New Years in Tokyo?

Question

My friends and I are planning on going to Tokyo for New Years but im having second thoughts because Ive been hearing that many touristy places will be closed during that time. Is this true?

Also... I'm looking to rent out an apt. but have no clue as to where the bad and good neighborhoods are in Tokyo. Please let me know where to stay away from and where we should stay.

Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

You WONT be able to rent an apartment without an alien card. To get an alien card, you'll need a job first. Do you want to work in Japan?? It is hard for foreigners to rent on their own in Japan.

Many places are closed, however, tourist places will be open because this is a big vacation time for Japan.

Answer 2

There is more open during New Year's these days than there used to be even a few years ago. Some bars will be open New Year's eve because people begin their first visit to a shrine of the year (hatsumode) at midnight, so they have a few drinks before and after.

Stores will mostly be open from the second for their first sale of the year. Most tourist attractions would be open from the second, even if they closed for New Year's day. As long as you realize that there may be some inconviences, New Year's is a great time to be in Japan. The trains and subways still run on New Year's day, so you could travel all over Tokyo without fighting the crowds. Kamakura is a great spot for hatsumode. You might end up eating Mcdonalds instead of sushi on New Years day, but you won't starve.

Answer 3

shogatsu (new years day) is the most important holiday season throughout the year. new year's day is a national holiday. most places are closed during the first 2~3 days of january.

and you cant rent apartment.
you need alien card, guarantee, deposit and job in japan.
i think guarantee is not enough. normally, tenant must be japanese.