Japanese New Yr – Shogatsu 正月 • Simply One Cookbook

December 28, 2025

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Japanese New Yr is an important vacation of the yr in Japan. We bid farewell to the previous yr and welcome with new yr with particular meals, traditions, and customs. I’ll share how we rejoice, together with my suggestions and shortcuts to simplify and adapt the festivities so you may deal with household and good needs for the approaching yr.

Large decorative sake barrels wrapped in straw, adorned with Japanese writing and symbols. The front barrel is open and covered with a red cloth, and festive ornaments are displayed on top. The background shows a marble wall.

Fast Overview

As annually involves an in depth, households in Japan excitedly put together for his or her most festive and vital vacation—Japanese New Yr (Shogatsu)! The celebratory interval is lengthy, beginning in December and extends till the official finish of festivities on January eleventh.

The Japanese usher in a wholesome and affluent new yr with symbolic traditions and meals at house, work, faculty, and temples and shrines.

So, how will we rejoice Japanese New Yr at house? On this publish, I’m excited to share how the Japanese:

take pleasure in particular meals, customs, and traditions
simplify them to make celebrating straightforward and enjoyable
put together all through the month of December
bid farewell to the previous yr on New Yr’s Eve
welcome the brand new yr within the first days of January

Let’s dive in!

What’s Japanese New Yr – Shōgatsu?

Japanese New Yr, often known as Shogatsu or Oshogatsu (お正月) is an important vacation in Japan. It’s celebrated on January 1st, known as as Gantan (元旦). Japan adopted the photo voltaic (Gregorian) calendar in 1873 throughout its modernization interval, shifting away from the standard lunar new yr.

Oshogatsu is full of significant traditions and customs, and preparations start properly earlier than January arrives. In December, households clear their properties, alternate year-end presents, and prepare for the vacation.

We welcome the New Yr with osechi ryori (おせち料理)—fantastically ready celebratory feast—together with visits to temples and shrines. It’s all meant to welcome a recent begin and success for the yr forward.

What We Eat for Japanese New Yr

An assortment of traditional Japanese New Year foods, including colorful seafood, vegetables, and sweets arranged in lacquered boxes and bowls on a wooden table.

After I was rising up, we normally spent New Yr’s Day with my mom’s facet of the household in Osaka. Whereas the lads deep cleaned the home, three generations of girls—my grandma, my aunts, my mother, and I—gathered within the kitchen all day lengthy over a couple of days to make the standard Japanese New Yr meals.

Often known as osechi ryori (おせち料理), or osechi (おせち) for brief, this colourful and deeply significant feast is packed into three-tiered containers known as jubako.

A standard osechi menu might include as much as 15 dishes or extra, and every dish is an edible good-luck attraction full of hopes for the approaching yr.

Additionally, we take pleasure in different customary meals served with, earlier than, or after the massive osechi feast. Chances are you’ll know many of those well-known and scrumptious dishes!

What We Do for Japanese New Yr

Right here’s a fast rundown of the standard customs in Japan main as much as Japanese New Yr (JNY) from December by early January.

DECEMBER

In Japan, December is a time of preparation for the New Yr. Households, workplaces, and communities spend the month wrapping up the yr whereas getting ready to welcome a recent begin.

The month of December is named Shiwasu (師走) in Japanese, and the kanji character actually means “masters/lecturers run.” This suggests that it’s a busy time even for sometimes calm and composed mentors and sensei.

Yr-end presents: Oseibo

On the finish of the yr, folks ship out presents known as oseibo (お歳暮) to their managers, prospects, and lecturers to specific appreciation for the whole yr. Standard present objects embrace:

recent meals (seafood, meat, and fruits)
condiments
beer
tea/espresso
canned meals
desserts
present certificates

Overlook-the-year occasion: Bonenkai

How to Host a Japanese-Themed Party | Easy Japanese Recipes at JustOneCookbook.com

There are lots of year-end events with colleagues and executives known as bonenkai (忘年会), which suggests “forget-the-year occasion.”

Corporations typically have events from early to late December earlier than shutting down within the ultimate week of December.

The massive cleansing: Ōsouji (Dec. 13–28)

Individuals meticulously clear their properties, workplaces, and companies from prime to backside throughout this time. This annual year-end home cleansing custom is named Ōsouji (大掃除) or “the massive cleansing.”

Remove the filth, mud, and litter from the previous yr.
Welcome the brand new yr with a clear, recent house and thoughts.

Rice cake pounding: Mochitsuki (on Dec. 28)

A man in traditional Japanese clothing pounds steamed rice with a wooden mallet in an outdoor stone mortar for mochi making, while another person stands nearby. Pots and water are placed next to the mortar.

Japanese lacquer bowls containing red bean soup with mochi.

