New year

Nagoya, one of Japan's most vibrant largest cities, is a kaleidoscope of cultural delights and modern amazements. But beyond its bustling streets lies a calendar filled with exciting events and festivals throughout the year. So, whether you're a seasoned Japan lover or a curious new visitor, […]

What do you usually do on New Year's in your country? In Japan, we often go to ‘Hatsumode'. Hatsumode is a tradition where people go to a shrine or temple at the beginning of the year to pray for happiness in the coming year. What is […]

Have you ever wondered when you can have the most authentic Japanese experience? The perfect time is none other than New Year! This season is a big deal in Japan, with beautiful decorations in the streets and shrines bustling with visitors for their first prayers of […]

As the chill of winter blankets Tokyo, the city comes alive with enchanting events and festivities. From timeless traditions to crafty and unique exhibitions, January 2024 promises a captivating array of experiences for locals and visitors alike. Join us as we explore the magic of Tokyo's […]

Fukubukuro (福袋) translates literally to “lucky bag”, and it represents a Japanese New Year custom in which almost all shops around the country (especially Tokyo) make beautiful grab-bags with a variety of random products and sell them for a substantial discount, depending on the shop but […]

New Year is one of the most celebrated events in the world, and in Japan, it is also one of the oldest. For a country deeply rooted in culture, New Year celebrations come with traditions - the first shrine visit, the first sunrise viewing, and even […]

At last, we get to wrap up our 10 reasons for the season in the most frigid season ever; Winter (fuyu (冬) in Japanese). It is very cold and dry, with temperatures reaching as low as 5°C, so it is often overlooked. Nevertheless, you can see […]

New Year in Japan is a big deal, it’s one of the most important and biggest celebrations in the country! In addition to New Year's Eve on December 31st which is called Ōmisoka (大晦日), Japan also celebrates the entire New Year period, which runs from January […]

While mochi is enjoyed year-round, it is particularly popular during the New Year’s holiday when families come together. This is important, because the traditional method of making mochi takes time and a lot of helping hands…

New year traditions here are ancient and meant to bring health, wealth, and a renewed spirit. Preparations for the new year start off with a practice called Omisoka, where everyone lends a hand in cleaning the house and cooking traditional foods for the osechi ryori in the last few days of the old year.