Here’s a summary of the holiday schedule for the 2024–2025 (Reiwa 6–Reiwa 7) year-end and New Year period. We’ll also cover the closure dates for public offices, medical facilities, and post offices, as well as operational details for major public transportation systems in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Use this guide to help plan your year-end and New Year schedule.
Year-End and New Year Holiday Calendar [2024–2025 (Reiwa 6–Reiwa 7)]
| sun | moon | fire | water | tree | gold | soil |
| 2024/12/22 | 12/23 | 12/24 | 12/25 | 12/26 | 12/27 | 12/28 |
| 12/29 | 12/30 | 12/31 | 2025/1/1 | 1/2 | 1/3 | 1/4 |
| 1/5 | 1/6 | 1/7 | 1/8 | 1/9 | 1/10 | 1/11 |
In Japan, most companies typically close for the year-end and New Year holiday from December 29 to January 3, a total of six days. Shops may close from December 30 or 31 until January 1, while some only close on January 1. Others remain open throughout the holiday season. These schedules can vary depending on the business or the specific year, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.
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?
Bank counters are officially closed from December 31 to January 3, as specified by the Enforcement Order of the Banking Act.
The days before and after this closure period (December 27, 2024, Friday, and January 6, 2025, Monday) are likely to be busy. If you need to use the bank counter, make sure to plan your schedule with enough time to avoid the rush.
While bank counters are closed, ATMs and online banking services are generally available 24/7 year-round. However, system maintenance may occasionally cause temporary service disruptions, so it’s recommended to check the bank’s official website in advance.
Year-End and New Year Hospital Closures
Many public hospitals, including national hospitals, Red Cross hospitals, prefectural hospitals, and university hospitals, typically close from December 29 to January 3.
However, privately-run clinics may have longer holiday closures. Be sure to check the website or other information sources for the specific clinic you plan to visit.
It’s also important to know about emergency consultation services in case of sudden illness or injury. Searching for terms like "holiday medical care [prefecture or city name]" or "New Year medical care [prefecture or city name]" often provides a list of medical facilities available in your area.
If you’re unsure whether to call an ambulance, it’s recommended to first contact the Emergency Medical Consultation Center.
If you’re a foreign visitor and worried about language barriers, you can also use support services designed for foreigners.
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Traveling with peace of mind in Japan | When you feel unwell
- Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Guide for Ambulances for Foreign Visitors to Japan
Year-End and New Year Post Office Closures
Postal Delivery
There is no postal delivery on January 2, Sundays, and national holidays. In Japan, it’s traditional to send New Year’s greeting cards (nengajo), and if you post them by the final collection on December 25, they will be delivered on New Year’s Day.
Post Office Counters
Post office counters are generally closed from December 31 to January 3. However, operating days and hours can vary depending on the size and type of the post office. Larger offices that are open on weekends throughout the year may have different holiday schedules.
Yu-Yu Counters
"Yu-Yu" counters, available at some large post offices, allow services like parcel pickup, mailing, and purchasing stamps or revenue stamps outside regular business hours. These counters are often open on weekends and holidays.
However, their operating schedules during the year-end and New Year period may differ from usual, so it’s best to check in advance if you plan to use these services.
Japan Post Bank Counters
Savings account counters at Japan Post Bank follow the same year-end and New Year schedule as other banks, closing from December 31 to January 3, as stipulated by the Enforcement Order of the Banking Act. They are also closed on weekends and public holidays.
While ATMs remain operational during the holiday period, availability may vary depending on the location. Confirm specific details in advance to avoid inconvenience.
Year-End and New Year Government Office Closures
Government offices follow the "Act on Holidays of Administrative Organs," which designates December 29 to January 3 as their official holiday period.
Since administrative offices are also generally closed on weekends and public holidays, the year-end and New Year break for 2024–2025 will extend from December 28 (Saturday) to January 5 (Sunday), making it a 9-day holiday.
Please note that government office counters are typically crowded in the days leading up to and following the holiday period. If possible, try to avoid visiting during this time.
Transportation Schedules for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (December 31–January 1)
Year-End and New Year Train and Bus Schedules in Central Tokyo
Public transportation, including trains and buses, generally operates on a holiday schedule from December 30 to January 3. However, during New Year’s Eve (December 31) and New Year’s Day (January 1), special services such as overnight operations may be offered to accommodate people visiting shrines for hatsumode (New Year’s visits) or viewing the first sunrise of the year.
JR East
- December 29, 2024 (Saturday) to January 5, 2025 (Sunday): Saturday/holiday schedule.
