Find the Best Places by Area & Dining Style
Even when searching for phrases like “restaurants open during New Year in Tokyo,” “New Year dining in Osaka,” or “omakase open during Japanese holidays,” the information available is often scattered, outdated, or difficult to understand. As a result, travelers are left unsure about where to go, which restaurants are actually open, or which areas still offer viable options, leading to unnecessary stress and frustration.
“I don’t want to struggle to find a restaurant during the New Year holidays.”
“I don’t want to settle for a second-best choice at the last minute during my trip to Japan.”
This blog is created for travelers who feel the same way. Its purpose is to make restaurant searching during the New Year period simple and stress-free—so you can choose with confidence and enjoy your trip without compromise.
A Simple Way to Find Restaurants Open During New Year
This guide focuses exclusively on restaurants that remain open during the New Year period, organized by city, area, and dining style. From omakase sushi and Wagyu yakiniku to traditional Japanese cuisine, we bring together 12 carefully curated restaurant guides covering Japan’s major destinations.
Whether you are visiting Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or Fukuoka, this page helps you:
- Identify restaurants operating during the New Year holidays
- Choose based on both location and cuisine
Secure a reservation even during Japan’s busiest travel season
*Information accurate as of December 5, 2025.
Tokyo｜Restaurants Open During New Year by Area & Style
Tokyo can feel overwhelming during the New Year holidays, but great dining experiences are still possible with the right starting point.
Choose the area you are staying in and the dining style you are looking for.
OMAKASE × Tokyo
Omakase sushi is one of the dining experiences many travelers dream of enjoying when they visit Japan. However, during the New Year holidays, a large number of sushi restaurants close, making reservations far more difficult than expected.
If you are hoping to experience omakase at the end of the year, securing a reservation in advance is essential. We recommend reserving a restaurant that remains open during the New Year period while availability still allows.
12 Omakase Sushi Experiences in Ginza
Premium omakase sushi experiences in Ginza that remain open during the New Year holidays
12 Omakase Sushi Experiences in Roppongi
Refined sushi and counter dining in Roppongi, well suited for international visitors
5 Omakase Sushi Experiences in Shibuya
Modern omakase restaurants in Shibuya that stay accessible during the holidays
6 Omakase Sushi Experiences in Shinjuku
High-quality omakase dining in one of Tokyo’s busiest New Year districts
14 Omakase Sushi Experiences in Downtown Tokyo
Carefully selected omakase restaurants across central Tokyo neighborhoods
Wagyu × Tokyo
Wagyu is one of the defining flavors of Japanese cuisine. Its delicate marbling and deep umami create a memorable experience, whether enjoyed as yakiniku, sukiyaki, or shabu-shabu.
If you are looking for a truly satisfying meal during your stay in Japan, a well-chosen Wagyu restaurant offers a moment worth savoring.
9 Wagyu Yakiniku Restaurants in Tokyo
Wagyu-focused yakiniku restaurants you can still book during the New Year period
7 Sukiyaki & Shabu-Shabu Restaurants in Tokyo
Classic Japanese hot pot dining, ideal for winter and holiday travel
13 Wagyu Restaurants in Tokyo
A broader selection of Wagyu-centered dining experiences across Tokyo
Osaka｜New Year Dining Options
Osaka is known as Japan’s kitchen, yet many local favorites close over the New Year holidays.
These guides highlight restaurants that remain open and welcoming to travelers.
7 Omakase Sushi Experiences in Osaka
High-end sushi and omakase dining available during the New Year period
10 Wagyu Restaurants in Osaka
Carefully selected Wagyu restaurants that continue operations over New Year
Kyoto｜Traditional Dining During the New Year Period
Kyoto sees widespread closures during the New Year holidays, making advance planning especially important.
6 Omakase Sushi Experiences in Kyoto
Elegant omakase dining experiences that stay open during the holiday season
8 Japanese Cuisine Restaurants in Kyoto
Traditional Japanese cuisine available even during Kyoto’s quieter New Year period
Fukuoka｜New Year Restaurants
Fukuoka is one of Japan’s most food-friendly cities during the holidays.
Use this guide to find restaurants that stay open and are easy to enjoy during the New Year season.
9 Best Value Restaurants in Fukuoka
Well-priced restaurants in Fukuoka known for generous portions and consistently satisfying meals during the New Year season
In Conclusion
Restaurants that remain open during Japan’s New Year holidays are limited—and that scarcity is exactly what makes these dining experiences special.
This guide brings together 12 carefully selected New Year restaurant collections across Japan’s major destinations and dining styles. Instead of worrying that “everything is closed,” start here, choose what suits your trip, and enjoy a memorable meal—even during Japan’s busiest holiday season.
