“Where should I spend New Year’s Eve in Japan?”

It depends on what experience you want. New Year’s (Oshogatsu) is the most important holiday in Japan.

Best Places for New Year’s

“What are my options?”

Tokyo - For city excitement

• Shibuya crossing at midnight (not as wild as you’d think)
• Meiji Shrine for Hatsumode (first shrine visit) - expect huge crowds
• Tokyo Tower and Skytree have special illuminations
• Many restaurants and bars have countdown events

Kyoto - For traditional atmosphere

• Chion-in Temple rings its giant bell 108 times at midnight
• Fushimi Inari is magical at night on New Year’s
• Quieter, more spiritual experience
• Many machiya (traditional houses) have special events

Osaka - For food and fun

• Dotombori is lively at midnight
• Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine is one of Japan’s most popular for Hatsumode
• Great street food scene stays open late

What to Expect

“How do Japanese people celebrate?”

New Year’s Eve (December 31):

• Watch “Kohaku” - Japan’s biggest TV music show
• Eat toshikoshi soba (year-crossing noodles) before midnight
• Visit a shrine or temple at midnight (Hatsumode)
• Listen to temple bells ring 108 times (Joya no Kane)

New Year’s Day (January 1):

• Eat osechi ryori (traditional New Year’s food)
• Visit shrines
• Most shops and restaurants are CLOSED
• Very quiet day

Important Warnings

“Anything I should know?”

• Almost everything closes January 1-3
• Trains run late on New Year’s Eve (all night service)
• Hotels are very expensive during this period
• Stock up on food - convenience stores stay open but restaurants close

What Japanese People Actually Do

Most locals:

• Go home to their family (like Western Christmas)
• Watch Kohaku on TV while eating soba
• Visit their local shrine at midnight or on January 1
• Sleep in on January 1 and eat osechi
• Send New Year’s postcards (nengajo)

Extra Travel Tips

1. Book hotels months in advance - New Year’s is peak season

2. Convenience stores are your friend - 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart stay open

3. Shrines are extremely crowded - Go very early or very late to avoid lines

4. January 2 is “Fukubukuro” day - Lucky bags go on sale at department stores

5. It’s cold - Dress warmly, especially for midnight shrine visits

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