How Does Sunday & Holiday Hours Work in Japan?
Last verified: 2025-01 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
Most shops, restaurants, and convenience stores are open 7 days a week. Convenience stores never close. Banks close on weekends.
2What You Need to Know
Japan operates largely 7 days a week for retail and food. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) are open 24/7, 365 days a year — they sell hot food, ATMs, and nearly everything you need. Major department stores and shopping malls often have slightly shorter hours on Sundays. Some smaller local shops may close on Sundays or have irregular hours. Banks are closed on weekends and public holidays, but 7-Eleven ATMs accept most international cards 24/7. Japan has many public holidays (around 16 per year) — on these days, most businesses operate as on a Sunday.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 17-Eleven ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards in Japan — use them over regular bank ATMs
- 2If you need a bank or post office, plan for weekday business hours (9am–3pm for banks)
- 3Golden Week (late April to early May) is a major national holiday period — book accommodation months in advance
- 4New Year (Dec 31 – Jan 3) sees many restaurants and shops closed; convenience stores remain open
- 5Google Maps shows current opening hours and whether a place is open right now
Important Warning
During Golden Week and Obon (mid-August), Japan is packed with domestic travelers. Prices spike and reservations fill months in advance.
How does this compare?
Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in nearby and similar countries:
Most shops, malls, and restaurants are open 7 days a week. Convenience stores never close. Buddhist holidays cause alcohol bans and some closures.
Singapore is open 7 days a week. Malls are open daily. Sunday is a normal shopping day. Public holidays see some closures but major malls stay open.
Most businesses open 7 days a week, but government offices close on Sundays, banks close on national holidays, and India's many festivals can cause unexpected local closures.
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