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New Year's Day marks the beginning of Japan's most important holiday season, the New Year season (正月, Shōgatsu), which generally refers to the first one, three or seven days of the year. Although not prescribed by law, many workplaces are closed from December 29 to January 3. For the 2024–2025 (Reiwa 6–Reiwa 7) period, the holiday spans a long nine-day stretch from December 28 (Saturday) to January 5 (Sunday), as it includes weekends before and after the standard holiday period. With such an extended break, many people might take the opportunity to travel further afield. What are the Year-End and New Year Bank Closures? The days around the New Year are deeply felt among people, many offices and both public and private places (including some tourist attractions such as museums or amusement parks) remain closed even up to 5-6 days in the days around New Year's Eve. It’s not a public holiday, and while families may recognize it, the focus is decidedly more commercial and individualistic. The core difference between Christmas in Western cultures and New Year’s in Japan lies in their values and focus. Christmas emphasizes generosity, religious reflection, and family unity. New Year's Eve in Japan ranges from a mix of the traditional and modern. While there are no grand fireworks displays like in the west, parties and gatherings are still common, with hotels and clubs usually hosting exclusive gatherings to celebrate the night leading up to the countdown. 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. Visitors should also be aware that events such as the Obon Festival, the cherry blossom season, Golden Week, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve are also very busy times of year to visit Japan. People catching Shinkansen bullet trains should make early reservations during these periods when possible. If you are travelling to Japan during a Christmas and New Year season, you may wonder what the winter holidays are like in Japan. Every workplace and store has different holiday schedule during the season, though the most common winter holiday period in Japan is from 29th December to 3rd January . We explain the New Year's holiday from 2024 (Reiwa 6) to 2025 (Reiwa 7). We also introduce the New Year's holidays for government offices, banks, and post offices. We also introduce popular areas for New Year's holiday travel, as well as activities and experiences! 1. No public Christmas holiday. In Australia, or most countries, Christmas Day 25 December and the following day 26 December Boxing day are public holidays. However, it is not public holiday in Japan unless weekend. On Christmas day 25 December, almost all stores are closed. Dec 31 Tokyo New Year’s Eve Countdown Cruise 2019–2020. With breathtaking night views of the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree, this two-and-a-half hour luxury cruise includes an extensive dinner buffet with over 20 dishes of Asian and Western cuisines and desserts, unlimited drinks and live music. New Year’s Eve is a celebration done on the night before January 1. It is not officially declared as a national holiday in Japan. Like many other countries, Japan has its own festivities arranged on the eve of December 31 to welcome the new year. New Year (正月, shōgatsu) is the most important holiday in Japan. Most businesses shut down from January 1 to January 3, and families typically gather to spend the days together. Years are traditionally viewed as completely separate, with each new year providing a fresh start. Unlike some Western countries where Christmas is the primary winter holiday, in Japan, New Year’s is the most important. While Christmas is celebrated, it’s not a public holiday, and the atmosphere shifts quickly to New Year’s preparations right after. On New Year’s Eve, expect a festive yet more subdued atmosphere compared to Christmas. Visiting Japan during New Year (shogatsu) can be rewarding, as you have the opportunity to experience Japan's most important holiday, but it can also be frustrating, as many tourist attractions, shops and restaurants are closed, and getting around can be inconvenient. New Year's Eve New Year's Eve: 31 December. Public holidays . 2025, Japan, Banks . Business days calculator in Japan Public holidays 2025 in Luxembourg Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Japan by relaxing on a cruise ship in Tokyo Bay. The 150-minute journey passes iconic spots such as Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba, Haneda Airport, Maihama, and more. You can choose between a buffet-style meal or a French set menu on board, along with exclusive musical performances. Seeing a New Year’s diamond Fuji is definitely a bucket list endeavor. For New Year’s Day, many Japanese people put in the effort to watch the first sunrise of the day. At Mount Fuji, the ascent of the sun over the peak of the volcano creates a spectacular sparkle known as ‘Diamond Fuji’. Nothing could be a buzzkill like finding out that shops and attractions are closed because it’s a public holiday. In Japan, public holidays, known as 祝日 (shukujitsu), vary from New Year’s Day to cultural and historical commemorations (like Mountain Day or Sports Day. Because, well, why not). Besides the countdown cruise, a first sunrise cruise is also available, departing in early morning to capture the very first sunrise of the year. Book New Year’s Eve Cruise in Tokyo. Book New Year Sunrise Cruise in Tokyo. Check more countdown events in Tokyo: Best New Year’s Eve Countdown Events in Tokyo. Legoland Japan
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