Top 3 Holidays When Japanese People Spend the Most Money
Japan observes 16 public holidays annually, offering citizens diverse opportunities to unwind and celebrate in unique ways. How these days are spent varies greatly, with some choosing to shop with family, catch up with friends, relax at home, or embark on trips domestically or abroad. Among these holidays, three stand out as the most significant in terms of cultural activities and consumer spending: New Year, Golden Week, and the Christmas season. These occasions are marked by a noticeable increase in spending as people embrace traditions, travel, and festivities.
In this article, we will delve into the defining characteristics of these major holidays, explore their cultural significance, and uncover the traditions and events that make them such special times of the year.
Significant Holidays in Japan
- New Year (Oshogatsu)
- Golden Week
- Christmas
1. New Year (Oshogatsu)
New Year is the most culturally significant holiday in Japan, deeply rooted in family traditions and symbolic celebrations. It is a time when many people return to their hometowns to reunite with loved ones, engage in customary practices, and honor the start of a new year. However, the season is also associated with a variety of expenses tied to both traditional and modern customs.
Otoshidama
One of the most cherished traditions during New Year is otoshidama (お年玉), the practice of giving money to children as a holiday gift. The amount gifted often depends on the child’s age and the relationship with the giver, typically ranging from a few thousand yen to tens of thousands of yen per child. For families with multiple children or younger relatives, these amounts can quickly accumulate, making otoshidama one of the more substantial holiday expenses.
Osechi Ryori
Another hallmark of the New Year is osechi ryori (御節料理), the traditional New Year’s cuisine. This elaborately prepared meal features an assortment of symbolic dishes, often including premium ingredients such as seafood, grilled fish, and various delicacies that signify prosperity, health, and longevity. Families may choose to prepare osechi at home or purchase ready-made versions from department stores, supermarkets, or specialty shops. Pre-made osechi can range in cost from several thousand yen to tens of thousands of yen, with high-end or custom-made options being particularly expensive. The preparation or purchase of osechi reflects culinary tradition as well as the value placed on starting the year with abundance and gratitude.
Travel Expenses
New Year is one of Japan’s busiest travel seasons, as many people journey back to their hometowns to spend the holiday with family. Transportation costs for bullet trains (shinkansen), airplanes, or long-distance buses surge during this period due to increased demand. For larger families traveling together, the expenses can become particularly burdensome, especially for those covering long distances. Despite the cost, this travel is an integral part of the New Year experience for many.
Nengajo
Nengajo (年賀状), or New Year’s greeting cards, are another important aspect of the holiday. Traditionally, these cards are sent to friends, colleagues, and extended family to express gratitude and well wishes for the coming year. While modern technology has reduced the prevalence of handwritten cards, many still uphold this custom. Costs include printing fees and postage, which can add up significantly for those sending cards to a large number of recipients.
New Year Bargains and Fukubukuro
A more contemporary tradition associated with the New Year is the first round of sales and the purchase of fukubukuro (福袋) or lucky bags. Stores across Japan launch large-scale sales events, attracting crowds eager to purchase discounted items or surprise-filled lucky bags. These shopping sprees often lead to substantial spending, as consumers take advantage of deals and indulge in the festive shopping atmosphere.
New Year in Japan is a unique blend of traditional customs and modern practices, each carrying its own financial implications. From otoshidama and osechi ryori to travel costs and festive shopping, the holiday is a time of both heartfelt celebration and significant spending.
2. Golden Week
Golden Week is one of Japan's most eagerly awaited and longest holiday seasons, offering a rare opportunity for relaxation, travel, and celebration. Although the exact dates vary each year, it generally spans from April 29, beginning with Showa Day, to May 5, concluding with Children’s Day. When the holidays align favorably with the calendar, Golden Week can extend over ten days, giving many people an extended break from work and school.
This period is synonymous with domestic and international travel, as people seize the chance to visit family, explore popular tourist destinations, or embark on vacations abroad. Tourist spots, within Japan and overseas, see a significant influx of visitors, and transportation networks—from trains to airports—are often packed to capacity, making travel during Golden Week a bustling, high-energy experience.
Beyond travel, Golden Week also serves as a vibrant economic period, with a surge in various retail and entertainment activities. Special events, festivals, and sales take place across the country, drawing crowds and creating a dynamic atmosphere. The commercial impact of Golden Week is substantial, as consumer spending increases through shopping, dining, and participation in leisure activities.
As a result, Golden Week holds cultural significance for its opportunities to spend time with loved ones and participate in traditions, while also playing an important role in driving Japan’s economy during this annual break.
3. Christmas
Christmas on December 25 is traditionally a celebration of the birth of Christ; however, in Japan, it holds little religious significance and has evolved into a more secular occasion. Here, Christmas is primarily viewed as a special day for couples to celebrate their relationship, often dressing up in their finest attire and partaking in festive activities to express their love for one another. It has become a day filled with romantic gestures and joyful celebrations, rather than religious observance.
During this time, spending increases significantly, particularly in the form of gifts and meals. The cost of Christmas gifts can vary widely, influenced by the recipient and the nature of the gift. For children, toys and games are popular choices, while for romantic partners, accessories or high-end brand-name items are often exchanged as symbols of affection and appreciation.
Christmas dinner, another key tradition, is eagerly anticipated by many. While some families choose to prepare festive meals at home, others prefer dining out at restaurants. A typical Christmas meal often features chicken, as well as the iconic Christmas cake—usually a light, decorated sponge cake topped with fresh strawberries. The cost of these meals can vary depending on whether they are homemade or purchased from specialty shops or restaurants, with restaurant meals or pre-made cakes adding to the overall expense.
In Japan, Christmas is less about religious customs and more about spending quality time with loved ones—this cultural twist on the holiday drives both personal and commercial spending, adding to the festive atmosphere of the season.
Conclusion
The three major holidays in Japan—New Year (Oshogatsu), Golden Week, and Christmas—are periods when spending is notably higher. Each holiday brings its own set of traditions and associated costs, as families and friends come together to celebrate, often indulging in generous gift-giving, special meals, and travel. New Year is marked by cultural rituals, including otoshidama and elaborate osechi ryori, while Golden Week prompts domestic and international travel, accompanied by a surge in retail sales and leisure activities. Christmas, though not religiously observed, is a time for couples to exchange thoughtful gifts and share festive meals, contributing to the season's expenses.
Given the financial demands of these special times, careful budgeting is essential. With proper planning, you can fully enjoy the festivities and traditions without the burden of financial stress, ensuring that the spirit of celebration remains the focus of these cherished holidays.
