Japan is a beautiful place that is commonly known for its large population. It is also known for its advanced cities, such as Tokyo and Kyoto. Apart from Japan’s advancements, it also has beautiful scenery, including green mountains, breathtaking lakes and a lot more natural beauty. If you happen to be in Japan during the New Year, you might be wondering what exactly you can do during the Japanese New Year. Most restaurants and other businesses tend to be closed during this time of the year because most people spend New Year’s at home. People will usually wish each other ‘akemashite-omedetou gozaimasu’, participate in various festivals, and enjoy dishes like Mochi (rice cake).
Things To Do During The Japanese New Year 2025
If you are wondering how to be a part of the joyous and festive Oshogatsu Japanese New Year traditions during your holiday, then take a look at this list:
1. Be A Part Of The Joya No Kane At Temples
Most people visit shrines and temples to rid themselves of negative emotions and leave the past in the past. You can hear the bell rung 108 times to remove past sins. This is one of the most popular New Year traditions you can participate in. If you visit Zozo-ji temple (the most popular temple in Tokyo), you can visit the ancient temple that survived the ravages of time and the aftermath of the war. The grounds will get crowded sometime during the afternoon, but you can still enjoy the forest and the beautiful greenery surrounding this temple.
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2. Take Part In The Countdown Parties At Port Yokohama
Visiting Port Yokohama during New Year’s can be an enjoyable experience. This is an excellent place for a Japanese New Year celebration because of the lively atmosphere. You can watch the fireworks and reflect on the sea at midnight. The view is breathtaking, and it continues for about 10 minutes. Afterwards, you can head off to any party you can find at the port. If you spend the day, you can also visit Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, a massive amusement park with a giant aquarium, a shopping mall and plenty of amusement rides. You can spend the rest of your time just exploring the port. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your Japanese New Year day in the best way for memorable time.
3. Be Blown Away At Mount Kaimon In Kagoshima
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Since Japan is called ‘The land of the rising sun’, Japanese New Year customs include watching the sunrise on the first day of the year. You can visit almost any mountain to get a great view and even head up to Mount Fuji if you are up for the task. Mount Kaimon is one of the more accessible mountains to hike. Mount Kaimon is located on Kyushu Island and is famous for its hot springs and volcanoes. This mountain has a dormant volcano and offers a beautiful ocean view. You can head up here a few hours before to experience the sunset or take a day trip if you are up for the hike.
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4. Experience The Nightlife In Japan
Although most people visit Port Yokohama for countdown parties, many like to visit nightclubs. This would be ideal if you want a fulfilling Japanese New Year celebration. You can visit Shibuya or Roppongi in Tokyo, both very happening places best known for their nightlife. There is no shortage of clubs you can find here. You can attend any club and enjoy great food, drinks, and music. You can hop around different clubs or party till the following day.
5. Visit Meiji Jingu-Mae Shrine For The First Prayer Of The Year
Another popular Japanese New Year tradition is visiting a shrine at the beginning of the year. This is called Hatsumode. At this time, people see a shrine, make offerings, pray, and give wishes; they even collect plenty of lucky charms. This is one of the most significant shrines in Tokyo and is very beautiful. It was built in dedication to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife. Most temples and shrines are crowded at this time of the year, and plenty of food stalls and other vendors can be found here. You can purchase amulets and necklaces to keep with you throughout the year. Most people buy these and then burn them the following year.
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6. Watch The Lions Dance At Japanese New Year Festivals
If you plan to visit temples or shrines, you might encounter lion dances outside the temples. Shishimai, or lion dancing, wasn’t originally a part of Japanese culture but has now become a significant part. During the celebrations, the lions protect the shrines and dance around it to music. It is an energetic and fun event to be a part of. You can enjoy traditional New Year food and observe many Japanese New Year decorations. The lions continue dancing until they come across people with children. They playfully bite on the child’s head. This is said to bring good luck and good health. The lion dance is an important part of the Japanese New Year festival, so do not miss it out.
