New Year's Day in Japan: Traditions and Holiday Closures Guide

New Year's Day, known as Shogatsu, is the most significant holiday in Japan. Unlike the festive, party-oriented atmosphere of New Year's in many Western countries, Shogatsu is a quiet, family-oriented period focused on tradition, purification, and welcoming the new year with good fortune.

Holiday Closures and Business Operations

If you are living in or visiting Japan during the New Year period, you must prepare for significant closures. While the exact dates can vary slightly by company, the standard holiday period typically runs from December 29 to January 3.

• Government Offices: Local ward offices, city halls, and national agencies will be closed.

• Banks: Most banking services, including ATMs operated by major banks, will be unavailable during the holidays. However, ATMs at convenience stores often remain operational.

• Postal Services: Japan Post services typically pause operations during this window.

• Retail and Dining: Large shopping malls and department stores often close on January 1. However, many restaurants and retail shops in major urban areas like Tokyo or Osaka remain open.

• Convenience Stores: Chains like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart generally remain open 24/7, making them essential for food and basic necessities during the holidays.

Always check the specific holiday schedule of your local municipality or your bank before planning any administrative tasks.

Cultural Traditions: Hatsumode and Food

Japanese New Year is defined by several unique customs that you may witness or participate in:

• Hatsumode: This is the tradition of making the first visit of the year to a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist temple. People visit to pray for health, happiness, and success. Expect large crowds at popular shrines during the first few days of January.

• Osechi-ryori: These are special traditional foods served in beautiful lacquerware boxes. Each ingredient in Osechi-ryori has a symbolic meaning, such as wishing for long life or a bountiful harvest.

• Otoshidama: This is the custom of adults giving small envelopes containing money to children as a New Year's gift.

• Nengajo: These are special New Year's greeting cards sent through the mail. They must be sent well in advance to ensure they arrive on January 1.

Good to know

• Transport: Trains and buses run on holiday schedules. While Shinkansen services continue to run, they can be very crowded, so booking seats in advance is highly recommended.

• Trash Collection: Garbage collection schedules often change during the New Year period. Check your local municipality's website for updated pickup dates.

• Cash: Because some smaller shops or local shrines may not accept credit cards, carrying sufficient cash is advisable.

Official information

• Prime Minister's Office of Japan
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Rules and fees can change. Please confirm the latest details with the official sources above.