正月
Shōgatsu
Japan's most sacred holiday — three days of ritual, family, and fresh beginnings.
Origin
Shōgatsu, the Japanese New Year, is the most important holiday in the Japanese calendar. Observed from January 1 through January 3, it is a time of deep cultural ritual, family reunion, and reflection. Unlike Western New Year's Eve parties, Shōgatsu emphasises quietude, tradition, and the careful marking of a new chapter. The season begins with the preparation of special New Year foods (osechi ryōri), the sending of New Year's postcards (nengajō), and the decoration of homes with kadomatsu pine-and-bamboo arrangements and shimenawa rope to welcome good fortune.
History
Before the Meiji period, Japan observed the Lunar New Year (like other East Asian nations). In 1873, the Meiji government adopted the Gregorian calendar and shifted the New Year celebration to January 1. Many Shōgatsu customs, however, have roots stretching back a millennium. Hatsumode — the first shrine or temple visit of the year — is documented as far back as the Heian period (794–1185). Osechi ryōri was originally prepared as offerings to gods; the elaborate boxed meals with symbolic ingredients evolved into family meals to avoid cooking on sacred New Year days. Nengajō postcards, delivered by Japan Post en masse on January 1, are a more recent tradition formalised in the Meiji era.
Modern Celebration
December 31 is spent eating toshikoshi soba (year-crossing buckwheat noodles) and watching NHK's Kōhaku Uta Gassen, a televised singing competition dividing performers into 'red' and 'white' teams — Japan's equivalent of New Year's Eve television. At midnight, temple bells ring 108 times (joya no kane) to purify the 108 human desires and cleanse the year's sins. On January 1, millions make hatsumode — the first shrine or temple visit — to pray for health, success, and good fortune. Queues at major shrines like Meiji Jingu in Tokyo or Naritasan Shinshoji in Chiba stretch for hours. Children receive otoshidama (money gifts in decorated envelopes) from relatives. From January 4, shops and businesses gradually reopen.
Traditional Foods
Osechi Ryōri (おせち料理)
Elaborate lacquered box meals with up to 30 different dishes, each carrying symbolic meaning. Kazunoko (herring roe) for fertility; datemaki (sweet rolled omelette) for wisdom; kuri kinton (chestnut paste) for wealth; kurimedai (sea bream) for celebration. Osechi is prepared — or ordered months in advance from department stores — because cooking is traditionally avoided on the sacred first days of the year.
Ozōni (お雑煮)
New Year's mochi soup, whose recipe varies dramatically by region. Tokyo-style uses clear broth with square mochi and chicken; Kyoto-style uses white miso with round mochi. Eating ozōni on New Year's morning is an essential ritual.
Toshikoshi Soba (年越しそば)
Buckwheat noodles eaten on New Year's Eve. The length of the noodles symbolises a long life; their ease of cutting represents a clean break from the year's hardships. Restaurants serving toshikoshi soba queue out the door on December 31.
Amazake (甘酒)
Sweet, low-alcohol (or non-alcoholic) fermented rice drink served warm at shrines during hatsumode. A traditional winter warmer that accompanies shrine visits.
How to Participate
- 01Make hatsumode — visit your nearest shrine or temple on January 1 to draw an omikuji (fortune slip) and pray for the year ahead
- 02Send nengajō — handwritten or designed New Year's postcards to friends, family, and colleagues
- 03Decorate the entrance to your home with kadomatsu (pine and bamboo arrangements)
- 04Watch Kōhaku Uta Gassen on NHK on December 31 — Japan's most watched New Year's Eve broadcast
- 05Eat ozōni on January 1 morning — and compare recipes with relatives from different regions
- 06Visit department store hatsuuri (New Year sales) featuring fukubukuro (lucky bags) with mystery contents
Travel Tips
December 28 – January 4 is when Japan essentially shuts down. Most shops, restaurants, and businesses close December 30 – January 3. Major shrines (Meiji Jingu, Asakusa Senso-ji, Naritasan Shinshoji) are extraordinarily crowded on January 1–3 — lines of 1–3 hours are normal. Shinkansen and flights are heavily booked in both directions (December 30–31 outbound, January 3–4 inbound). Book months in advance. Hotels in major cities are often quieter than regional destinations, as people head home. For tourists, watching the hatsumode crowds is itself a cultural experience, but visit early (before 8 AM) to avoid the longest queues.
Frequently asked questions
When is Shōgatsu?+
Shōgatsu falls on January 1–3 (national holidays Jan 1–3). The date is fixed and does not change year to year.
Is Shōgatsu a public holiday?+
Shōgatsu is a public holiday in Japan. Most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed on this day. It is one of the most significant national holidays in the country.
What do people eat during Shōgatsu?+
Traditional foods eaten during Shōgatsu include Osechi Ryōri (おせち料理), Ozōni (お雑煮), Toshikoshi Soba (年越しそば). Elaborate lacquered box meals with up to 30 different dishes, each carrying symbolic meaning. Kazunoko (herring roe) for fertility; datemaki (sweet rolled omelette) for wisdom; kuri kinton (chestnut paste) for wealth; kurimedai (sea bream) for celebration. Osechi is prepared — or ordered months in advance from department stores — because cooking is traditionally avoided on the sacred first days of the year.
What are some activities associated with Shōgatsu?+
Make hatsumode — visit your nearest shrine or temple on January 1 to draw an omikuji (fortune slip) and pray for the year ahead Send nengajō — handwritten or designed New Year's postcards to friends, family, and colleagues Decorate the entrance to your home with kadomatsu (pine and bamboo arrangements)
Is Shōgatsu a good time to visit Japan?+
December 28 – January 4 is when Japan essentially shuts down. Most shops, restaurants, and businesses close December 30 – January 3. Major shrines (Meiji Jingu, Asakusa Senso-ji, Naritasan Shinshoji) are extraordinarily crowded on January 1–3 — lines of 1–3 hours are normal. Shinkansen and flights are heavily booked in both directions (December 30–31 outbound, January 3–4 inbound). Book months in advance. Hotels in major cities are often quieter than regional destinations, as people head home. For tourists, watching the hatsumode crowds is itself a cultural experience, but visit early (before 8 AM) to avoid the longest queues.
Printable Calendars
Download a free printable calendar for Shōgatsu — includes all public holidays.
🇯🇵 Japan