Celebrate Like a Local: How Japan Welcomes the New Year
Known as Shogatsu, the Japanese New Year is a time when ancient customs blend seamlessly with modern life, creating a unique cultural experience like no other. From the resonating sound of temple bells to the first sunrise of the year, every moment is steeped in symbolism, peace and hope for the months ahead. Whether you’re savoring a rich bowl of soba or making your first shrine visit of the year, Japan offers countless ways to start fresh, reflect and celebrate. Ready to welcome the New Year the Japanese way? Let’s dive into the traditions that make Shogatsu unforgettable.
Hatsumode
Usually done in early January, hatsumode is the first shrine or temple visit of the year in Japan. It’s a time to pray for good fortune, health and happiness while expressing gratitude for the past year. Rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, it has become a national custom embraced by people of all backgrounds. Visitors often take part in rituals such as purification, rinsing hands and mouths or writing wishes on ema (wooden plaques).
New Year’s Card
While Japan embraces modern technology, some traditions remain delightfully analog—such as nengajo, or New Year’s postcards. These cards, sent to friends, family and businesses, are a heartfelt way to welcome the new year and show appreciation, much like holiday cards in the West.
Despite the rise of digital alternatives, many still look forward to the joy of receiving a bundle of nengajo in the mailbox on January 1. Whether you’re just visiting Japan or have lived here for years, sending a nengajo or two is a simple way to connect with this cherished tradition and share gratitude for the year ahead.
Fortune-telling
Drawing an omikuji—a fortune slip—is a common ritual when visiting temples or shrines in Japan. Once used to seek divine guidance for major decisions, such as leadership or policy, this practice evolved into a more personal tradition during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). A typical omikuji includes a poem and predictions for your near future, but some shrines and temples have taken this simple slip to the next level, transforming them into beautiful keepsakes or collectibles.
Food
Food plays a central role in Japan’s New Year celebrations, with each dish carrying deep symbolism for the year ahead. These meals are not just about nourishment; they are imbued with meaning and tradition, offering a chance to reflect on the past while welcoming the future. From the ingredients chosen to the way they are prepared, every element is designed to bring good fortune, health and happiness in the coming year.
On New Year’s Eve, slurping up a bowl of toshikoshi soba—or “year-crossing noodles”—is a must. The long buckwheat noodles represent longevity, while their easy-to-cut texture symbolizes letting go of the past year’s hardships. Just don’t leave any behind, or you risk carrying bad luck into the new year!
Come New Year’s Day, the spotlight shifts to osechi ryori, a beautifully arranged multi-layered bento box filled with auspicious foods. Traditionally prepared in advance to last several days, osechi features pickled, stewed, and candied items, ensuring everything keeps well—though you won’t find anything warm inside. Modern versions might include sashimi or meat, but the spirit of osechi remains unchanged: a feast to welcome the year with gratitude and good fortune.
Japan’s New Year traditions are a heartfelt blend of reflection, renewal and celebration. From visiting shrines to sharing special meals, each custom carries deep meaning, offering a chance to honor the past while welcoming the future. These rituals, passed down through generations, foster a sense of unity and gratitude, making the New Year a truly special time to connect and start fresh.