Top 3 Holidays When Japanese People Spend the Most Money

Japan has a total of 16 public holidays throughout the year, and how people spend these days varies widely. Some go shopping with family, meet friends, relax at home, or travel. In this article, we will introduce the top three holidays when people tend to spend the most money in Japan. These include the New Year celebrations, the long spring holiday known as Golden Week, and the festive Christmas season. During these holidays, many people are willing to spend generously. Let’s take a closer look at each holiday's characteristics and the cultural events associated with them.

Significant Holidays in Japan

1. New Year (Oshogatsu)
2. Golden Week
3. Christmas

1. New Year (Oshogatsu)

New Year is the most significant holiday in Japan, where many people return to their hometowns to celebrate with family and relatives. During this period, various expenses accumulate.

• Otoshidama: This refers to money given to children as a New Year's gift. The amount varies based on the child's age and familial relationships but generally ranges from several thousand yen to tens of thousands of yen. For families with multiple children or younger relatives, this can add up significantly.

• Osechi Ryori: Osechi is traditional Japanese cuisine prepared for celebrating the New Year. It typically includes luxurious ingredients like seafood, meat, and grilled fish, each carrying symbolic meanings. The cost of this traditional meal varies depending on whether you purchase it or make it yourself; buying it from department stores or supermarkets can range from several thousand yen to tens of thousands of yen. Particularly high-end osechi or custom orders can be quite expensive.

• Travel Expenses: Many people travel back to their hometowns during New Year. Transportation costs for shinkansen (bullet trains), airplanes, or buses can increase significantly during this time, especially for long-distance travel. The more people traveling home, the higher the expenses.

• Nengajo: Nengajo are New Year's greeting cards traditionally sent in Japan. There are costs for printing as well as postage fees. Sending cards to many recipients can lead to substantial total costs.

• Bargains: The first sales of the year and "fukubukuro" (lucky bags) purchases are also significant expenses during this time. Many stores hold large-scale sales where consumers flock to buy discounted items and lucky bags, further increasing spending during the New Year period.

2. Golden Week

Golden Week is one of the longest holiday periods in Japan and is highly anticipated by many people each year. The specific dates vary annually but typically span from April 29 (Showa Day) to May 5 (Children's Day), encompassing several holidays that may extend over ten days depending on how they fall within the week. During this time, many people travel domestically or internationally, leading to bustling tourist spots and crowded transportation systems.

Additionally, various events and sales occur during Golden Week, making a significant economic impact.

3. Christmas

Christmas on December 25 celebrates the birth of Christ; however, in Japan, it lacks religious significance and is instead seen as a day for couples to dress up nicely and express their love for one another while enjoying festive events. The cost of Christmas gifts varies greatly depending on who they are for and what they consist of; many people spend money on gifts and meals during this season. Popular gifts for children include toys or games while accessories or brand-name items are common gifts for partners.

Christmas dinner is also a major event; many families enjoy eating chicken or indulging in Christmas cakes together. The costs vary depending on whether these meals are prepared at home or enjoyed at restaurants.

Conclusion

These three holidays—New Year (Oshogatsu), Golden Week, and Christmas—are when people tend to spend the most money in Japan. Each holiday comes with its unique expenses as families and friends cherish their time together while spending generously. It's important to plan your budget wisely so that you can enjoy these special times without financial strain!