The New Year in Japan is a unique and wonderful time to travel to Japan. Besides enjoying the beautiful winter season in Japan, visitors have a chance to experience the traditions, culture, and history of Japan first hand.
But what should you know before planning your Japan vacation over the Japanese New Year’s? And what should you do and where should you visit during Japan’s New Year?
To make planning your Japan vacation easier, we’ve listed some of our tips to keep in mind before planning your Japan travels over New Year’s, as well as rounded up our recommendations on what to do in Japan and where to visit in Japan over the winter holiday season.
The New Year’s holiday season in Japan during 2024-2025 will be from December 28 to January 5. Although only New Year’s Day (January 1) is an official public holiday on the calender, many Japanese will take the chance to travel back to their hometowns during the New Years season. Many shops and restaurants, especially those that are smaller and privately owned, will also close for the season.
To find out more on holidays in Japan: When is the Best Time to Visit Japan in 2024?
Shogatsu / Oshogatsu (正月 / お正月): New Year
Oomisoka (大晦日): New Year’s eve
Gantan (元旦): New Year’s Day morning
Hatsmode (初詣): first shrine visit of the year
The new year holiday season in Japan can be similar to the Christmas season in other countries, as many Japanese will travel back to their hometowns or to visit family during this time. It is one of the peak times for travel for Japanese locals, so be sure to keep that in mind when planning your Japan vacation.
There are a few things to keep in mind when planning your travels over New Year’s in Japan:
Book your Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets and other transportation in advance, especially for travel between December 27th and January 5th. During this peak period, the “Nozomi” bullet train—the fastest line—will operate with reservation-only seating. Be mindful when planning your journey! Although slower train lines will still be available, they are likely to be very crowded, meaning you might not have a seat for the duration of your trip if you opt for non-reserved seats.
Plan out where you want to visit in Japan ahead of time. While shrines and temples remain open, many museums, shops, and tourist attractions may close or have limited hours during the holiday. Research and plan your sightseeing destinations to avoid disappointment.
Make reservations for meals at restaurants in advance when and where possible. As the New Year period is a major holiday in Japan, many establishments will close.
We recommend using the MACHIYA LOCALS platform to book your dining experiences in advance! By using this platform, even if you are not a native Japanese speaker, you’ll be able to confirm and book a table in advance to guarantee a reservation even during the new year. In addition, you might even be able to taste some special Japanese New Year’s dishes featuring traditional osechi ryori! MACHIYA LOCALS can help you secure reservations and explore unique seasonal offerings.
Although specific dates will depend on the supermarket, in general, supermarkets are closed between January 1st ~ January 3rd. (Some are also closed on the 31st, or open with very limited hours). Therefore, if you want to pick up breakfast foods, snacks, or a variety of fresh fruits or vegetables, be sure to go to the supermarkets ahead of time!
If you only need a few items (drinks, water, snacks) you can just stop by a local convenience store (konbini) like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawsons. Japanese convenience stores are open 24 hours, 365 days a year!
Be ready to explore and experiment! Japan’s New Year season can see many local festivals and events, especially at shrines and temples.
Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at the best restaurants in Japan as recommended by locals.
Book a table at top-rated restaurants to enjoy exquisite kaiseki (course-style) Japanese dinners.
So what should you do during your Japan vacation over the Japanese New Year’s? We’ve rounded up our recommendations on where to visit in Japan, what to do in Japan, and what to eat in Japan to help you plan your Japan itinerary.
Japan’s New Year holiday season is during the winter, which means some of the best places to visit over the Japanese New Year are the best winter destinations in Japan. For visitors who enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, locations like Mt. Zao in Yamagata prefecture makes for a great holiday destination for New Year’s. If you enjoy delicious seafood, be sure to add Kanazawa city to your Japan itinerary. To experience the unique bathing culture of Japan and enjoy an onsen bath, try out Ginzan Onsen.
For more recommendations on where to visit in Japan: Winter in Japan: Best Destinations During the Winter Season
Hatsumode, or the first shrine visit of the year, is an important part of New Years in Japan. But where should you go for Hatsumode when visiting Kyoto city when there are so many shrines to choose from? To make planning your New Years in Kyoto vacation a breeze, we’ve made a list of our recommended shrines to visit for Hatsumode off the beaten path.
For more recommendations on Hatsumode Spots in Kyoto: New Year in Kyoto: Best Shrines for Hatsumode Off The Beaten Path
The Hokuriku region, where Kanazawa city is located, is known for the snow during the winter. That’s not all, however, as the proximity to the sea means some of the best winter foods in japan, including snow crab and hot pot, can be found in Kanazawa, Japan.
Besides delicious Japanese food, you’ll also find that Kanazawa city is full of traditional (and non-traditional!) sightseeing locations to visit during Japan’s New Year’s. From historical shrines like Oyama Shrine and Ishiura Shrine to one of the great gardens of Japan, Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa city in Ishikawa prefecture makes for a great destination to add to your Japan itinerary during the Japanese New Year’s.
For more ideas on what to do in Kanazawa city: Winter in Kanazawa: What to Do & What to Eat in Kanazawa, Japan
One of the best parts of Japanese New Year’s traditions is the delicious food.
It is customary to eat ‘toshikoshi soba’ on New Year’s Eve in Japan. As soba noodles can be easily cut, they are eaten to ‘cut away’ the previous year and any hardships that occurred. Depending on what part of Japan you are visiting, topping can differ.
It is also customary to enjoy ‘osechi ryori’, or osechi for short. It is a traditional Japanese winter food served over the New Year’s holidays and an amazing representation of Japanese cuisine. Osechi will contain many different dishes, all with their own meanings and well wishes for ringing in Japan’s New Year’s.
Besides traditional dishes enjoyed during the holidays, the New Year’s in Japan falls during the winter time. Winter time in Japan is synonymous with delicious and fresh seafood. If you’re a fan of seafood and want to try fugu, nodoguro, crab, and more during their best season, then be sure to add it to your Japan itinerary!
For more information on foods to enjoy in the winter in Japan: Must Try Foods During Winter in Japan
Traveling during Japan’s New Year holiday season can be an amazing way to experience the culture, history, and traditions of the country during your Japan vacation. We hope our travel advice helps you in planning out your future Japan travels!
