Japan During New Year's: Traditions, Food & Where to go
New Year's Japan - Oshōgatsu (お正月) - is one of the most meaningful and atmospheric times of the year. Unlike the loud countdowns and fireworks common in the west, Japan's New Year is calm, spiritual, and deeply rooted in tradition.
Hatsumōde (First Shrine visit of the year)
From January 1st to 3rd, millions of people visit shrines and temples for Hatsumōde, a ritual to pray for good health, luck and happiness.
Where to Go:
- Meiji Jingu Tokyo: The most iconic. Huge crowds but magical.
- Senso-ji (Asakusa): Lanterns, incense and the temple atmosphere
- Fushimi Inari (Kyoto): Quiet and surreal in the early hours.
Expect omikuji (fortune slips), lucky charms, and food stalls.
Japanese New Year Foods
New Year in Japan is basically a food festival with meaning behind everything.
Osechi Ryōri
Beautifully arranged boxes filled with symbolic dishes.
- Kuromame: For health and hard work.
- Kazunoko: For fertility or family prosperity
- Datemaki: Sweet rolled omelette for knowledge
Toshikoshi Soba
Eaten on December 31st. The long noodles symbolise a long life.
Ozōni
A warm mochi soup eaten on New Year's morning. Every region has it's own style.
Traditions that make New Years special
Joya no Kane (108 Bell Rings)
On New Years Eve, temples ring their bells 108 times to cleanse people of worldly desires.
Nengajo (New Year postcards)
People send beautifully designed postcards to friends and family arriving exactly on January 1st.
Kadomatsu & Shimenawa Decroations
Homes and shops hang traditional pine, bamboo, and rope decorations to welcome prosperity.
What Japan feels like during New Years
- Many restaurants and shops close from Jan 1-3
- Trains and Shrines get extremely busy
- Traditional music and New Year Tv shows play in shops and hotels
- Cold crisp winter air
New Year is to Japan what Christmas is to many Western countries - a major family holiday. People return to their hometowns, eat together, visit shrines and take break from working. It's peaceful and meaningful.