(Okane o hikidashitai desu.)
English: When does the post office open?
郵便局はいつ開きますか？
(Yūbin-kyoku wa itsu hirakimasu ka?)
English: Is there a hospital with an emergency room nearby?
近くに救急外来のある病院はありますか？
(Chikaku ni kyūkyū gairai no aru byōin wa arimasu ka?)
English: I need an interpreter.
通訳が必要です。
(Tsūyaku ga hitsuyō desu.)
Essential Preparation Checklist for the Holidays
To navigate Japan’s New Year shutdown smoothly, advance preparation is paramount. Consider these points:
- Cash Reserves: Withdraw sufficient yen to cover expenses for at least 5-7 days before December 30th, 2025.
- Medications: Ensure you have an adequate supply of any prescription medications. Most general clinics will be closed.
- Food & Supplies: Stock up on basic groceries and any personal necessities. While convenience stores remain open, major supermarkets may have reduced hours or be closed.
- Emergency Contacts: Save 110 (Police) and 119 (Fire/Ambulance) in your phone. Know the location of the nearest emergency hospital.
- Communication: Ensure your phone/Wi-Fi is working, and consider having a translation app.
- Important Documents: Keep your passport, visa (if applicable), and travel insurance details easily accessible.
- Mail & Deliveries: Complete any critical sending or receiving of parcels by December 25th, 2025, to avoid delays.
🎯 Local Pro-Tip: The New Year period (Oshogatsu) is a unique time in Japan. Many tourist attractions and major transport hubs will be open and busy, but local services essential for daily life quiet down. Embrace the cultural experience, but don’t get caught off guard by the closures.
[Consider linking to related Life articles, e.g., “Public Transport During Japanese New Year” or “Cash vs. Card in Japan”]
Frequently Asked Questions
Will all restaurants and shops be closed during New Year in Japan?
No, not all. While many smaller, family-run establishments and department stores may close for several days, major convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart), some chain restaurants, and shops in tourist-heavy areas (e.g., airports, major train stations) will typically remain open, often with regular or slightly reduced hours. However, don’t rely on everything being open; research specific businesses you plan to visit.
Are public transportation services affected by the New Year shutdown?
Major public transportation (trains, subways, buses) generally operates throughout the New Year. However, schedules may be altered (e.g., operating on holiday schedules, fewer services late at night), and certain lines, especially those serving shrines for Hatsumode (first temple visit), may run extended hours. Expect trains to be very crowded, particularly on routes leading out of major cities or to popular New Year’s destinations.
What if I have a non-urgent medical issue during the holidays?
For non-urgent issues, most general clinics and outpatient services will be closed. Your best options are to visit an emergency room (which can be costly and have long wait times for non-emergencies) or wait until clinics reopen around January 6th, 2026. If possible, address minor health concerns before December 30th, 2025, and carry a basic first-aid kit and common over-the-counter medicines.
Can I use my international credit/debit card everywhere?
While card acceptance is increasing in Japan, many smaller businesses, particularly outside major urban centers, still operate primarily on cash. During the New Year holidays, with limited bank access, having sufficient cash is even more critical. Always carry a mix of cash and cards, and be prepared to use cash for smaller purchases or if card machines are unavailable.
Conclusion
Japan’s New Year shutdown is a significant annual event impacting daily services. By understanding the typical closure periods for banking, mail, and knowing how to access emergency services, you can mitigate potential difficulties. Plan for your cash needs, complete crucial transactions and mail early, and always keep emergency numbers handy.
With careful preparation, you can enjoy a peaceful and memorable New Year holiday in Japan, free from logistical worries. Embrace the unique cultural experience of Oshogatsu, knowing you are prepared for any situation.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general guidance based on typical holiday schedules and was researched as of December 23rd, 2025. Specific dates for 2025-2026 closures may vary slightly. Always verify critical information directly with official bank, post office, or service provider websites closer to the New Year period. Emergency procedures are accurate but apply to general situations; always prioritize your safety and follow local authority instructions in any emergency.