- December 31, 2024 (Monday, New Year’s Eve) to January 1, 2025 (Tuesday, New Year’s Day): Late-night services with extended last train times on some lines.
| Line | Section | Operation Hours & Interval | Notes |
| Yamanote Line | Inner and Outer Loops | 1:00 AM–5:00 AM (approx. 15-minute intervals) | |
| Keihin Tohoku-Negishi Line | Sakuragicho–Omiya | 1:00 AM–4:00 AM (approx. 15–50-minute intervals) | |
| Stops at each station on the Chuo and Sobu lines | Mitaka–Chiba | 12:30 AM–5:00 AM (approx. 10–50-minute intervals) | * Intervals are based on Nakano–Nishi-Funabashi section |
| Chuo Line Rapid Train | Mitaka–Takao | 12:30 AM–4:30 AM (approx. 30–110-minute intervals) | |
| Yokosuka Line | Yokohama–Zushi | 1:00 AM–5:00 AM (approx. 80-minute intervals) | |
| Ome Line | Tachikawa–Mitake | From Tachikawa: 2:19 AM, 3:20 AM; From Mitake: 3:20 AM, 4:38 AM | * Does not stop at stations between Miyanohei and Sawai |
| Sobu Main Line / Narita Line | Chiba–Narita | From Chiba: 1:20 AM, 3:15 AM; From Narita: 2:10 AM, 3:54 AM | * Does not stop at Higashi-Chiba Station |
*Information as of October 18, 2024.
JR East Japan Winter Temporary Train Operation
Tokyo Metro
- December 30, 2023 (Saturday) to January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Saturday/holiday schedule.
- No overnight services or extended last train operations during New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2023) and New Year’s Day (January 1, 2024).
*Information for 2024–2025 will be announced by December 1, 2024.
Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation
Toei Subway
- December 30, 2023 (Saturday) to January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Saturday/holiday schedule.
* Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line) will follow a Saturday schedule on December 29, 2023 (Friday), and a holiday schedule from December 30, 2023, to January 3, 2024.
- No overnight services or extended last train operations during New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2023) and New Year’s Day (January 1, 2024).
Toei Bus
- December 29, 2023 (Friday) to January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Temporary schedules, which may vary by route. Some routes may not operate.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Tobu Railway
- December 30, 2023 (Saturday) to January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Saturday/holiday schedule.
- No overnight services or extended last train operations for New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2023) and New Year’s Day (January 1, 2024).
* Temporary schedules may apply for some lines from December 29, 2023 (Friday) to January 3, 2024 (Wednesday).
- Daishi Line (Nishiarai–Daishimae): Increased services from January 1 (Monday) to January 3 (Wednesday), 2024.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Seibu Railway
- Saturday, December 30, 2023 ~ Wednesday, January 3, 2024: Saturdays and holidays
- December 31, 2023 (Sun) New Year's Eve ~ January 1, 2024 (Mon) New Year's Day All-night operation and last train postponement will not be implemented.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Seibu Bus
- December 30, 2023 (Saturday) to January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Temporary schedules, which may vary by route. Some routes may not operate.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Odakyu Electric Railway
- December 30, 2023 (Saturday) to January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Saturday/holiday schedule.
- No overnight services or extended last train operations for New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2023) and New Year’s Day (January 1, 2024).
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Odakyu Bus
- December 29, 2023 (Friday): Saturday schedule.
- December 30, 2023 (Saturday) to January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Holiday schedule with some temporary adjustments.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Keio Corporation
- December 30, 2023 (Saturday) to January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Saturday/holiday schedule.
- New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2023) to New Year’s Day (January 1, 2024): Overnight services on the Keio Line (Shinjuku–Takaosanguchi Station).
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Keio Bus
- Saturday, December 30, 2023 ~ Wednesday, January 3, 2024: Sunday and public holidays (some temporary schedules)
* Special buses for Hatsumode (New Year shrine visits) will operate between Chofu Station North Exit/Tsutsujigaoka Station North Exit and Jindaiji Temple.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Keisei Electric Railway
- New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2023) to New Year’s Day (January 1, 2024): Overnight services on the Keisei Line (Keisei Ueno–Keisei Narita).
- Increased and temporary schedules from January 1 (Monday) to January 3 (Wednesday), 2024, and on weekends/holidays throughout the month.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Keisei Bus
- December 29, 2023 (Friday): Saturday schedule.
- December 30, 2023 (Saturday) to January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Holiday schedule with some temporary adjustments.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Keikyu Corporation
December 30, 2023 (Saturday) to January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Saturday/holiday schedule.
- Temporary schedules for some routes from January 1 (Monday) to January 8 (Monday), 2024.
- New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2023) to New Year’s Day (January 1, 2024): Special trains and extended last train times.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Keikyu Bus
- December 30, 2023 (Saturday) to January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Sunday/holiday schedule with some cancellations.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Tokyu Railway
December 30, 2023 (Saturday) – January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Weekend and holiday schedule.
- December 31, 2023 (Sunday) – January 1, 2024 (Monday, public holiday): Special trains will be operated, and last trains will be extended.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Tokyu Bus
December 28, 2023 (Thursday) – January 4, 2024 (Thursday): Temporary schedules.
