Traveling around Christmas Day in Japan isn't as bad as in western countries. One thing to remember is that Christmas Eve has become a night for couples to go out and spend a romantic time together at fancy restaurants or hotels in Japan. It is hard to make reservations for nice restaurants or hotels at the last minute on this day. Also, Christmas is not a Japanese national holiday. Unless it is Sunday, businesses and schools are open on the day. Also, remember that December 23 is a Japanese national holiday, Heisei Emperor's Birthday.
New Year's holidays are very important for Japanese people. People usually spend New Year's Eve rather quietly with the family. Most of businesses are closed from the 29th or 30th of December to 3rd or 4th of January, depending on the kind of business and day of week. Be aware that banks and hospitals are closed around this time of the year. Check their operation dates before the holidays begin. In recent years, many restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets, and department stores are open during holidays.
Since many people traveling out of Tokyo during this time, Tokyo is rather quiet than usual, except temples, shrines, and markets. It might be a good choice to stay in Tokyo during this time. You may get good deals for nice hotels. Hot springs and ski resorts throughout Japan are crowded by many visitors. You need to make reservation early to stay at those areas.
Helpful Links:
- How to Travel Cheap in Japan
- How to Find Discount Airfares to Japan
- Book a Cheap Flight to Japan (by Kayak)
- Train Travel in Japan
- Cheap Hotels in Japan
- Japan Hotel Search by Kayak
