Japan New Year Closures: Navigate Holidays Without Disruption

Traveling to Japan around the New Year? You’re entering one of the country’s most significant cultural periods, known as Oshogatsu. While it’s a time of unique traditions and celebrations, it also brings widespread closures and altered services. Unexpectedly finding yourself without food, cash, or transport during this time can be a source of stress and frustration.

This comprehensive guide is designed to remove that friction. As your Japan Local Fixer, we’ll equip you with the practical knowledge to navigate Japan’s New Year holiday effectively. You’ll learn what to expect, where to find essential services like food and cash, how to handle emergencies, and key phrases to help you communicate when options are limited.

Understanding Japan’s New Year Holiday (Oshogatsu)

The core New Year holiday period in Japan typically runs from December 29th or 30th to January 3rd or 4th. This is one of the most important annual holidays, deeply rooted in family traditions and spiritual observances. Many businesses, from banks and post offices to small restaurants and shops, close their doors so staff can celebrate with their families or perform traditional duties like Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year).

This widespread closure is a significant seasonal consideration for international visitors. It’s not just a weekend; it’s a nationwide pause that impacts nearly all sectors, amplifying challenges like language barriers when trying to find open services.

🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Accommodation and major transportation (Shinkansen, flights) can be fully booked months in advance, and prices may surge during this peak travel period. If your travel falls within Oshogatsu, secure your reservations as early as possible.

Securing Food & Supplies During Closures

Finding open dining options can be one of the biggest challenges during Japan’s New Year. Many restaurants, especially smaller, independently-run establishments, will be closed. Here’s how to ensure you stay fed.

Your Konbini Lifeline: Convenience Stores

Your most reliable resource for food, drinks, and basic necessities will be Japan’s ubiquitous convenience stores (konbini). Chains like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are typically open 24/7, even during the New Year period, often with minimal disruption.

• What they offer: Ready-to-eat meals (onigiri, bento boxes, sandwiches, pasta), snacks, hot food items (fried chicken, oden), hot and cold beverages, basic toiletries, and often an in-store ATM.
• Why they’re crucial: They offer a wide variety of affordable options, suitable for quick meals, breakfast, or late-night snacks when other places are shut.

Restaurant Realities

Don’t expect your favorite local ramen shop to be open. Most independent restaurants close. Here are the exceptions:

• Chain Restaurants: Some larger chain restaurants, particularly those located near major train stations or in tourist-heavy areas, may operate with reduced hours or be open for portions of the holiday. Check their official websites or Google Maps for specific holiday schedules.
• Department Store Basements (Depachika): The food halls in the basements of major department stores often remain open, or have special limited hours, offering high-quality prepared foods, bentos, and gourmet items. These can be excellent options for a more upscale, take-away meal.
• Hotel Restaurants: Hotels typically keep their restaurants open, but they may offer special holiday menus, and prices can be higher. Reservations are often required.

Stocking Up

If you have access to a kitchen or even just a mini-fridge in your accommodation, consider stocking up on non-perishables, snacks, and drinks a day or two before the closures begin. Supermarkets generally close from December 31st to January 3rd/4th.

Accessing Cash & Financial Services

Japan remains a cash-heavy society, and running out of yen during New Year’s can be a significant hurdle. Banks and post offices will be closed, making their ATMs inaccessible or operating on extremely limited hours.

ATM Availability: Your Best Bet

Your primary options for cash withdrawals will be:

• Convenience Store ATMs: As mentioned, 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart ATMs are generally reliable and operate 24/7. These machines are often multilingual.
• International Airport ATMs: If you’re arriving or departing around the holiday, ATMs at major international airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, etc.) are usually operational.

🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Withdraw a larger sum of cash before December 29th, or immediately upon arrival at an airport, to last you through the holiday period. Don’t rely solely on card payments, especially for smaller shops, market stalls, or entrance fees at temples/shrines.

Visual Step-by-Step: Using a 7-Eleven ATM

7-Eleven ATMs (7-Bank) are widely considered the most foreigner-friendly. Here’s how to use one:

1. Step 1: Locate the ATM

   Visual cue: Look for a standalone ATM inside a 7-Eleven. It typically has a blue and green interface with a prominent “7-Bank” logo. They are usually near the entrance or back of the store.

   What to do: Enter the store and approach the machine. Most 7-Eleven stores will have at least one.

   

2. Step 2: Select Your Language

   Visual cue: The initial screen will display options for different languages. Look for “English” or the British/American flag icon.

   What to do: Press the corresponding button on the touchscreen or next to the screen to select English.

   

3. Step 3: Insert Your Card

   Visual cue: A slot will be clearly marked for card insertion. Ensure your card is oriented correctly (chip first, usually).

   What to do: Insert your international credit or debit card into the slot. The machine will read your card.

   

4. Step 4: Select Transaction Type

   Visual cue: The screen will present options like “Withdrawal,” “Balance Inquiry,” “Cash Advance.”

   What to do: Choose “Withdrawal” for a debit card or “Cash Advance” for a credit card, depending on your needs.

   

5. Step 5: Enter Your PIN

   Visual cue: A numerical keypad will be available. The screen will prompt you to enter your Personal Identification Number.

   What to do: Carefully enter your 4-digit PIN. Confirm it when prompted.

