Japanese New Year preparation checklist for foreigners 2027: essential tasks to celebrate in Japan

Preparing for Japanese New Year (Shōgatsu) involves weeks of traditions, from deep cleaning (ōsōji) to buying osechi-ryōri and kadomatsu decorations. This Japanese New Year preparation checklist for foreigners 2027 ensures you stay on track, covering everything from bank errands to last-minute shopping before businesses close from December 29 to January 3. Many services, including banks and delivery, halt operations during this period, so planning ahead is crucial.

Use this checklist in Foco to organize tasks by category (home, shopping, errands) and set deadlines. Mark urgent tasks—like osechi orders or train reservations—as high priority to complete before December 28. In Panorama view, you’ll see all tasks color-coded by category, while Foco mode lets you focus on one area, such as decorations or bank errands.

Key customs and deadlines in Japan

In 2026, New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, prompting many Japanese to take time off from December 29 to January 3. Banks and government offices close during this period, and services like food delivery or restaurant reservations become scarce. December is also the season for nengajō (New Year’s cards), which must arrive by January 1. If you live in rural areas, note that supermarkets and convenience stores may operate on reduced hours.

• Purchase cleaning supplies for deep cleaning (ōsōji): cloths, detergents, trash bags, and gloves.
• Clean every room thoroughly, including windows, shelves, appliances, and hidden corners (e.g., behind furniture).
• Discard broken or unused items (suzumebachi) to start the year with fresh energy.
• Order osechi-ryōri from a department store or supermarket (reserve early to avoid sold-out items).
• Prepare ingredients for homemade osechi dishes, such as kuromame (sweet black beans) or kazunoko (herring roe).
• Buy traditional decorations: kadomatsu (for the entrance), shimekazari (for the door), and kagami mochi (for the household altar).
• Set up kadomatsu and shimekazari decorations before December 28 (avoid the 29th, considered unlucky).
• Buy or make mochi for the kagami biraki ceremony (held on January 11).
• Send New Year’s cards (nengajō) to family, friends, and colleagues by December 25 to ensure timely delivery.
• Withdraw cash from the bank or ATM (banks close from December 31 to January 3).
• Pay outstanding bills (utilities, phone, etc.) before offices and banks close.
• Book train or bus tickets for holiday travel (avoid December 29–31 and January 2–3 due to high demand).
• Stock up on non-perishable food and essentials to cover December 29 to January 3 (stores may have reduced hours).
• Prepare the household altar (kamidana) with offerings like sake, rice, and fruit for the first sunrise (hatsuhinode).
• Wash bedding and towels to start the year with fresh linens.
• Check and restock your first-aid kit (pharmacies may close during New Year’s).
• Confirm opening hours of nearby temples for the first shrine visit (hatsumōde) and plan your route.
• Prepare formal or traditional attire (e.g., kimono or hakama) for temple visits or ceremonies.