Are stores open during the year-end and New Year holidays?

Conclusion

Most stores in big cities are open during the New Year holidays, except on January 1st, when many places still close.
In rural areas, many restaurants and local businesses may close for 2–3 days, so plan ahead.

General Information

About 20 years ago, almost everything in Japan shut down during the New Year.
But nowadays, many stores, malls, and restaurants stay open, especially in large cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo, and Fukuoka.

That said, January 1st to 3rd is still the official New Year holiday in Japan, so expect some closures.
Many family-run shops and restaurants will take time off. Even if a website says "open," it may not be up-to-date — locals often call to check (in Japanese).

🛍️ Store & Shopping Mall Hours

December 28–30

✅ Most stores, malls, and restaurants open as usual

December 31 (Ōmisoka / New Year’s Eve)

• Many shops close early (around 5–7 PM)
• Some restaurants, supermarkets, and malls may close completely

January 1 (Ganjitsu / New Year’s Day)

🚫 Most stores are closed
✅ Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are open 24/7
✅ Some tourist restaurants in cities may be open

January 2–3

• Many stores reopen, especially department stores
• Huge New Year sales (初売り / hatsuuri) start
• Lucky bags (福袋 / fukubukuro) are sold — a fun shopping experience! 🎁

💡 If you’re in Tokyo, Osaka, or other big cities, you’ll still find places to eat and shop.
💡 In smaller towns, expect very limited options for a few days.

🏪 Convenience Stores & Supermarkets

• Convenience stores: Open 24/7 all year round — very reliable for food, drinks, and essentials
• Supermarkets:
  • Usually open until evening on Dec 31
  • May be closed or have reduced hours on Jan 1–2
  • Back to normal by Jan 3–4

🏯 Tourist Attractions

• Shrines & Temples: Open — and often very crowded for New Year shrine visits (初詣 / hatsumōde)
• Museums: Often closed Dec 29–Jan 3 — check their websites
• Theme Parks (e.g., Disneyland, Universal Studios):
  • Often open during New Year’s, sometimes with special countdown events

✨ My Personal Tip

I think the New Year season is one of the most unique times to visit Japan.
You’ll experience a quiet side of the city, visit beautiful shrines, and maybe even join the first sunrise (初日の出 / hatsuhinode) tradition.

Just be careful if you're visiting rural areas — many restaurants and shops may be closed for several days, and websites may not be updated.
Even as a local, I always call ahead to double-check, and English may not be understood, so try using Google Translate or ask hotel staff for help.

Also, during this time:
🚆 Trains and subways may run all night on New Year’s Eve in major cities like Tokyo — a rare and convenient chance!

🧳 Travel Tips

• Book transportation and hotels early for Dec 29–Jan 4 — trains and hotels fill up fast
• Don’t expect every restaurant to be open — plan for a few simple meals or convenience store food
• Check Google Maps hours, but also be flexible — they might not be accurate
• Try a fukubukuro (lucky bag) for a fun Japanese shopping tradition
• Wear warm layers — New Year mornings can be very cold, especially if you go to a shrine at midnight or early dawn