Japanese Holidays & What's Closed
Golden Week, Obon, New Year & more โ when to visit and when to avoid
โก Quick Answer
Avoid: Golden Week (Apr 29 - May 6), Obon (mid-August), New Year (Dec 31 - Jan 3). Prices spike 2-3x, everything is booked solid. Good news: Most tourist attractions stay open during holidays โ it's transport and accommodation that's the challenge.
๐ 2025 Public Holidays
| Date | Holiday | Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year's Day (ๅ ๆฅ) | Extreme | Jan 1-3 most businesses closed |
| Jan 13 | Coming of Age Day (ๆไบบใฎๆฅ) | Moderate | Second Monday of Jan |
| Feb 11 | National Foundation Day (ๅปบๅฝ่จๅฟตใฎๆฅ) | Moderate | |
| Feb 23 | Emperor's Birthday (ๅคฉ็่ช็ๆฅ) | Moderate | Observed Feb 24 (Mon) |
| Mar 20 | Vernal Equinox Day (ๆฅๅใฎๆฅ) | Moderate | |
| Apr 29 | Showa Day (ๆญๅใฎๆฅ) | High | Start of Golden Week |
| May 3 | Constitution Day (ๆฒๆณ่จๅฟตๆฅ) | Extreme | Golden Week peak |
| May 4 | Greenery Day (ใฟใฉใใฎๆฅ) | Extreme | Golden Week |
| May 5 | Children's Day (ใใฉใใฎๆฅ) | Extreme | Golden Week |
| May 6 | Substitute Holiday | Extreme | Golden Week extended |
| Jul 21 | Marine Day (ๆตทใฎๆฅ) | Moderate | Third Monday of Jul |
| Aug 11 | Mountain Day (ๅฑฑใฎๆฅ) | High | Near Obon season |
| Sep 15 | Respect for the Aged Day (ๆฌ่ใฎๆฅ) | Moderate | Third Monday of Sep |
| Sep 23 | Autumnal Equinox Day (็งๅใฎๆฅ) | Moderate | |
| Oct 13 | Sports Day (ในใใผใใฎๆฅ) | Moderate | Second Monday of Oct |
| Nov 3 | Culture Day (ๆๅใฎๆฅ) | Moderate | |
| Nov 23 | Labor Thanksgiving Day (ๅคๅดๆ่ฌใฎๆฅ) | Moderate | Observed Nov 24 (Mon) |
| Dec 31 | New Year's Eve (ๅคงๆฆๆฅ) | High | Many close early |
๐ The Big Three Holiday Periods
๐ธ Golden Week (Apr 29 - May 6)
Japan's longest holiday period combines four national holidays. The entire country travels simultaneously. This is the worst time to visit Japan as a tourist.
- โข Transport: Shinkansen and flights fully booked weeks ahead
- โข Hotels: Prices 2-3x normal, often sold out
- โข Attractions: Open but expect 2+ hour queues everywhere
- โข Restaurants: Long waits, many fully booked
- โข Banks/Post: Closed May 3-5 (or longer)
๐ฎ Obon (Aug 13-16)
Buddhist festival honoring ancestors. Many Japanese return to hometowns. Not an official public holiday, but many companies close for the week.
- โข When: Typically Aug 13-16, some areas July
- โข Transport: Highways jammed, trains packed
- โข Tokyo: Actually quieter as locals leave the city
- โข Rural areas: Beautiful festivals but very crowded
- โข Many businesses: Closed Aug 13-16
๐ New Year (Dec 31 - Jan 3)
Japan's most important holiday. The country essentially shuts down. Most businesses close Dec 31 - Jan 3, many through Jan 4-5.
- โข Dec 31: Most shops close by afternoon, trains run but limited
- โข Jan 1-3: Banks, post offices, most shops closed
- โข Temples/Shrines: PACKED for hatsumode (first shrine visit)
- โข Konbini: Open but may have limited stock
- โข Restaurants: Many closed, hotel dining your best bet
๐ What's Open During Holidays?
| Business Type | Regular Holidays | Golden Week | New Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Konbini (7-Eleven, etc.) | โ Open 24/7 | โ Open 24/7 | โ Open 24/7 |
| Tourist Attractions | โ Usually open | โ Open (crowded) | โ Many closed Jan 1 |
| Department Stores | โ Open | โ Open | โ Closed Jan 1-2 |
| Banks | โ Closed | โ Closed | โ Closed Dec 31 - Jan 3 |
| Post Offices | โ Closed | โ Closed (major open) | โ Closed |
| Restaurants | โ Mostly open | โ Open (busy) | โ Many closed |
| Public Transport | โ Holiday schedule | โ Runs (packed) | โ Reduced Dec 31 |
๐ก Planning Tips
๐ If You Must Visit During Golden Week
Book everything 3+ months ahead. Consider less popular destinations (rural areas, smaller cities). Start early each day to beat crowds. Accept that prices will be high and queues long.
๐ Experiencing Japanese New Year
If visiting during New Year, embrace the cultural experience. Book hotel dinners (osechi). Visit a shrine for hatsumode (arrive before midnight or early morning). Stock up on food from konbini Dec 30-31.
๐ฐ Best Value Periods
Avoid Big Three periods plus: cherry blossom season (late March-early April), autumn leaves (November). Best deals: January (after 7th), February, June (rainy but cheap), September-early November.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Are ATMs available during holidays?
Yes! Konbini ATMs (7-Eleven, Lawson) work 24/7, 365 days. Bank ATMs may have reduced hours or higher fees during holidays. Always keep some cash as backup.
Will trains run during New Year?
Yes, but with reduced schedules on Dec 31 - Jan 1. Many lines run all night on New Year's Eve for shrine visits. Check your specific line's holiday schedule.
Is Obon a good time to visit Tokyo?
Surprisingly, yes! Many Tokyoites leave the city, so it's actually less crowded than usual. Just be aware that some restaurants/shops may be closed, and it's hot and humid.
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Last updated: December 2024.