Japan’s New Year Shutdown: Your Essential Guide to Banking, Mail, and Emergency Services

Traveling or living in Japan during the New Year period (known as Nenmatsu Nenshi, 年末年始) can be confusing. Many services you rely on daily, from banks to post offices, operate on reduced schedules or close entirely. This uncertainty about access to cash, sending mail, or knowing where to go in an emergency can create unnecessary stress.

This comprehensive guide removes that friction. We provide practical advice and clear steps to navigate Japan’s New Year shutdown, ensuring you remain connected to essential services. You’ll learn how to manage your finances, send packages, and understand emergency protocols, allowing you to enjoy your time in Japan with confidence.

Understanding Japan’s New Year Shutdown (年末年始)

Japan’s New Year period, Nenmatsu Nenshi, is a significant national holiday. It typically extends from around December 29th or 30th to January 3rd or 4th. During this time, many businesses, including banks, post offices, and government agencies, observe full closures or significantly reduced operating hours. Understanding this schedule is your first step to a smooth experience.

This widespread shutdown is a unique aspect of Japanese culture, where individuals return to their hometowns for family gatherings and traditions. For international visitors, it means essential services can become difficult to access without prior planning.

Banking & Cash: Don’t Get Caught Short

One of the most common pain points during the New Year is managing cash and banking needs. Uncertainty about ATM availability can lead to cash shortages, particularly in a society that still favors cash transactions for many smaller establishments.

Bank Branches & Online Services

Most major bank branches, such as MUFG, SMBC, and Mizuho, will be closed from December 31st to January 3rd. Regional banks may have slightly varied schedules, but widespread closures are standard. This means in-person transactions are generally not possible during these dates.

Online banking services usually remain accessible. However, be aware that transfers between different banks might only be processed on the next business day, which could be January 4th or later. Plan your payments and transfers accordingly.

🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Withdraw sufficient cash to cover your anticipated expenses for the entire New Year period before December 29th. This includes transport, food, shopping, and any planned activities.

Reliable ATM Access During the Holidays

Convenience store ATMs are your most reliable option for cash withdrawals during Nenmatsu Nenshi. These include 7-Bank ATMs (found in 7-Eleven stores), E-net ATMs (in FamilyMart and some other shops), and Lawson Bank ATMs (in Lawson stores). Most operate 24/7, though brief maintenance periods or specific holiday hours might occur. Transaction fees may apply.

Visual Step-by-Step: Using Convenience Store ATMs

1. Step 1: Locate a Convenience Store

   Visual cue: Look for 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson stores. They are ubiquitous in urban and even many rural areas.

   What to do: Enter the store. The ATM is usually near the entrance or back of the store.

   

2. Step 2: Identify the ATM

   Visual cue:

   • 7-Bank ATMs: Typically green and white.
   • E-net ATMs: Often blue and white or black and white.
   • Lawson Bank ATMs: Usually dark blue or black.

   What to do: Approach the machine. Look for an “English” button or language selection on the screen.

   

3. Step 3: Initiate Withdrawal

   Visual cue: The screen will display options in your selected language.

   What to do: Select “Cash Withdrawal” (お引き出し – Ohikidashi). Insert your card, follow the prompts for PIN and amount. Remember to take your card and cash.

   

For finding 7-Bank ATMs specifically, use their official English locator: 7-Bank International ATM service locator

Mail & Packages: Plan Ahead for Japan Post

Sending or receiving mail and packages can become problematic if you’re unprepared for Japan Post’s holiday schedule. Closures and reduced operations mean significant delays.

Japan Post Office Closures and Service Delays

Japan Post offices (郵便局 – Yūbin Kyoku) will typically have reduced hours or be completely closed from December 31st to January 3rd. This closure affects all counter services, including sending letters, parcels, and international mail.

Mail and package delivery services will also be suspended or severely delayed during this period. If you are expecting an important package, or need to send one urgently, ensure it’s handled well in advance of the shutdown.

🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Complete all urgent mailing or package sending tasks by December 28th or 29th at the latest. This applies to both domestic and international shipments.

