~ How do Japanese Celebrates New Year’s ?~
As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, Japan welcomes the new year with deep-rooted traditions, family gatherings, and delicious seasonal foods. Unlike Western-style New Year’s Eve parties, Japan’s New Year, known as Shōgatsu (正月), is a time for reflection, gratitude, and fresh beginnings. From visiting shrines to enjoying symbolic meals, let’s explore how the Japanese celebrate this special time of year!
No.１初詣 – Hatsumōde (First Shrine Visit of the Year) ⛩️One of the most important traditions is Hatsumōde, the first visit to a shrine or temple in the new year. People pray for good health, happiness, and prosperity while drawing omikuji (fortune slips) to see what the year has in store for them. Popular shrines like Meiji Shrine in Tokyo and Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto attract millions of visitors during the first days of January.
No.2 おせち料理 – Osechi Ryōri (Traditional New Year’s Cuisine) 🍱
New Year’s in Japan is incomplete without Osechi Ryōri, a beautifully arranged meal served in lacquered boxes. Each dish carries a special meaning for the coming year:
Kuromame (Sweet Black Beans) – For good health and hard work
Kazunoko (Herring Roe) – Symbolizing prosperity and fertility
Kamaboko (Fish Cakes) – Red and white slices representing celebration and good fortune
Datemaki (Sweet Rolled Omelette) – Linked to knowledge and learning
Families enjoy Osechi on New Year’s Day (Gantan) while relaxing at home with loved ones
No.3 年越しそば – Toshikoshi Soba (New Year’s Eve Noodles) 🍜
Before the year ends, many people eat
Toshikoshi Soba, or "year-crossing noodles." The long, thin buckwheat noodles symbolize longevity and resilience. It is believed that eating soba on
December 31st helps leave behind the hardships of the past year while welcoming a fresh start.
No.4 お年玉 – Otoshidama (New Year’s Gift Money💴
For children in Japan, New Year’s is especially exciting because of Otoshidama, the tradition of receiving money from parents, grandparents, and relatives. The money is placed in decorative envelopes called Pochibukuro, and the amount given usually depends on the child’s age. It’s a fun and much-anticipated part of the holiday!
No.5 正月遊び – Traditional New Year Games 🎏
Japanese New Year is also a time for classic games and activities:
🎍 Fukuwarai – A fun game similar to "Pin the Tail on the Donkey," where players create a funny face while blindfolded
🎍 Hanetsuki – A Japanese version of badminton played with a wooden paddle and shuttlecock
🎍 Koma-mawashi – Traditional spinning tops, often played by children during the holiday
🎍 Karuta – A competitive card game featuring Japanese poetry and proverbs
These games bring families together and add to the joyful atmosphere of Shōgatsu!
From spiritual rituals to delicious feasts and fun-filled traditions, Shōgatsu is a time of renewal and happiness in Japan. Whether you're visiting a shrine, savoring Osechi Ryōri, or playing traditional games, Japanese New Year celebrations offer a unique and meaningful way to start the year.
✨ What are your favorite New Year traditions? Let me know in the comments! ✨
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