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New Year's Day in Japan

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2027 holiday dates

Friday, 1 January 2027

Confirmed — source checked

This is the first listed date for this year; a separate observance date has not been assigned.

About New Year's Day

New Year's Day, Ganjitsu, is a Japanese national holiday on 1 January. It begins the shōgatsu period, when government offices, banks and many businesses also observe a broader year-end and New Year shutdown.

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Public holiday / closure dates

  • — Public of holiday period · Confirmed — source checked

Bank, office and school arrangements require the applicable authority or institution notice. Missing scope data does not mean open.

Next supported occurrence

Friday, 1 January 2027 · Confirmed — source checked

Next listed holiday day on or after today; this can be a closure day rather than the festival date.

2026 dates

  • — Public of holiday periodConfirmed — source checked

2028 dates

  • — Public of holiday periodConfirmed — source checked

Official sources and date status

Recorded confirmation and independent source review are shown separately. An institution-specific notice does not establish closure for every employer or school.

www8.cao.go.jp

Official public holiday law or calendar

Confirmed · Scope: public · Checked 2026-09-27

Japan’s Cabinet Office tables establish 2026 and 2027, including substitute and citizen’s holidays. The 2028 equinoxes remain provisional until the Cabinet Office publishes the annual list in February 2027.

Office arrangements

Public offices close for Ganjitsu and commonly remain shut over several year-end days under their operating calendars. Essential services continue.

Bank arrangements

The Bank of Japan closes from 31 December through 3 January, in addition to weekends and national holidays. Commercial-bank arrangements should be checked separately.

School arrangements

Schools are already within winter vacation; exact dates are set by education authorities and institutions.

History

The National Holidays Act defines 1 January as a day to celebrate the beginning of the year. Modern statutory status accompanies older household and shrine traditions.

Why it matters

Shōgatsu is Japan's most important annual family period. It influences work, finance, retail, postal services and nationwide travel beyond the single legal holiday.

Observance

People make hatsumōde shrine or temple visits, exchange greetings, serve osechi dishes and spend time with relatives.

Travel and planning

Rail and air travel are exceptionally busy, while urban services may use special timetables. Reserve intercity journeys early.

Frequently asked questions

When is New Year's Day in Japan?

Ganjitsu is observed on 1 January.

How long is the legal holiday?

The national holiday is 1 January, although many organizations close for a longer year-end period.

When does the Bank of Japan close?

Its published rule includes 31 December through 3 January.

View all Japan public holidays 2027

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