Introduction
New Year in Japan blends ancient traditions with modern customs. Unlike the lively New Year’s Eve parties in the UK, it’s a time for reflection and rituals. Japan’s Gregorian New Year is its most significant holiday, celebrated with family gatherings and cultural traditions. Recently, modern twists like travelling and parties with friends have gained popularity. This guide explores “Shogatsu” customs, must-visit spots, and festive foods to make your Japanese New Year unforgettable.
Understanding Japanese New Year Traditions
Known as “Shogatsu,” the Japanese New Year is a significant holiday symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and family connections.
Hatsumode: The first shrine visit of the year, where people pray for health and happiness. Shrines often have lively food stalls.
Toshikoshi Soba: Buckwheat noodles are eaten on New Year’s Eve to welcome a fresh start.
Joya no Kane: Temple bells are rung 108 times on New Year’s Eve to cleanse desires.
Nengajo: Traditional New Year’s cards, now often replaced by digital greetings.
If you’re curious about how Japanese people spend New Year’s Eve, check out our article on New Year’s Eve in Japan. For a deeper dive into customs like 初日の出 (hatsuhinode) and 書き初め (kakizome), explore our detailed guide on Japanese New Year traditions.
Best Places to Celebrate New Year in Japan
Tokyo: Experience tradition at Meiji Jingu or the vibrant Asakusa atmosphere.
Kyoto: Visit iconic temples like Fushimi Inari-taisha or Kiyomizu-dera.
Hokkaido: Enjoy snowy landscapes and visit Hokkaido Shrine or Otaru.
Hiroshima: Discover the spiritual beauty of Itsukushima Shrine.
Kumamoto: Start the year at Aso Shrine, set amidst stunning nature.
How to Enjoy Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit)
Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year, is a cherished Japanese tradition and an immersive cultural experience for tourists.
Choose a Shrine
Popular shrines like Meiji Jingu and Fushimi Inari-taisha offer grand experiences but can be crowded, especially during the first three days of the year (sanganichi). Smaller local shrines are equally charming, though these can also draw crowds during the New Year period.
Respecting Rituals
The basic practice involves tossing a coin into the offering box and performing the traditional “two bows, two claps, one bow” to make your prayer.
What is “Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow”?
Toss Your Coin: A 5-yen coin (go-en), symbolising good fortune, is ideal.
Two Bows: Bow deeply twice to show respect to the shrine’s deity.
Two Claps: Clap your hands twice at chest level, with your right hand slightly lower than the left. This signals your presence to the deity.
Make a Prayer: Silently express your gratitude or wishes. Focused prayers are considered the most effective.
One Bow: End with a final bow to show your appreciation.
Omikuji (Fortune Slips)
Most shrines offer omikuji, small paper fortunes available for a small donation. After shaking a box to draw a numbered stick, you receive a fortune that can range from great blessing (daikichi) to great curse (daikyo).
Daikichi (大吉 - Great Blessing): Exceptional fortune awaits you this year.
Chukichi (中吉 - Middle Blessing): Good fortune overall, with moderate success in specific areas.
Kichi (吉 - Blessing): A generally good year, with small improvements.
Sho-kichi (小吉 - Small Blessing): Modest good fortune.
Sue-kichi (末吉 - Future Blessing): Fortune will come later in the year, requiring patience.
Kyo (凶 - Curse): Challenges may arise, but overcoming them can lead to growth.
Daikyo (大凶 - Great Curse): A difficult year may lie ahead, but staying patient and reflective will help.
If your fortune is unfavourable, tie it to a designated rack or tree at the shrine. This custom is believed to neutralise bad luck and bring better fortune.
Enjoy the Atmosphere
Many shrines host stalls offering snacks like yakitori, teriyaki, and amazake. The festive atmosphere and the shrine’s serenity make Hatsumode unforgettable.
Hatsumode is not only spiritual but also a celebration of Japanese culture and community.
Must-Try Japanese New Year Foods
Food is at the heart of Japanese New Year celebrations, blending delicious flavours with deep symbolism. Here's what to try and where to find it:
Osechi Ryori: A tiered box filled with symbolic dishes like kuromame (black beans for health) and kazunoko (herring roe for fertility).
Where to Try: Usually enjoyed at home, but pre-order from luxury hotels, ryokan, or high-end restaurants.
Ozoni: A soup with mochi and vegetables, with flavours varying regionally.
Where to Try: Found at ryokan or local restaurants with New Year’s menus.
Toshikoshi Soba: Eaten on New Year’s Eve, these buckwheat noodles symbolise longevity and a fresh start.
Where to Try: available at soba restaurants, which are especially busy on New Year’s Eve, while reservations may be required, long queues are still common.
Sake and Sparkling Wine: Popular celebratory drinks, perfect for toasting the New Year.
Where to Try: Widely sold in izakaya, restaurants, and convenience stores.
Mochi: Enjoyed in savoury (grilled with soy sauce or wrapped in seaweed) and sweet forms (topped with kinako or filled with anko)
Where to Try: Found in confectionery shops, supermarkets, and New Year markets.
What to Buy for New Year in Japan
Shopping during the New Year is a cultural adventure in itself. Here are some must-buy items:
Lucky Bags (Fukubukuro): Grab a mystery bag filled with discounted items—perfect for bargain hunters.
Japanese Sake: Look for bottles with special New Year labels, perfect as a gift or for your own celebration.
Decorations and Zodiac Souvenirs: Celebrate the Year of the Snake with zodiac-themed trinkets, ornaments, and traditional New Year decorations like shimekazari (straw rope charms) or small kadomatsu (bamboo and pine arrangements).
Daruma Dolls: Symbolising wishes and goals, these traditional dolls are meaningful souvenirs and great for starting the year with intention.
Omamori (Lucky Charms): Available at shrines, these blessings make for thoughtful keepsakes.
Explore department stores, New Year markets, or local shrines to find these seasonal items and take a piece of Japanese tradition home.
Experience the New Year Like a Local
IImmerse yourself in authentic Japanese traditions with these classic activities:
Kohaku Uta Gassen: This popular New Year’s Eve music competition is perfect for relaxing and enjoying Japanese entertainment, whether at your hotel or ryokan.
Traditional Games: Try hanetsuki (a badminton-like game) or fukuwarai (a pin-the-tail game) at cultural events or accommodations. These simple games are fun for all ages and offer a glimpse into Japanese traditions.
Hatsuyume: Your first dream of the year is believed to predict your fortune. Symbols like Mount Fuji, a hawk, or an eggplant are considered especially lucky, adding excitement to the New Year.
These customs blend entertainment and culture, making the Japanese New Year unforgettable for locals and visitors alike.
Conclusion
New Year in Japan blends traditions, food, and cultural experiences. From temple bells to osechi ryori, it’s a time for reflection and celebration. Visiting a shrine for hatsumode or enjoying symbolic dishes makes New Year in Japan truly unforgettable. Make sure to include these unique experiences in your next trip to Japan and create unforgettable New Year memories!
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