Practical New Year Tips in Japan (Plus the Traditions You’ll See Everywhere)
New Year (お正月 / Oshōgatsu) is the most important holiday period in Japan. While Christmas passes quickly, New Year affects daily life in very real, practical ways — especially if you are not expecting it.
This article covers what to prepare for New Year in Japan, what typically closes, and the main traditions you will see Japanese people observing between December 31 and January 3 — including why some shrines become extremely crowded, even overnight.
Many Things Close — More Than You Expect
Unlike Christmas, New Year in Japan comes with real shutdowns.
Common closures include:
- Banks and government offices
- Clinics and small medical practices
- Real estate agencies and moving services
- Smaller restaurants and local shops
Large convenience stores remain open, but overall activity slows down significantly.
Prepare Cash in Advance
ATMs at convenience stores usually work, but bank branches close for several days.
It is a good idea to:
- Withdraw enough cash before December 30
- Avoid relying on international transfers during this period
- Pay important bills early if possible
Supermarkets Get Busy — Then Very Quiet
In the days leading up to New Year, supermarkets become crowded.
After January 1:
- Many supermarkets shorten their hours
- Some local stores close completely for a few days
- Convenience stores remain the most reliable option
Hatsumōde: Why Shrines Get Extremely Crowded
One of the most important New Year traditions is hatsumōde — the first shrine or temple visit of the year.
Unlike casual sightseeing, this is a once-a-year religious and cultural event. Millions of people across Japan participate during a very short time window.
This has practical consequences:
- Major shrines attract enormous crowds
- Some people line up before midnight on December 31
- Police manage queues, traffic, and crowd flow
Popular shrines in large cities can see visitors continuously from late night into the early morning of January 1.
This is why you may notice:
- Train stations operating late or all night near major shrines
- Road closures and detours
- Very long waiting times, even in cold weather
Smaller neighborhood shrines are usually much quieter and offer a calmer experience, especially later on January 1 or January 2.
TV, Silence, and a Slower Pace
Another surprise for many foreigners is how quiet cities feel.
On January 1 especially:
- Traffic drops sharply
- Office districts feel almost empty
- TV programming switches to traditional New Year shows
This calm atmosphere is intentional. New Year is meant to mark a reset.
New Year vs Christmas in Japan
If you experienced Christmas in Japan and felt underwhelmed, New Year provides useful context.
- Christmas is commercial and couple-focused
- New Year is cultural, family-oriented, and taken seriously
This pairs well with: Christmas in Japan: What it’s really like .
Key Takeaways
- New Year is the most important holiday period in Japan
- Many services close, so preparation matters
- Cash and groceries should be handled in advance