Over the New Year, closing periods in Kyoto differ enormously from one venue to the next. Places trading as usual sit alongside places shut for the first three days, so checking first is unavoidable.
Between family visits, after the first shrine visit, an evening mid-trip. In every case the first condition is simply whether somewhere is open that day. Here is the order to check in.
Closing periods differ greatly by venue
Places closed from around 29 December to 3 January, places opening specially on New Year's Eve, and places trading as normal all coexist. You cannot judge by area.
Notices on official sites and social media usually go up from mid-December. Booking before then, ask directly about the New Year opening.
- Check 29 December to 3 January venue by venue
- Look for special opening on New Year's Eve and Day
- Notices often appear from mid-December
The busy days and the quiet ones divide
Late-December weekends and the year-end party season fill up from the private rooms. From the 1st to the 3rd, by contrast, there are many visitors but business use stops, so some days are easier to book.
During the hours people make their first shrine visit, the streets around Yasaka Shrine concentrate. Shifting either side of that makes getting around easier.
Between visits and travel, stay close to a station
This is a season when you are likely to be carrying luggage. Checking that a venue is a few minutes from a station and has somewhere to put bags lightens the load.
If you cannot predict how long you will stay, look for plans available from a short session. A fixed two hours may not fit the day.
Seeing people you rarely see, bring a shared activity
Over the New Year you see friends and relatives you have not seen in a while. Conversation alone can leave gaps, and something people take in turns keeps the room going.
Darts and simulation golf take anyone, experienced or not. Not everyone has to do the same thing: a layout where you share the room is the relaxed one.
- The distance from a station and space for bags
- Whether short sessions are available
- Whether a gap in experience still works
A New Year evening in Gion
Gion Country Club is an indoor golf and bar lounge three minutes on foot from Gion-Shijo Station, open from 5pm until 5am. We are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Our New Year opening will be announced nearer the time. Please get in touch once your date is set.
Frequently asked questions
Are you open over the New Year?
Our New Year opening will be announced nearer the time. Please ask about your date.
Are there easier days to book over the New Year?
Late-December weekends are busy. From the 1st onwards business use stops, so some days are easier.
Can we come with luggage?
Where bags can go depends on their size and number. Telling us in advance makes it easier to arrange.