Mochitsuki (餅つき), or rice desserts pounding, is a crucial annual occasion normally carried out on the twenty eighth, thought-about an auspicious day.

Historically, households steamed glutinous rice and pounded it in a big Japanese stamp mill with a picket pestle known as kine (杵). As of late, you may typically discover mochitsuki occasions held at temples/shrines and neighborhood facilities.

We devour mochi to want for good well being within the new yr.
There may be nothing like consuming fresh-made mochi—it’s so clean and springy! Add recent mochi to Zenzai (candy purple bean soup).
Make Kagami Mochi—rice cake ornament (see subsequent part).

Japanese New Yr decorations (earlier than Dec. 28)

Japanese New Yr decorations are exhibited to welcome Toshigami, the deity of the New Yr, and to hope for good well being, happiness, and prosperity within the yr forward. Widespread decorations embrace:

Kagami Mochi (鏡餅)
Kadomatsu (門松)🎍
Shimekazari (しめ飾り)

Kagami Mochi – Displayed indoors on December 28, this New Yr providing consists of two stacked rice desserts topped with a “daidai” bitter orange. It represents household concord and longevity.

A traditional Japanese New Year kagami mochi display with two stacked rice cakes, a mandarin orange on top, and decorative elements, set on a wooden surface.

Kagami Mochi decoration made with plastic.

Trendy possibility: Discover plastic kagami mochi (full of individually packaged rice desserts) bought at Japanese grocery shops in December, or show a ceramic kagami mochi ornament.

Kado Matsu – Historically made with pine branches and angled bamboo stalks, these New Yr decorations are positioned at entrances or gates to information the New Yr deity to the house. They symbolize longevity, energy, and prosperity.

A traditional Japanese temple entrance decorated with large straw-bottomed arrangements of pine, bamboo, and red berries, known as kadomatsu, for the New Year. White banners with black crests hang in the background.

Japanese New Year Kadomatsu | Easy Japanese Recipes at JustOneCookbook.com

Trendy possibility: Simplify with mini-kadomatsu decorations discovered at Japanese retailers and supermarkets, or create your personal inventive pine and bamboo preparations.

Shimekazari – Held on entrance doorways, gates, or close to family altars, this New Yr ornament is constituted of sacred straw ropes (shimenawa) to welcome the New Yr deity and shield the house from misfortune.

A traditional Japanese shimenawa decoration for Japanese New Year (Oshogatsu), with fern leaves, white paper strips, and an orange, hangs above a wooden door under a wooden roof.

Shelves in a Japanese store display New Year’s decorations, including colorful ornaments made of paper, straw, pine, and bamboo, with red and gold accents and signs in Japanese above each section.

Trendy possibility: Simplify with mini-shimekazari decorations discovered at Japanese retailers and supermarkets, or create your personal inventive pine and bamboo preparations.

When to Show and Take away Decorations

Put up New Yr decorations by December 28.
Many individuals keep away from adorning on December 29, because the quantity 9 is related to dangerous luck.
Take decorations down after Matsunouchi—January 7 in japanese Japan and January 15 in western Japan. They’re typically returned to shrines to be burned in a ceremonial ritual.

Put together New Yr feast: Osechi ryori (Dec. 27–Jan. 1)

Three sheets of paper with hand-drawn boxes and colorful sticky notes, each featuring sketches of various foods and handwritten labels in Japanese, arranged on a white marble surface.

A colorful Japanese New Year’s feast (osechi-ryori) arranged in lacquered boxes, featuring shrimp, rolled omelette, black beans, pickled vegetables, fish roe, lotus root, and decorative garnishes on a wooden table.

We sometimes prepare dinner osechi dishes within the final 4 days of December, ending on the morning of January 1st. Nonetheless, the organizing, planning, and grocery buying begin weeks earlier!

Nami’s Tip:

NEW YEAR’S EVE: Ōmisoka

The Japanese normally rejoice New Yr’s Eve—known as Ōmisoka (大晦日)—and New Yr’s Day with household. I really feel this vacation is equal to American Thanksgiving.

Get pleasure from New Yr’s Eve dinner

Every household has its personal traditions for New Yr’s Eve dinner. Rising up in Japan, I bear in mind my household typically getting ready temaki (sushi hand rolls) or sukiyaki as our ultimate meal of the yr.

A temaki hand roll sushi spread on the dining table, consisting of plates and bowls containing sushi rice, sashimi, vegetable fillings, and nori seaweed.

Japanese round cast iron pan containing Sukiyaki, a Japanese hot pot dish where marbled beef, tofu, and vegetables are simmered in sweetened soy sauce broth.

The most well-liked menus are:

In some areas of Japan, folks even begin consuming osechi ryori on New Yr’s Eve!

Watch an annual NYE present: Kohaku Utagassen

A television displays a Japanese awards show with three smiling hosts in formal attire—one woman in red, two men in suits, one holding a trophy—standing on a colorful, festive stage.

