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Japan New Year Shutdown: Your Essential Guide to Food, Cash & Emergencies

Planning a trip to Japan around the New Year period (Oshogatsu)? While the festive atmosphere is captivating, many international visitors face an unexpected challenge: widespread closures. Shops, restaurants, and banks often shut down for several days, leaving many feeling stranded without access to food, cash, or clear emergency information.

This comprehensive guide is designed to remove that friction. As your local fixer, we’ll equip you with practical, on-the-ground strategies to navigate Japan’s New Year shutdown. You’ll learn exactly when closures occur, where to find open establishments for daily necessities, how to access cash reliably, and what to do in an emergency, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable holiday.

Understanding Japan’s New Year Closures

Japan’s New Year (Oshogatsu) is the most significant holiday of the year, a time for family gatherings, traditional meals, and the first shrine visit (Hatsumōde). This cultural importance translates into widespread business closures, impacting even major cities.

When Does the Shutdown Occur?

The core shutdown period typically runs from **December 30th or 31st to January 3rd or 4th**. January 1st (Ganjitsu) is the most universally observed holiday, meaning maximum closures on this day.

While some businesses reopen on January 2nd or 3rd, many independent establishments and smaller services may remain closed longer. Plan for limited options, especially on Jan 1st.

Securing Your Food Supply During Oshogatsu

Finding food can become a primary concern when restaurants and supermarkets close. Don’t worry; with a bit of planning, you won’t go hungry.

The Challenge: Widespread Restaurant & Supermarket Closures

Many independent restaurants, cafes, and even some chain eateries will close for several days during the New Year period. Larger supermarkets might operate on reduced hours or close entirely on January 1st. Department store food halls (depachika), a popular option, generally close from December 31st to January 2nd.

The Solution: Where to Find Food

1. Convenience Stores (Konbini): Your Lifeline

   7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson stores are generally open 24/7 nationwide throughout the New Year period. These are your most reliable source for ready-to-eat meals (onigiri, bento boxes, sandwiches, pasta), snacks, drinks, and basic toiletries. They often have ATMs as well.

   

2. Stock Up Early

   By December 30th or 31st, visit a supermarket to stock up on groceries, snacks, and drinks if you have access to a kitchen or desire specific items. This is crucial if you prefer to cook your own meals or have dietary restrictions.

3. Chain Family Restaurants

   Larger chain family restaurants (e.g., Gusto, Denny’s, Saizeriya) are more likely to be open, though often with reduced hours or special holiday menus that may come with a surcharge. Check their websites or Google Maps for specific holiday hours.

4. Hotel Restaurants

   Hotel restaurants are usually open but can be significantly more expensive and often require reservations, especially for special New Year’s meals.

🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Download food delivery apps like Uber Eats or Demae-can before the holidays. While selection might be limited, some restaurants do operate, offering a convenient option when physical stores are closed. Always check delivery areas in advance.

Navigating Cash Access and ATMs on Holiday

Japan remains largely a cash-based society, making ATM access a critical concern, especially during a shutdown.

The Challenge: Bank & ATM Closures

Most major Japanese bank branches (e.g., Mitsubishi UFJ, SMBC, Mizuho) and their ATMs will be closed from December 31st to January 3rd. Relying solely on these can leave you without cash when you need it most.

The Solution: Reliable Cash Access

1. JP Post Bank ATMs & 7-Eleven ATMs: Your Best Bet

   JP Post Bank ATMs, found within post offices and all 7-Eleven convenience stores, are generally the most reliable for international card withdrawals. Many 7-Eleven ATMs operate 24/7. These accept most international debit and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Plus, Cirrus, Maestro, etc.).

   

   Visual cue: Look for ‘ATM’ signs (often in blue or green), sometimes with logos of international card networks. JP Bank ATMs often have a green and white logo with ‘郵便貯金’ (Yubin Chokin).

   Useful Links:

   • 7-Eleven Japan ATM Locator
   • Japan Post Bank ATM Locator
2. Withdraw Cash in Advance

   The simplest solution is to withdraw enough cash to last you through the holiday period (at least until January 4th) by December 30th. Factor in daily expenses, transportation, and a buffer for unexpected needs.

3. Be Prepared for Fees

   When using international cards, be prepared for potential service fees from both your home bank and the ATM operator. These can add up, so larger, fewer withdrawals are often more economical than small, frequent ones.

