Japanese New Year Traditions You’ll See Everywhere in Japan

Learn about what Japanese New Year traditions locals do before the year ends. Learn about Osoji, Osechi Ryori, Hatsumode, and other customs that define how Japan welcomes the New Year.

By Tokyo Room Finder • 12月 28, 2025

New Year, or Shōgatsu, is one of the most important holidays in Japan. Unlike some countries where the New Year is mostly about parties and countdowns, Japan treats this period as a time for reflection, family, rest, and resetting life for the year ahead. Many shops close and the streets are noticeably quieter than usual, which adds to the feeling of stillness across the country.

Japanese New Year traditions are rooted in symbolism and intention, from special meals to deep cleaning and temple visits. Many of these customs are still practiced today, even in modern households in many parts of Japan.

Osoji: Cleaning Away the Old Year

Broom sweeping dust on a wooden floor symbolizing Osoji, the Japanese end-of-year cleaning tradition.

Before the year ends officially on the 31st, households, offices, and even schools take part in a custom called Ōsōji, which is a thorough end-of-year cleaning ritual. This is not just casual tidying, but involves deep cleaning areas that are often ignored while doing day-to-day cleaning, such as windows, ceilings, storage spaces, and behind furniture.

Osoji is based on the idea of clearing away all the dirt, clutter, and bad energy from the past year so the new one can begin fresh and welcome new blessings. It is common to see people cleaning together as a family, and many companies even schedule time for employees to clean the workplace before closing for the holidays.

If anything, this explains why late December feels unusually busy in stores selling cleaning supplies.

Osechi Ryori: Food and Symbolisms

One of the most well-known New Year traditions is Osechi Ryōri, a selection of symbolic set of dishes prepared specifically for the New Year holiday. Osechi is usually packed into beautifully square layered lacquer boxes called jubako and eaten over several days instead of just the eve of New Year.

Each dish has a specific meaning. For example, black beans represent health and hard work, sweet rolled omelet symbolizes knowledge, and simmered vegetables are meant to bring stability and family harmony. The food is prepared in advance so that cooking can be avoided during the first days of the year and allowing families to rest and enjoy the time with distant relatives and family members.

In recent years, it has been customary for many people to order osechi sets from department stores or supermarkets instead of making everything from scratch, but of course, the symbolism remains the same.

Oshōgatsu: Fancy Home Decorations

Traditional Japanese shimekazari New Year decoration made of straw, pine, and decorative paper on a black background.

Homes and businesses display traditional decorations early on to welcome the New Year. Kadomatsu are arrangements made of pine and bamboo placed near entrances to welcome good spirits that are believed to visit the family. Shimekazari are rope decorations that are often hung on doors to ward off bad luck for the coming year.

These decorations are typically put up before January 1 and removed after the New Year period ends. Seeing them lined up outside houses, shops, and apartment buildings is one of the clearest signs that the New Year season has arrived.

Hatsumode: The First Shrine Visit

Large crowd passing through a red torii gate during Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the Japanese New Year.

During the first few days of January, people go and visit shrines and temples for Hatsumōde. This is done to pray for health, happiness, and success in the coming year.

Shrines can become extremely crowded, especially famous ones in big cities. Visitors often draw fortune slips, buy new protective charms, and return old charms to be burned. Many also line up to ring bells and clap their hands before making a silent wish.

Even people who do not visit shrines regularly often participate in hatsumode, making it one of the most widely observed traditions in Japan. This is the only period of the year when the trains are running 24 hours in some parts of Japan, or for extended periods.

Otoshidama: New Year’s Money for Children

Another long-standing custom is Otoshidama, where children receive money from parents and relatives. The money is placed inside small decorative envelopes and given during family visits. Children typically receive 10,000 yen, depending on their ages, with some young adults still receiving it from their grandparents or older relatives.

For children, this is often one of the most exciting parts of the New Year. For adults, it is both a joyful and financially strategic tradition, especially in large families.

A Quiet Start to the New Year

Couple taking a selfie on a busy Japanese street decorated with festive lights during the New Year season at night.

One thing that surprises many newcomers is how quiet Japan becomes during the New Year. Many restaurants, shops, and businesses close for several days. Trains still run, but schedules may change, and popular tourist areas feel unusually calm. Contrary to other countries where the New Year is celebrated with endless fireworks and firecracker lightings, Japan prefers a solemn approach in welcoming it for most families.

This pause reflects the deeper meaning of the holiday. The New Year is a time to slow down, reflect on the past, and prepare mentally and emotionally for the year ahead. It is less about celebration and more about intention.

How Japan Has Preserved These Traditions

Despite Japan’s modern lifestyle, New Year traditions remain deeply respected. Whether through cleaning, food, prayer, or family time, these customs offer a structured way to reset and move forward. Japanese New Year is not just a date change, but a cultural reset that blends history, spirituality, and everyday life in a way that continues to shape how the year begins.

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