At evening, many individuals take pleasure in watching a preferred music contest broadcasted by NHK (Japan Broadcasting Company) known as Kohaku Utagassen (紅白歌合戦).

It’s a dwell singing contest between the purple crew (feminine singers) and the white crew (male singers). The members embrace younger J-pop singers in addition to Japanese ballad enka singers. On the finish of the present, the viewers forged their votes for the purple or white crew.

Get pleasure from “yr crossing over” noodles: Toshikoshi soba

A bowl of soba noodle soup topped with sliced fish cake, seaweed, chopped green onions, and seasoning, with chopsticks and a blue napkin beside it on a wooden table.

Earlier than the yr ends, the Japanese should eat soba noodle soup within the Toshikoshi Soba (年越し蕎麦) custom.

The lengthy, skinny buckwheat noodles symbolize longevity.
My household snacked on small bowls of soba whereas watching the singing contest.

Do you know?

At any time earlier than 11:59 PM on December thirty first, the Japanese say, “Yoi otoshio!“ (良いお年を), which suggests “Have a pleasant yr!”

Till then, we won’t say “Blissful New Yr!”

Hearken to temple bells: Joya no kane

Two people at night, one swinging a wooden beam to strike a large bronze bell, while the other stands nearby. Lanterns and trees are visible in the background, creating a festive and traditional atmosphere.

So far as midnight traditions go, the Japanese keep up till midnight to take heed to the 108 chimes of temple bells, which we name joya no kane (除夜の鐘).

Temples all through Japan ring their massive bells 107 occasions simply earlier than midnight and as soon as after midnight.
It’s a Buddhist perception that this helps folks eliminate evil passions and needs, purifying their hearts for the upcoming yr.

After the stroke of midnight, we lastly say “Akemashite omedeto (gozaimasu)!“ (明けましておめでとうございます), which suggests “Blissful New Yr!”

NEW YEAR’S DAY: Oshogatsu

In Japan, the New Yr’s celebration sometimes lasts for the primary three days of the yr. January 1–3 is a nationwide vacation in Japan, and most companies shut down. Households sometimes return to go to their hometowns and spend these few days collectively.

View first dawn: Hatsuhinode

Sunset over a city with buildings in the foreground, misty hills beyond, and an orange sky evokes the serenity of Japanese New Year – Oshogatsu, as the low sun casts a warm festive glow across the tranquil landscape.

We name the primary day of the brand new yr Ganjitsu (元日), and many individuals get up early and go to a scenic spot to greet the primary rising solar, Hatsuhinode (初日の出). Shrines typically provide free amazake for good well being and fortune in the course of the first go to of the yr.

Get pleasure from New Yr’s feast: Osechi ryori

On the morning of January 1st, we organize the osechi meals in a two- or three-tier field known as jubako (お重箱). The household then gathers (brunch for us) to take pleasure in this most vital and symbolic meal of the yr.

Get pleasure from mochi soup and sake: Ozoni and otoso

Ozoni (New Year Mochi Soup), Kanto Style| Easy Japanese Recipes at JustOneCookbook.com

A black and gold lacquered bowl containing Japanese New Year Soup Ozoni.

The Japanese take pleasure in mochi, drink candy medicinal sake known as otoso (お屠蘇), and eat mochi soup known as ozoni (お雑煮) as accompaniments to the osechi meal.

There are two most important regional types of this fashionable and hearty rice cake soup:

Open greeting playing cards: Nengajō

Four colorful Japanese New Year cards with cute illustrations, including a mountain, a cat, a character holding a fan, and Totoro with 2018 in the background, laid out on a wooden surface.

Display of colorful New Year greeting cards with Japanese designs and illustrations, organized on store shelves under a red sign with Japanese text. Cards feature flowers, animals, Mt. Fuji, and festive motifs.

After the meal, the household gathers to learn nengajō (年賀状), New Yr’s greeting playing cards specifically marked for supply on January 1st. Nengajō typically options the Chinese language zodiac animal for the New Yr, with annually represented by a distinct animal.

In December, most stationery shops in Japan promote pre-printed nengajō (年賀状) with seasonal designs.

Give financial presents for kids: Otoshidama

Japanese new year money envelop for kids called otoshidama

A store display features colorful Japanese envelopes, many with animal designs like rabbits, bears, and cows, as well as festive patterns. The display is neat, and there are Japanese signs and labels throughout.

Kids look ahead to receiving otoshidama (お年玉) on New Yr’s Day. Mother and father, kinfolk, or acquaintances current this financial present in a small conventional envelope.

In December, you’ll find these cash envelopes (お年玉袋 and ポチ袋) at most stationery shops in Japan and at Japanese supermarkets exterior of Japan.