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7. Enjoy Delicious Food At Restaurants
Although most restaurants might be closed, you may be lucky to find a few that might be open. If you do, then you can indulge in Japanese New Year dishes, like Toshiaki soba, which is a dish that is very popular and eaten on New Year’s Eve. You can also eat O-sech ryori, a dinner item with elements that bring luck and health. Another one of the famous New Year customs is eating Mochi. This dish is a round rice cake and is also strangely used in Japanese New Year decorations. It is placed on top of several mochis or rice cakes. So, savour food for Japanese New Year and have an exhilarating experience. If you do not wish to eat at restaurants or cafes, feel free to look for Japanese New Year recipes and cook at your home with loved ones.
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8. Read Your Fortune At The Senso-Ji Temple In Tokyo
‘Omikuji’ is one of the Japanese New Year traditions where you can have your fortune read. You will have to pay a small amount and then shake up or spin a jar that contains sticks, and the fortune is folded around the stick. After you have chosen your stick, you can tell if you will have good fortune or be cursed; you can find your fortune in detail. You can take it with you when you leave; however, if it is a bad fortune, you can tie it back up to a section where most of the bad fortunes lie. The fortune teller there will also tell you how to change or improve your life so that bad luck does not follow you.
9. Take Part In The Traditional Games
Some of the most popular games you can participate in include ‘Hanetsuki’. This is similar to badminton, but it has beautifully decorated wooden panels. Children also play a game where they spin wooden tops on surfaces. One of the most common Japanese New Year traditions is flying kites. Japanese demon kites were flown to ward off evil. You can also fly regular kites, and you can find these in most shops during New Year’s. Overall, the Japanese New Year celebration is incomplete without playing games with friends and family.
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10. Visiting Imperial Palace For The Emperor’s Greeting
The Imperial Palace is a beautiful place with some colourful gardens. Walking through these gardens is very relaxing. Although there isn’t much to do, there is plenty to see, including the dense forest and all the watchtowers surrounding the palace. If you visit during New Year’s, you will be able to see the Emperor, and he will wish everyone a Happy New Year. This is one of the rare times the palace is open to visitors.
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There are plenty of things that you can do if you are in Japan during the Japanese New Year. Although most businesses will be closed, you can participate in many Japanese traditions even if you don’t know anyone from the locality who can show you a good time. If this interests you, then why wait? Take a trip to Japan and prepare to make positive memories with your friends and family this New Year.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese New Year
What is the Japanese New Year called?
The Japanese New Year is called Oshōgatsu in the Japanese language. It is accompanied by a traditional decoration called the kadomatsu.
How does Japan celebrate the Lunar New Year?
Earlier, Japan used to celebrate the New Year as per the traditional lunar calendar exactly like China. However, during the Meiji Era, the government of Japan decided to move towards Westernization and adopt the Gregorian calendar. So, now the people of Japan celebrate New Year on 1st January.
What happens on the Japanese New Year?
The traditional Oshōgatsu or New Year Eve celebration in Japan is considered to be the most important holiday in Japan. Most businesses and shops will be closed from 1st January to 3rd January.
On this day, families usually gather and spend the days together. And then, on the final day of the year (New Year’s Eve), the traditional Toshi Koshi Soba (buckwheat noodles) are served as they are considered to be a symbol of longevity.
Why is Japanese New Year so important?
New Year is to the Japanese, and Christmas is to Christians! It marks a time for celebration, spiritual association, and closeness to one’s kin. Also, it’s a great time for the Japanese people to celebrate the vivid Japanese culture, meet friends and family, and eat delicious food.
Where should I go for New Year in Japan?
Some of the best Countdown Parties in Japan that you must attend include:
1. Namja Countdown Party
2. Tokyo Tower Countdown
3. Universal Countdown Party
4. New Year’s Countdown at Porto Europa
5. Nagashima Spa Land 6. Countdown at Huis Ten Bosch
What are the famous Japanese New Year dishes?
Some of the most popular dishes made and served on New Year’s Eve in Japan include:
1. Datemaki
2. Kuri Kinton
3. Namasu
4. Chikuzenni
5. Tazukuri
6. Kuromame
7. Kazunoko
What are Japanese New Year traditions?
Eating Soba on New Year is an ancient tradition that the Japanese practice every year without fail. It symbolizes the 'Passing of the Year' and brings good luck and fortune. The Japanese people associate the shape and length of the soba with a lean and long life.
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