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The Japanese New Year begins on January 1st, so preparations for the festivities start as early as December, filling the streets of this cherry blossom country with excitement. In addition to celebrating Christmas, New Year’s is the most significant and grand event, attracting international tourists who choose this time for their travel to Japan.
Many travelers from Vietnam have chosen Japan as their destination, as several airlines offer special promotions for flights to Japan during the year-end season, including Vietnam Airlines, Tiger Air, China Airlines, and more.
To kick off your affordable international trip to Japan in early 2016, make sure to quickly book discounted tickets through Mytour's hotline or visit the website www.Mytour to explore flight schedules and ticket prices for your upcoming plans.
>>See more: Affordable travel tips for Japan
Celebrate the New Year in Japan with the locals
New Year's (shogatsu or oshogatsu) is the most important holiday in Japan. Most businesses and shops close from January 1st to January 3rd, and it is a time for family members to gather and celebrate together.
During these New Year days, homes and doorways are decorated with ornaments made of pine, bamboo, plum, and other traditional Japanese materials that have been used for generations.
On New Year's Eve, soba toshikoshi (buckwheat noodles), symbolizing longevity, is the main dish for the entire family, with hopes for a year filled with good fortune. Family members gather together to watch the popular music program 'Kohaku Uta Gassen,' a spectacular television show featuring J-pop and Japan's most famous singers.
January 1st is considered the best day of the year in Japan, and people begin the day by watching the first sunrise of the new year (Hatsu-Hinode), a tradition believed to represent the year ahead. As such, this day is filled with joy and freedom.
On New Year's Day, Japanese people have the tradition of visiting a shrine or temple. Popular shrines and temples, such as the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, attract millions of visitors during the first three days of the year. The most impressive visit happens at midnight on New Year's Eve when the large temple bell is rung.
Special traditional foods served during the New Year include osechi ryori, otoso (sweet rice wine), and ozoni (soup with mochi).
Additionally, there are a few traditional games often held during the New Year. Hanetsuki (Japanese badminton), takoage (kite flying), and karuta (a card game).
Visiting Japan during the New Year holidays is one of the most meaningful trips, with cultural activities and festivals representing the most distinctive and traditional aspects of Japan.
New Year's Events in Japan
- New Year's Celebration Festival
Traditional activities on New Year's Eve include the music program 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' on television and visiting temples or shrines around midnight. In recent decades, the countdown event and fireworks displays have become major highlights of New Year's Eve celebrations in Japan's large cities.
- Hatsumode
If you're in Japan during the New Year, you can join the crowds for hatsumode, the first visit of the year to a temple or shrine. The Hatsumode festival takes place at virtually every temple and shrine across Japan during the early days of the year, especially on January 1st.
At the shrine, you can experience a festive atmosphere with food stalls and large crowds waiting in line for a prayer at the main hall, buying lucky charms for a prosperous New Year and disposing of their lucky charms from previous years.
Some of the most famous shrines, such as the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka, and Tsuruoka Hachimangu in Kamakura, each attract over a million visitors during the early days of the New Year.
To accommodate hatsumode activities, major urban railway lines continue running from the night of December 31st to January 1st, serving famous temples and shrines such as the Ise Shrine and Naritasan Temple.
- New Year's Emperor's Greeting
On January 2nd, the emperor makes several public appearances at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, where parts of the palace grounds are opened to the public. The emperor and his family members appear on a protected balcony at times: 10:10, 11:00, 11:50, 13:30, and 14:20, waving to the crowd.
To inquire about the prices for domestic and international New Year tour packages, flight schedules, and more, call the Mytour hotline for affordable travel tickets, and receive advice and support to make your trip even more complete.
There are still many exciting activities and events during the early days of the New Year in Japan waiting for you to explore. Plan your trip in detail and book your affordable flight tickets to Japan through Mytour now!
