Originally Posted by
jphripjah
Be aware that almost everything in Japan closes from January 1-4, if you happen to be traveling then.
Not true, at least in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Trains keep running. Almost all dept stores are open by Jan 2. Some stay open even on Jan 1. Most major attractions are open by Jan 2, and many stay open on NYD. Most of the businesses that stay closed for the first few days of Jan are independent places.