Japan is one of the hottest travel destinations this Lunar New Year. If you’re planning a trip, keep these essential tips in mind to make your journey smooth, memorable, and unforgettable!
Christmas and New Year in Japan – A Unique Experience
Celebrating Christmas and New Year in Japan feels different from experiencing it in Western countries or Vietnam. If you’d like to enjoy both festive seasons at once without flying too far west, Japan is an excellent choice.
However, timing matters. Try to arrive before the last week of December or the first week of January, when the country is packed with domestic and international travelers. This is peak holiday season, and without advance reservations, getting train tickets or hotel rooms can be nearly impossible.
Booking long-distance train seats in advance is highly recommended. Non-reserved cars (where you board and find an open seat) are usually overcrowded during this time of year.
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Christmas in Japan
Unlike the West, Christmas is not an official holiday in Japan, where most people practice Buddhism, Shintoism, or no religion at all. Schools and businesses remain open unless it falls on a Sunday or public holiday.
Still, the Japanese celebrate Christmas in their own unique way. It is considered a romantic holiday for couples, who often book dinners at fine restaurants or stays at luxury hotels. If you plan to dine out on Christmas Eve, be sure to make your reservations well in advance.
New Year – Japan’s Most Important Festival
New Year (Shōgatsu) is the biggest and most meaningful celebration in Japan. Families gather together, and many people leave Tokyo to return to their hometowns. As a result, the usually bustling capital becomes quieter than usual.
That said, shrines and temples overflow with visitors, as the Japanese practice hatsumōde—the first shrine or temple visit of the year—to pray for health, happiness, and prosperity.
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Shopping and Seasonal Foods
New Year is also the season of huge holiday sales, making it a perfect time for shopping if you don’t mind the crowds.
January 1st is an official national holiday, and Japanese families enjoy osechi ryōri, traditional New Year dishes that symbolize longevity, fertility, and good fortune.
Accommodation and Travel Tips
New Year is an ideal time to find good hotel deals in major cities, as many locals travel out of town. However, hot spring inns (ryokan) and ski resorts in snowy regions are in high demand, so it’s best to book those well in advance.
Keep in mind that from December 29th to January 3rd or 4th, many businesses, offices, and even medical facilities close for the holiday. However, in recent years, many restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores, and shopping centers have continued operating throughout the New Year, so travelers still have plenty of options for dining and shopping.
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Visiting Japan during New Year allows you to experience one of the country’s most important traditions while enjoying unique shopping, seasonal food, and festive cultural activities. With careful planning and early bookings, your holiday in Japan will be an unforgettable way to start the year.
