New Year's Day
Nationwide public holiday in Japan · 元日
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 January | Thursday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 1 January | Friday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in Japan.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Fri 1 Jan – Sun 3 Jan is a 3-day weekend with no leave needed.
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Tokyo around 1 January: high 10°C (51°F), low 1°C (34°F), rain on 6% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Tokyo. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Friday 1 January in Tokyo: (MET Norway)
About New Year's Day
New Year's Day, Ganjitsu, is the most important holiday of the Japanese calendar. It falls within the New Year period, Shōgatsu, when many people return to their family homes and spend several days together. Japan has celebrated the New Year on 1 January of the Gregorian calendar since 1873.
Traditions
Many people make hatsumōde, the first shrine or temple visit of the year, to pray for good fortune. Families eat osechi ryōri, an assortment of symbolic dishes, and ozōni, a soup with rice cakes. New Year cards, nengajō, are delivered on the day, and children receive gifts of money called otoshidama.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in Japan
Monday, 11 January 2027
New Year's Day in other countries
More for Japan
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.