Play conventional video games

traditional game called karuta played on Japanese New Year

There are a few video games that the Japanese historically play on New Yr’s Day.

A few of my favorites are:

Japanese badminton with a picket rectangular racket known as hanetsuki (羽根つき)
Kite flying known as takoage (凧揚げ)
Card recreation known as karuta (かるた)

FIRST DAYS OF JANUARY FESTIVITIES

First temple/shrine go to: Hatsumode (Jan. 1–3)

A group of people stand in line outside a traditional Japanese shrine with ornate red architecture, under a clear blue sky, likely during a festival or special event.

A display of various Japanese omamori (amulets) and charms neatly arranged in wooden trays on a table at a shrine. A person in traditional attire is partially visible behind the counter.

In the course of the first three days of the New Yr, the Japanese additionally go to a shrine or temple to hope for happiness and good luck within the coming yr. Known as hatsumōde (初詣), this custom has been deeply ingrained in Japanese tradition for hundreds of years.

Shrines like Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine (明治神宮) entice over 3 million guests over three days.
Most individuals gown casually, although some guests take pleasure in carrying kimono (着物) to rejoice the New Yr.
Guests purchase luck attraction known as omamori (お守り) on the temple for defense from sickness, accidents, and disasters.

Get pleasure from hanabira mochi (month of January)

A decorative plate holds several individually wrapped pieces of Japanese confectionery, likely mochi, each in clear plastic packaging with Japanese writing on it. The plate rests on a dark wooden surface.

As soon as the New Yr begins, we purchase blush pink confections known as hanabira mochi (花びら餅). These half-moon formed mochi are solely obtainable in January and served on the first tea ceremony of the brand new yr.

Sweetened items of burdock root protrude from either side, with white miso in between.
It’s a simplification of hagatame no gishiki (歯固めの儀式) or “enamel hardening ceremony” from the Heian interval (794–1185).
We eat it to want for a wholesome and lengthy life (with good enamel!)

Get pleasure from 7-herb rice porridge: Nanakusa gayu (Jan. 7)

A ceramic pot filled with rice porridge topped with grilled tofu cubes and chopped greens sits on a wooden table, next to a wooden spoon and various dishes.

On January seventh, the Japanese observe a convention often known as Nanakusa no Sekku (七草の節句), or the Pageant of the Seven Herbs. We eat a soothing rice porridge known as nanakusa gayu (七草粥).

It’s believed to convey good well being and keep at bay evil spirits within the new yr.
Delicate and comforting, it permits our stomachs to recuperate from the New Yr feasts.

“Open the mirror”: Kagami biraki (Jan. 11)

To conclude the Japanese New Yr celebrations, kagami biraki (鏡開き) is usually held on January eleventh. This ceremony actually means “opening the mirror” or breaking of the mochi. Right here’s how we do it:

Take away the round-shaped mochi from the household altar.
Break them into smaller items with a picket mallet or your fingers.
Cook dinner them in dessert or soup like Zenzai.
Symbolizes a prayer for well being and success.

FAQs

How do you rejoice JNY at house?

Right here in the US, we take pleasure in a household dinner on New Yr’s Eve and snack on small bowls of soba noodle soup to want for longevity. On New Yr’s Day, we take pleasure in a feast of Japanese New Yr meals known as osechi ryori and mochi soup known as ozoni.

What meals are eaten for Japanese New Yr?

We eat deeply significant Japanese New Yr meals known as osechi ryori that symbolize all the desires and hopes for the approaching yr like good future, good well being, and prosperity. We take pleasure in different customary meals round this vacation like toshikoshi soba, ozoni (mochi soup), mochi rice desserts, zenzai, and seven-herb rice porridge.

What’s osechi ryori and what does it imply?

Japanese New Yr meals known as osechi ryori might include as much as 15 dishes or extra, and every dish is an edible good-luck attraction full of hopes for the approaching yr. The osechi custom began greater than 1,000 years in the past as a particular providing to the gods. Ultimately, it turned the New Yr feast that on a regular basis households take pleasure in at present.

What’s toshikoshi soba and when do you eat it?

Earlier than New Yr’s Eve ends, the Japanese eat soba noodle soup within the Toshikoshi Soba custom. These lengthy, skinny buckwheat noodles symbolize longevity.

Now that you’ve discovered how the Japanese rejoice New Yr, I hope you may add a few of our traditions, customs, and meals into your personal festivities, irrespective of the place on the earth you reside.

As a Japanese residing in the US, I hope the spirit and good needs of Japanese New Yr will proceed with future generations.

Blissful New Yr!

Yoi Otoshi O! 良いお年を！(earlier than January 1)

Akemashite omedeto gozaimasu! 明けましておめでとうございます！(after January 1)

Editor’s Word: This publish was initially revealed on December 29, 2015. It was up to date on December 30, 2022, and republished on December 26, 2025.