Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! (happy new year in Japanese), it’s Yuki the tour guide or a gardener who recently welcomed a Dracaena into his room as his new companion. The start of the New Year (shogatsu) is one of the most significant times in Japan, marked by traditions that reflect renewal, gratitude, and hope for the future. Here’s a glimpse into how Japanese people welcome the new year, and feel free to share about how you spend the beginning of a new year in your country in the comment! I will be sure to reply!
1. Hatsumode: The First Shrine Visit
One of the most important customs is hatsumode, the first visit to a shrine or temple in the new year. Families and friends pray for health, happiness, and prosperity. It’s common to write wishes on wooden plaques (ema) or draw fortunes (omikuji). Shrines like Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari or Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine are especially busy with visitors. I mean REALLY REALLY BUSY. Even though it is the biggest shrine in Japan, I would not recommend that you go there. (Maybe once in a lifetime or if you like crawling a sea of people)
2. Osechi Ryori: New Year’s Cuisine
Japanese families enjoy osechi ryori, a traditional multi-dish meal packed in lacquered boxes. Each dish has symbolic meaning, like kuromame (black soybeans) for health and kazunoko (herring roe) for fertility. Paired with ozoni (rice cake soup), it’s a feast to start the year with good fortune. My personal favorite is Kazunoko: Aalted herring roe, which comes in small, golden, crunchy eggs packed tightly together. The texture is unique—firm and slightly popping with each bite.
3. E-Bike Adventure in Kyoto: A New Year Tradition in the Making
While exploring Kyoto by e-bike isn’t a traditional Japanese New Year activity, we’re excited to introduce it as a refreshing way to kick off your year! Imagine starting the year surrounded by the serene beauty of the bamboo forest, visiting iconic cultural sites, enjoying authentic Japanese cuisine, and picking up unique souvenirs for your loved ones.
What better way to set a positive tone for the year than by immersing yourself in Kyoto’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes?
We wish you a fantastic year ahead and would love to be a part of your New Year’s journey!
Book your adventure here 👇
https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Attraction_Review-g298564-d28151417-Reviews-Discovery_bicycle_tours_Kyoto-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html