   

6. Step 6: Choose/Enter Amount

   Visual cue: The screen will display common withdrawal amounts (e.g., ¥10,000, ¥20,000) or allow you to input a custom amount. Note that ATMs dispense in multiples of ¥1,000.

   What to do: Select a preset amount or enter your desired amount. Confirm the transaction details.

   

7. Step 7: Collect Cash and Card

   Visual cue: Cash will dispense from a slot, followed by your card and a receipt.

   What to do: Take your cash, then your card, and finally the receipt. Always ensure you collect your card before leaving the machine.

   

For additional ATM locations, you can check the official Seven Bank website: Seven Bank ATM Locator.

Navigating Public Transportation

While public transportation remains operational during New Year’s, it often runs on a reduced holiday schedule. Expect fewer trains and buses, potentially longer waits, and altered timetables.

• Reduced Schedules: Most train and bus lines will follow weekend or holiday timetables.
• New Year’s Eve Special Services: On New Year’s Eve (Omisoka), many major city lines (especially in Tokyo and Osaka) run all night to accommodate those visiting shrines and temples for Hatsumode. Confirm specific lines and timings closer to the date.
• Crowds: Expect significant crowds, particularly on New Year’s Eve and January 1st, around popular shrines and temples, and on routes leading to major transport hubs as people travel for family or celebrations.

Solution: Use transit planning apps or websites like Japan Transit Planner (Navitime), which generally update their schedules for holiday periods. Always double-check before you depart.

Tourist Attractions & Activities

Many major tourist attractions will have specific New Year’s closures or altered hours. Planning is essential to avoid disappointment.

• Shrines & Temples: These are almost universally open and exceptionally crowded for Hatsumode. Expect long lines, especially at famous sites like Meiji Jingu in Tokyo or Fushimi Inari-taisha in Kyoto. This is a unique cultural experience, but be prepared for the crush of people.
• Museums & Art Galleries: Most museums, art galleries, and cultural centers close from around December 29th-30th through January 3rd-4th. Check individual websites for exact dates.
• Theme Parks: Major theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea or Universal Studios Japan usually remain open, but often have special event hours and are extremely busy. Booking tickets well in advance is mandatory.
• Shops & Department Stores: Most shops will close on January 1st, and many will remain closed until January 2nd or 3rd. Department stores often reopen on January 2nd with special “lucky bag” (fukubukuro) sales, which draw massive crowds.

Handling Emergencies & Medical Needs

While New Year’s impacts many services, emergency services operate normally. For non-urgent medical needs, access might be limited but is still possible with the right approach.

Non-Emergency Medical Care

• Hotel Staff: Your hotel concierge or front desk is your first point of contact for non-emergency medical assistance. They can often provide information on English-speaking doctors or clinics that might be open, or call a taxi for you.
• Tourist Information Centers: Major tourist information centers (e.g., at airports or large train stations) can also assist in finding medical facilities.
• JNTO Medical Guide: The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) provides a list of hospitals with English-speaking staff. While you’ll still need to verify their holiday hours, it’s a good starting point: JNTO Medical Guide.
• Pharmacies (Yakkyoku / Doraggu Sutoa): These will likely have limited hours, similar to other retail stores. Convenience stores carry basic over-the-counter medications for minor ailments.

Always have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Be prepared to explain your symptoms clearly, or use a translation app. If you have pre-existing conditions, carry a medical alert card or a note from your doctor detailing your condition and necessary medications.

🇯🇵 Point & Speak: Essential Japanese Phrases

While many staff in tourist areas may speak some English, knowing a few key phrases or having them written down can be invaluable during holiday periods when staffing might be reduced or less accustomed to foreign visitors. Show this section to staff if you’re stuck; they can read the Japanese.

📋 Quick Reference Card: Japan New Year Essentials

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Being aware of these pitfalls can save you significant trouble during the Japan New Year period:

• Assuming Normal Operations: Do not assume shops, restaurants, or attractions will be open as usual. This is the most critical mistake. Always verify hours for specific dates.
• Running Out of Cash: Relying solely on credit cards or expecting easy ATM access is risky. Many smaller establishments only accept cash.
• Ignoring Holiday Transport Schedules: Missing the last train or waiting excessively long for a bus because you didn’t check the holiday schedule can disrupt plans and leave you stranded.
• Underestimating Crowds: Particularly around popular shrines and temples for Hatsumode, crowds can be immense and overwhelming. If you dislike large crowds, plan your visits to these sites for later in January.
• Not Having a Translation App: While this guide provides phrases, a good offline translation app can bridge language barriers in unexpected situations, especially if you need to explain complex issues to locals.

Conclusion

Navigating Japan during the New Year period requires forethought, but with proactive planning, it can be a smooth and culturally rich experience. By understanding the nature of Oshogatsu, leveraging convenience stores, securing cash early, and verifying transport schedules, you can mitigate potential disruptions.

Remember, preparedness is your best tool for a stress-free holiday. Use this guide to plan ahead and ensure access to essential services. Enjoy your time observing Japan’s unique New Year traditions.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on typical patterns. Specific business closures, transport schedules, and service availability can vary year to year and by region. Always verify information with official sources (e.g., specific store websites, transport operator sites, hotel staff) for the most up-to-date details during your travel period.