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Shogatsu (Japanese New Year)
The Japanese New Year, the most important holiday of the Japanese year, rich in Shinto and Buddhist customs.
January 1, 3 days
Why It Matters
In Shinto tradition Shogatsu is a sacred time, when the divine spirit Toshigami (year god) is welcomed into the home. The first sunrise (Hatsuhinode), first shrine visit (Hatsumode), and purification rituals mark a fresh spiritual beginning.
How It Is Observed
Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year), receiving o-mikuji (fortune lots), eating special New Year foods (osechi ryori), kadomatsu (pine and bamboo gate decorations), zoni (rice cake soup), visiting family, watching the first sunrise.