There are many places where department stores, restaurants, and roadside shops are closed during the New Year's holidays in Japan. If you visit Japan without knowing this, you might end up screaming "nothing to do!". Especially on the first day of New Year, the 1st January, the busy downtown areas are quiet. For those planning to visit Japan using their Christmas and New year vacation this time, we will introduce a must-read article!
Department Stores and Shopping Malls Closed on 1st January (New Year)
New Year’s day (元旦) is an important day celebrating the New Year for the Japanese people. It is a national holiday even on the calendar. Almost all of the department stores in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, etc. are closed on 1st January. The majority of them shorten their closing time earlier on New Year's Eve, the 31st December. The day business' start for the first time at the beginning of the year is called "Hatsu-uri (first sale)". The first sale of department stores and department stores is early on 2nd January, the latest for most of the cases is on 5th January. The first selling day is crowded with many customers aiming for lucky bags.
【2019 New year holiday operation hour】
Ginza Mitsukoshi
- 2018/12/31: 10:00-18:00 (shortened)
- 2019/01/01-02: Closed
- 2019/01/03: 10:00-20:00
Shinjuku Isetan
- 2018/12/31: 10:00-18:00 (shortened)
- 2019/01/01-02: Closed
- 2019/01/03: 10:00-20:00
Shibuya 109
- 2018/12/31: 10:00-20:00 (shortened)
- 2019/01/01: Closed
- 2019/01/02: 10:00-21:00
Restaurants and shops are closed not only at the beginning of the year but also at the end of the year!
Department stores often operate until 31st December, but restaurants are going to close on 30th or 31st December. Some restaurants are closed until 5th January during New Year's holiday. Visiting the restaurant without knowing that is a big risk! let's do some homework in advance so that you won’t face problems like “nothing to eat” when you reach the restaurant.
【2019 New year holiday operation hour】
Unegaoka Sushi's Midori Headquarters Ginza branch Shop (Sushi) (梅丘寿司の美登利総本店 銀座店)
- 2019/01/01-03: Closed
Tempura Shinjuku Tsuna 8 Shinjuku Headquarters (Tempura) (天ぷら新宿つな八 新宿総本店)
- 2018/12/31: Closed
- 2019/01/01: Closed
- 2019/01/02: 11:00-19:00 (shortened)
Ningyocho Imahan Ningyocho Main Store (Sukiyaki)
- 2018/12/31: Closed
- 2019/01/01: Closed
- 2019/01/02: 11:00-21:00 (shortened)
- 2019/01/03-06: 11:00-22:00 (shortened)
The majority of sightseeing spots in Tokyo are open for New Year's Day (元旦)!
Not like department stores and restaurants, many of Tokyo's popular tourist attractions, which are popular with tourists visiting Japan, are open on the 1st of January. Shrines and temples such as Sensoji Temple and Meiji Jingu shrine are crowded more than usual with first-time visitors (初詣客). Also, Tokyo Sky Tree (R) and Tokyo Tower are also crowded with first-day customers. Bathing facilities such as Odaiba Tokyo Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari (東京お台場大江戸温泉物語) and Tokyo Dome City LaQua, amusement facilities such as Sanrio Puroland and Tokyo Disney Resort are also open.
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