Japan Real Estate Holiday Closure: Why Property Searches Stop From December 28 to January 4

Every year, many international buyers search for Japanese real estate during the winter holidays, expecting to use their time off to browse listings, schedule viewings, or begin the purchasing process. However, the Japan real estate holiday closure takes place every year from December 28 through January 4, during the New Year holiday period. During this time, real estate agencies across Japan fully suspend operations, property searches stop, and buyers cannot view or secure homes. This closure affects all regions, including Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and the broader Kansai area, and applies equally to domestic and international buyers.

This closure often surprises foreign buyers, especially those actively searching for houses or apartments in Japan during the New Year break. If you’ve tried contacting agents, requesting property details, or searching for listings and received no response, this article explains exactly why — and what you should do instead.

Japan Real Estate Holiday Closure: December 28 to January 4 Explained

The Japanese New Year (年末年始 / Nenmatsu Nenshi) is the most important holiday period in Japan. Unlike in many Western countries, businesses across multiple industries shut down completely, and real estate companies are no exception.

From December 28, 2025, through January 4, 2026, the following are generally not available:

• Real estate agencies

• Property viewings

• Listing updates

• Contract processing

• Bank coordination

• Legal and administrative support

• Government offices

• Property registry services

This nationwide pause applies to Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, Kansai, and all other regions of Japan.

Japanese Real Estate Databases Are Also Unavailable (Including REINS)

One of the most important points international buyers need to understand is that property searches are not possible during this period, even behind the scenes.

Japan’s official real estate agent database, REINS, is fully shut down for system maintenance until January 4.

This means:

• Agents cannot access new listings

• Agents cannot confirm availability

• Agents cannot verify price changes

• Agents cannot check status updates

• Agents cannot submit or retrieve property data

Even if a property appears online, its real-time status cannot be confirmed until REINS reopens.

Why You Can’t View or Secure Properties During the Holiday Closure

Many buyers assume they can still “reserve” or “hold” a property during the New Year break. Unfortunately, this is not possible in Japan.

During the holiday shutdown:

• Sellers are unavailable

• Agents are unavailable

• Contracts cannot be issued

• Offers cannot be submitted

• Legal explanations cannot be scheduled

• Property inspections cannot be arranged

In short, no real estate transactions can move forward until business resumes in January.

Why This Confuses International Buyers Searching From Abroad

This period often creates confusion for foreign buyers because:

• It coincides with Western holiday vacations

• Buyers finally have time to search

• Online listings remain visible

• Automated contact forms still accept inquiries

As a result, many people assume real estate activity continues — when in reality, everything is paused.

This is why Omoroi Osaka receives a surge of inquiries during late December, even though no actionable steps can be taken until January 4.

What You Can Do During the Japanese Real Estate Holiday Shutdown

While active property searches are not possible, this time can still be used productively.

Productive Steps Buyers Can Take Now

• Research target cities and neighborhoods

• Understand Japanese zoning rules

• Learn about buying property as a foreigner

• Prepare budgets and financing plans

• Review taxes, fees, and ownership costs

• Contact Omoroi Osaka to prepare for January

By preparing in advance, buyers are ready to move immediately once the market reopens.

When Real Estate Activity Resumes in Japan

Normal real estate operations resume on:

January 5, 2026 (some offices reopen January 4 depending on location)

At that point:

• REINS access is restored

• Listings can be verified

• Property searches resume

• Viewings can be scheduled

• Offers and contracts can proceed

This is when serious buyers should be ready to act quickly, as January often brings renewed market activity.

Important Message for Buyers Contacting Omoroi Osaka

If you’ve reached out to Omoroi Osaka between December 28 and January 4, please know:

• Your message has been received

• We are not ignoring your inquiry

• The delay is due to a nationwide real estate shutdown

• Property searches are impossible until REINS reopens

Once business resumes, inquiries are handled in the order received, and prepared buyers move first.

Final Thoughts: Plan Now, Act in January

Searching for Japanese real estate during the New Year holidays is understandable — but it’s important to know that Japan’s real estate market operates on a very different schedule.

By understanding the December 28 to January 4 real estate closure, buyers can avoid frustration, set realistic expectations, and position themselves for success once the market reopens.

At Omoroi Osaka, our role is to guide foreign buyers through the Japanese real estate process clearly, honestly, and without confusion — including explaining when the market is simply not accessible.

If you’re planning to buy property in Japan in 2026, January is the real starting line.