Emergency Preparedness & Assistance

The thought of an emergency during a holiday shutdown, possibly with language barriers, can be daunting. Japan has robust systems in place, but knowing how to access them is key.

Handling Emergencies

1. Universal Emergency Hotlines
   • Police: 110 (Hyaku-tō-ban)
   • Fire & Ambulance: 119 (Hyaku-jū-kyū-ban)

   These numbers operate 24/7 nationwide and typically have some English support. Clearly state your location and the nature of the emergency.

2. Medical Emergencies

   Major hospitals’ emergency rooms (ERs) remain open during the New Year. However, outpatient clinics are usually closed, meaning ERs will be the primary point of contact for urgent care. Expect longer wait times due to increased demand and fewer available staff.

   

   Visual cue: Look for the red cross symbol (赤十字 – Sekijūji) and signs with ‘病院’ (byōin – hospital) or ‘救急’ (kyūkyū – emergency).

   Useful Link:

   • AMDA International Medical Information Center: Provides multilingual medical consultation and can help you find appropriate medical facilities.
3. JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline

   This 24/7 hotline offers multilingual assistance for tourists, including during emergencies. It’s a valuable resource for general information or when you need help translating or finding services.

   Number (from Japan): 050-3816-2787

   Number (from abroad): +81-50-3816-2787

   Useful Link:

   • JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline Official Website
4. Personal Preparedness

   Always carry essential items: some emergency food, drinking water, and fully charged communication devices. Ensure your mobile phone has international roaming enabled or a local SIM/eSIM. Have a small first-aid kit with any personal medications.

   Useful Link:

   • General Emergency Information for Foreigners in Japan (MLIT)

Essential Japanese Phrases for New Year

A few key phrases can significantly reduce stress and improve communication, especially when staff might be limited or less accustomed to foreign visitors during the holidays.

Planning Your Transportation: New Year’s Schedules

Public transportation systems, while generally reliable, operate on modified schedules during the New Year period.

What to Expect

• Reduced Frequency: Trains, subways, and buses typically switch to a holiday schedule, meaning fewer services and potentially longer waits. Plan your journeys with extra time.
• New Year’s Eve Extended Service: Some major train lines, particularly JR in larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka, may offer extended or all-night service on New Year’s Eve. This is primarily to accommodate people traveling for Hatsumōde. Verify these schedules with local transport authorities well in advance.

Always check the latest schedules via official railway websites or local transportation apps. Google Maps can also provide real-time updates, but official sources are best for holiday periods.

Your New Year Quick Reference Card

Screenshot or print this section for easy access. It summarizes the most critical information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Being aware of potential pitfalls can save you significant trouble during Japan’s New Year shutdown.

1. Assuming Normal Operating Hours: This is the biggest mistake. Do not expect businesses to operate as they do on regular weekdays or weekends.
2. Not Having Enough Cash: Relying solely on credit cards or finding a major bank ATM will likely lead to frustration. Japan is still very cash-centric.
3. Ignoring Public Transport Schedule Changes: Missing your train or bus due to an unverified holiday schedule can cause significant delays, especially for inter-city travel.
4. Underestimating Food Challenges: Waiting until January 1st to look for a specific restaurant or grocery items will leave you with very limited options.
5. Not Saving Emergency Numbers: In a panic, you won’t want to search for crucial contact information. Save them to your phone and perhaps have a physical copy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Navigating Japan’s New Year shutdown doesn’t have to be a source of stress. By understanding the typical closure periods, planning your food and cash access in advance, and knowing how to reach emergency services, you can effectively mitigate the common challenges faced by international visitors.

Japan during Oshogatsu offers a unique cultural experience. With this practical guide, you are now equipped to enjoy the festive spirit while remaining self-sufficient and secure. Stay informed, prepare well, and have a memorable, friction-free New Year in Japan.

Planning further? Consider exploring our guides on Emergency Preparedness for Tourists in Japan or Using ATMs and Credit Cards in Japan.

Disclaimer

Information provided is for general guidance and based on typical operating patterns. Specific dates, times, and services may vary by location and year. Always verify details with official sources or local information points closer to your travel dates. Emergency contacts are accurate, but service availability (e.g., English support) may depend on call volume and staffing.