So I'll be arriving in Japan this New Year Eve (31st Dec afternoon) and will be in Tokyo until the 2nd of January before moving on to next cities. From reading the web, a lot of people says that places are closed during NYE and NY day. I am more concerned about finding things to see in the city and places to eat.
Any first hand experience? I'm staying near Ginza at an AirBnB unit
Thanks! How about places to eat. Does the big stores also sells foods? And is there plenty of foods at temples/shrines or are they just for prayers?
There will probably be festival foods at the shrines - I can't stand most of the NY food but it's sure an experience!
Some supermarkets might be open, and 24-hour convenience stores will be open (Lawson, 7/11 etc). "Family" chain restaurant are also likely to be open, look out for Cafe Gusto (Italian), Steak Gusto (Steak), Saizeriya (Italian), Denny's (Western and Japanese). I like to use Tabelog to find places to eat.
Thanks for that! Also surprised ATM are closed for holidays. That is super odd. I'll make sure I got cash ready for the first few days there.
Saizeriya is a good one, the burger patties and sauces are made in Melbourne. I recommend their 500yen lunch deals.
@John: the whole banking network goes down, it’s super weird. For a high-tech country japan has some very old-tech banking.
The ATMs will be closed for the holidays. This may also include many CC readers in shops (if open). You might have to get more yen here in advance.
On the upside, there's lots of Fukubukuro shopping!
Lots of stuff will be closed for Jan 1, more will be open for Jan 2. The Jan 1 closures are similar to Boxing Day here - big stores will be open with deals (fukubukuro) but small shops and family-run places will be shut. If you want things to see on Jan 1, head out to the temples and shrines! There should be plenty of new-years stuff happening to watch. Parks will also be open.