Current date: 2025-12-25 (JST)
This article explains the operating hours of Japanese banks and post offices, particularly during the New Year holiday. It details which ATMs remain operational, how to handle currency exchange, and provides a checklist to help foreign travelers avoid running out of cash.
What This Article Explains
Japan is a cash-reliant society, but its banking system takes a long break for New Year. By law, all banks close from December 31 to January 3 [1]. This creates a problem for travelers who need to withdraw or exchange money. The common assumption that you can get cash anywhere, anytime, does not hold true during this period. This guide clarifies which services stop, which ones keep running, and how to plan your cash strategy to avoid getting stuck.
How This Actually Works in Practice: The New Year Shutdown
Japanese banks, including major institutions like MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, and Japan Post Bank, are legally required to close their counters from December 31 to January 3. In practice, this holiday often combines with the preceding and following weekends, creating a closure period that can last from December 29 to January 4 or 5. During this time, all counter services, including currency exchange, international transfers, and general banking, are completely unavailable.
Post offices, which also offer banking and currency exchange, follow a similar schedule, often closing for an even longer period.
What Travelers Commonly Assume (and Why It’s Wrong)
| Assumption | Reality |
| “I can get cash from any ATM.” | Bank-owned ATMs are often shut down or have severely limited hours. Only convenience store ATMs are reliably open 24/7. |
| “I can exchange currency at the airport anytime.” | Airport exchange counters also have reduced hours or may close entirely on January 1-3. |
| “I can use my credit card everywhere.” | Many smaller shops, restaurants, and temples, especially outside major cities, are cash-only. This is even more true during the holidays. |
| “All banking services just move online.” | While you can check your balance, international transfers and other key services are not processed until the banks reopen. |
The ATM Lifeline: Convenience Stores
While bank branches and their dedicated ATMs shut down, Japan’s extensive network of convenience stores provides a reliable alternative for cash withdrawals. These ATMs are the most important financial tool for a traveler during the New Year holiday.
•Seven Bank ATMs (at 7-Eleven): This is your best option. They are open 24/7, even on January 1, and accept a wide range of international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.). You can find them in over 21,000 7-Eleven stores nationwide [2].
•Japan Post Bank ATMs (at FamilyMart and Post Offices): These are also widely available but may have slightly more restricted hours than Seven Bank during the peak holiday. They accept most international cards.
•Other Convenience Store ATMs (Lawson, etc.): Lawson and other chains also have ATMs, which are generally operational.
Important Note: Using a foreign card at these ATMs typically incurs a fee of 110-220 JPY per transaction, in addition to any fees charged by your home bank.
What to Do About Currency Exchange and Transfers
•Currency Exchange: Do not plan on exchanging currency between December 30 and January 4. Airport counters are your only slim possibility, but they may be closed. Exchange your money at a bank or licensed exchanger before December 30.
•International Transfers: Wire transfers will not be processed during the bank holiday. If you need to send or receive money, initiate the transfer well in advance or use an online service that can hold the funds for you until after the holiday.
Pre-Travel Checklist to Avoid a Cash Shortage
Follow these steps before the holiday period begins (ideally by December 29) to ensure you have enough cash.
1.Withdraw a Larger Amount of Cash: Instead of small, frequent withdrawals, take out a larger sum to last you through the main holiday (Jan 1-3). This also minimizes transaction fees.
2.Notify Your Home Bank: Inform your bank of your travel dates to Japan to prevent them from flagging your ATM withdrawals as suspicious and freezing your card.
3.Use a 7-Eleven ATM: Make your primary withdrawal from a Seven Bank ATM, as they are the most reliable and have a high acceptance rate for foreign cards.
4.Carry a Backup Card: Bring a second debit or credit card from a different bank in case your primary card is unexpectedly declined.
5.Check Your Daily Withdrawal Limit: Be aware of your home bank’s daily withdrawal limit. You may need to make withdrawals over two days if you need a large amount of cash.
Summary
Navigating Japan’s New Year bank closures is simple with a little planning. Assume all bank and post office counters will be closed from December 31 to January 3. Rely on convenience store ATMs, particularly Seven Bank at 7-Eleven, for any cash needs during this period. To avoid issues, withdraw a sufficient amount of cash before December 30 and inform your bank of your travel plans. While credit cards are useful, cash remains essential for a smooth holiday trip in Japan.
Sources / References
•[1] Bank of Japan – Holiday Schedule of the Bank
•[2] Seven Bank – English Site
•[3] Japan National Tourism Organization – Business Hours & Holidays
•[4] Japan Post Bank – International ATM Service
Notes & Exceptions
•While convenience store ATMs are generally reliable, individual machines can occasionally be out of service for maintenance.
•The specific operating hours for post office ATMs can vary by location, especially in rural areas.
•Always check the ATM screen for any applicable fees before completing a transaction.
Certainty Level
•High: The official bank closure dates (Dec 31 – Jan 3) and the 24/7 reliability of Seven Bank ATMs.
•High: The closure of bank and post office counters for currency exchange and transfers during this period.
•Medium: The exact operating hours of non-Seven Bank ATMs, which can vary slightly by location and year.