Visual Cue: Japan Post mailboxes are distinctive red (older style) or red/orange (newer style) cylindrical or rectangular boxes on sidewalks. Look for the postal mark (〒).

For more detailed information or specific inquiries, consult the Japan Post English official site: Japan Post Customer Service

Emergencies: When and How to Get Help

The fear of being stranded without communication or proper medical care during a holiday shutdown is a valid concern for international visitors. Fortunately, emergency services in Japan remain operational 24/7, even during New Year. However, language barriers can exacerbate the situation.

Medical Care During New Year

Most general clinics (診療所 – shinryōjo) and smaller hospitals will be closed for non-emergencies during the New Year holiday. For routine issues, plan to see a doctor before the shutdown or wait until after January 4th.

Emergency hospitals (救急病院 – kyūkyū byōin) with 24-hour emergency departments remain open. These are equipped to handle serious medical conditions and accidents. If you experience a medical emergency, do not hesitate to seek help.

🎯 Local Pro-Tip: Before the New Year period begins, identify the nearest emergency hospital to your accommodation. Save its name and address in your phone. This proactive step can save critical time.

Visual Cue: Look for hospital signs with a red cross or the characters ‘救急病院’ (kyūkyū byōin), often prominently displayed in red or white.

Police and Fire Services

For true emergencies, Police (110) and Fire/Ambulance (119) services operate 24/7 nationwide, including during the New Year holidays. These calls are free from any phone, including public phones and mobile phones.

It is important to note that call operators may not always speak English. Be prepared to speak slowly and clearly, or have a translation app ready. The JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline (see below) can also assist in non-life-threatening situations or provide translation support when contacting emergency services.

For more detailed information on medical facilities, refer to the JNTO guide: JNTO Guide for Tourists to Japan – Medical Information

The JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline is also an invaluable resource for general tourist information, translation assistance, and initial contact for emergencies: JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline

Visual Cue: Police Boxes (Koban – 交番) are small neighborhood police stations, often with a red light, found throughout cities and towns. They can provide directions or basic assistance.

Broader Impact: Travel, Food, and Activities

While banking, mail, and emergencies are critical, the New Year shutdown impacts other aspects of your trip. Consider these additional points for a comprehensive plan.

Transportation & Crowds

The New Year is a major domestic travel period in Japan. This means public transportation, especially long-distance trains (Shinkansen) and buses, will be crowded. Securing tickets well in advance is essential if you plan to travel between cities. Local train and bus schedules might also be altered, so check specific routes and times.

Consider linking to a “Japan Public Transportation Schedules” article here if available.

Shops, Restaurants, and Attractions

Many shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions will close for several days during the New Year. Major department stores, luxury brands, and popular tourist spots often reopen on January 2nd with special “first sale” (hatsu-uri) events, but smaller, local establishments may remain closed longer. Always check operating hours in advance, especially for specific restaurants or museums you plan to visit.

Cashless Payments & IC Cards

While Japan is still a cash-heavy society, cashless payment options like IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, etc.) and mobile payments (PayPay, Line Pay) are becoming more widespread. These can be alternatives to cash, especially at convenience stores, major train stations, and some larger retailers. However, smaller shops and rural areas may still be cash-only, reinforcing the need to carry sufficient physical currency.

Consider linking to a “Using Cashless Payment Options in Japan” article here if available.

Conclusion

Navigating Japan’s New Year shutdown requires foresight and practical planning, but it doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. By taking proactive steps to manage your banking, mail, and emergency preparedness, you can minimize friction and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience.

The key is preparation: secure your cash, handle urgent mail tasks early, and know your emergency contacts. With this guide, you are equipped to confidently handle the Nenmatsu Nenshi period. Plan now, and embrace the unique traditions of a Japanese New Year.

Disclaimer

The information provided is based on general operational patterns for Japan’s New Year period and was last verified in December 2025. Individual business schedules, especially for smaller establishments, may vary. Always verify specific operating hours and service availability directly with the respective service providers (banks, post offices, hospitals) closer to your travel dates. Emergency service numbers (110, 119) are consistently reliable, but language assistance may vary.