Major Shrines Open for New Year Visits

Shrines are the heart of New Year celebrations in Japan. Atsuta Jingu is the most famous site in Nagoya. It remains open 24 hours a day during the holiday. Thousands of people visit for their first prayer of the year. You can experience traditional Nagoya New Year shrine visits starting at midnight.

Osu Kannon is another popular temple that stays very busy. The surrounding shopping streets offer a festive atmosphere. Many small food stalls sell hot snacks like takoyaki. These stalls often stay open late into the night. It is a great place to see local traditions. You should expect very large crowds on January 1st.

Most shrines sell special charms called omamori during this time. You can also buy fortune slips known as omikuji. These items are perfect for starting the year with luck. Visit early in the morning to avoid the longest lines. The energy at these sites is truly unique and exciting.

To plan your spiritual journey, check the best shrines for hatsumode in Nagoya 2026 list. Each location has different customs and historical importance. Some shrines offer free sake to visitors on New Year's Day. Wear warm clothes as you will wait outside. Most shrines do not charge an entrance fee.

Shopping Malls and Department Store Hours

Retail therapy is a major part of the Japanese New Year. Most department stores close their doors on January 1st. This includes big names like Takashimaya and Mitsukoshi. However, they reopen with huge energy on January 2nd. This day marks the start of the winter sales. Shopping is a top activity for many locals.

The main attraction on January 2nd is the lucky bag. These bags are called fukubukuro and contain surprise items. They offer great value for a fixed price. You can read our Nagoya New Year lucky bag shopping guide 2026 for tips. Many people line up hours before stores open.

Nagoya Station and Sakae are the best areas for shopping. Malls like Oasis 21 usually have limited holiday hours. Some convenience stores stay open 24/7 for basic needs. Chain restaurants in malls often follow the mall schedule. Always check specific store websites before you head out. Most stores return to normal hours by January 4th.

Expect heavy crowds in the underground shopping malls during sales. These areas provide warmth from the cold winter air. Prices for winter clothing drop significantly during this period. It is the best time to buy high-quality coats. Electronics stores also offer special New Year bundles. Bring plenty of cash as some small shops prefer it.

Public Transport and Museum Schedules

Getting around Nagoya during the New Year requires some planning. Trains and buses operate on a holiday schedule. This means fewer departures than a typical weekday. You can check the JR Central website for the latest updates. The subway system also runs less frequently during the break.

Many museums and indoor attractions close for several days. Nagoya Castle usually shuts from December 29 to January 1. It typically reopens to the public on January 2nd. The Toyota Commemorative Museum also has holiday closures. Always verify the dates on their official websites.

Public parks remain open for walks and fresh air. Hisaya Odori Park is a lovely place to visit. You can see the Nagoya TV Tower from there. Some observation decks may have special sunrise viewing hours. These events often require a pre-booked ticket. Plan your transport routes in advance to save time.

Winter Illuminations and Outdoor Attractions

Winter lights are a highlight of the 2026 holiday season. Nabana no Sato is a world-class illumination park nearby. It stays open throughout the entire New Year period. The displays feature millions of colorful LED lights. You can find more details in the Nabana no Sato illumination 2026 guide. It is a perfect evening trip.

The Nagoya Port area also hosts festive light displays. Many families visit the aquarium, but check their holiday hours. Legoland Japan usually stays open during the New Year break. It is a popular choice for travelers with children. Tickets should be purchased online to guarantee entry. The park often has special seasonal decorations.

Walking through the city center at night is very scenic. Many trees along the main streets are covered in lights. These illuminations usually stay active until mid-January. It creates a romantic atmosphere for couples on vacation. Stop by a heated cafe for a warm drink. Most major coffee chains stay open during the holidays.