- December 29, 2023 (Friday): Saturday/holiday schedule.
- December 30, 2023 (Saturday) – January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Holiday schedules or special year-end schedules.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Tokyo Monorail
December 30, 2023 (Saturday) – January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Weekend and holiday schedule.
- December 29, 2023 (Friday) – January 8, 2024 (Monday, public holiday): Additional Airport Express trains will be operated.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Rinkai Line
December 30, 2023 (Saturday) – January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Weekend and holiday schedule.
- December 31, 2023 (Sunday) – January 1, 2024 (Monday, public holiday): No overnight service or last-train extensions.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Yurikamome Line
December 30–31, 2023 (Saturday–Sunday): Increased train frequency and special schedule.
- January 1–3, 2024 (Monday, public holiday – Wednesday): Weekend and holiday schedule.
- December 31, 2023 (Sunday) – January 1, 2024 (Monday, public holiday): No overnight service or last-train extensions.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Year-End and New Year Train and Bus Schedules in Osaka
JR West
December 30, 2023 (Saturday) – January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Weekend and holiday schedule.
- December 31, 2023 (Sunday) – January 1, 2024 (Monday, public holiday): Selected lines will extend last trains.
| Line name | Section | Operation Hours & Interval | Notes |
| JR Kyoto Line – JR Kobe Line | Kyoto – Takatsuki – Osaka – Nishi-Akashi | 12:00 AM–3:00 AM (approx. 20–40 min intervals) | Kyoto – Takatsuki: ~40-min intervals. Takatsuki – Nishi-Akashi: ~20-min intervals. |
| Nara Line | Kyoto – Joyo | 12:00 AM–3:00 AM (approx. 30 min intervals) |
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Osaka Metro
December 30, 2023 (Saturday) – January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Weekend and holiday schedule.
- December 31, 2023 (Sunday) – January 1, 2024 (Monday, public holiday): No overnight train services or extensions of last trains.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Kintetsu Railway
December 28, 2024 (Saturday) – January 5, 2025 (Sunday): Weekend and holiday schedule.
- December 31, 2024 (Tuesday) – January 1, 2025 (Wednesday, public holiday): Overnight train services with additional special trains on selected lines.
*Announced on November 7, 2024
Hankyu Corporation
December 30, 2023 (Saturday) – January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Weekend and holiday schedule.
- December 31, 2023 (Sunday) – January 1, 2024 (Monday, public holiday): No overnight train services or extensions of last trains.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Hanshin Electric Railway
December 30, 2023 (Saturday) – January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Weekend and holiday schedule.
- December 31, 2023 (Sunday) – January 1, 2024 (Monday, public holiday): No overnight train services or extensions of last trains.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Keihan Electric Railway
December 30, 2023 (Saturday) – January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Weekend and holiday schedule.
- December 31, 2023 (Sunday) – January 1, 2024 (Monday, public holiday): No overnight train services or extensions of last trains.
*On the Ishiyama Sakamoto Line, special “school vacation” schedules will apply on December 29, 2023 (Friday), and January 4, 2024 (Thursday).
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Nankai Electric Railway
December 30, 2023 (Saturday) – January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Weekend and holiday schedule.
- December 31, 2023 (Sunday) – January 1, 2024 (Monday, public holiday): Last trains will be extended on the Nankai Line between Namba and Takashinohama.
- January 1, 2024 (Monday) – January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Some Airport Express and Limited Express trains will make temporary stops at Sumiyoshi Taisha Station.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Year-End and New Year Train and Bus Schedules in Nagoya
JR Central
December 29, 2024 (Saturday) – January 5, 2025 (Sunday): Weekend and holiday schedule.
- December 31, 2024 (Monday) – January 1, 2025 (Tuesday, public holiday): No overnight train services or extensions of last trains. Many special trains, including limited express and Shinkansen, will operate during this period.
Notice of JR Central "Winter" Special Train
Nagoya Railway
December 30, 2023 (Saturday) – January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Weekend and holiday schedule.
- December 31, 2023 (Sunday) – January 1, 2024 (Monday, public holiday): No overnight train services or extensions of last trains.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Nagoya Subway
December 30, 2023 (Saturday) – January 3, 2024 (Wednesday): Holiday schedule.
- December 31, 2023 (Sunday) – January 1, 2024 (Monday, public holiday): Overnight train services will operate on all lines except the Kamiiida Line.
*As of December 1, 2024, information for the 2024–2025 period has not been announced.
Kinki Nippon Railway
Please refer to the Osaka section for details.
Department stores and restaurants during New Year's holidays
Large-scale stores such as department stores and shopping malls are often open during the New Year holidays, but their operating hours may differ from usual. In recent years, an increasing number of department stores have chosen to close on New Year’s Day.
Restaurant closure schedules vary by establishment, so it is recommended to check in advance.
Enjoy planning your outings during the New Year holidays!
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