Japanese New Year (お正月 / Oshōgatsu): Traditions, Food, Greetings, and How It’s Celebrated in Japan

The Japanese New Year, known as Oshōgatsu (お正月), is the most significant cultural and family celebration in Japan. Unlike the single-night festivities common in many countries, Japan treats the New Year as a season of renewal, reflection, gratitude, and spiritual preparation.

From January 1 to January 3, families return to their hometowns, homes are purified, symbolic foods are shared, and centuries-old customs are observed with quiet reverence. For the Japanese, Oshōgatsu is not merely a holiday—it is a cultural and spiritual reset, marking a fresh beginning for the entire nation.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

What Japanese New Year is called and what it represents

Why Oshōgatsu holds deep cultural importance

How Japanese people prepare for and celebrate New Year

Traditional New Year foods and their meanings

Common greetings and phrases used during the season

Travel insights and what remains open during the holidays

Let’s explore the traditions that make the Japanese New Year one of the most meaningful celebrations in the world.

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What Is Japanese New Year Called?

Japanese New Year is called お正月 (Oshōgatsu)—a term rich in linguistic and cultural meaning.

お (o): An honorific prefix expressing respect

正月 (shōgatsu): Meaning “first month” or “New Year”

Together, Oshōgatsu can be understood as “the honorable beginning of the year.” It reflects how deeply respected and spiritually important this period is in Japanese life.

Oshōgatsu does not refer only to January 1. It represents the entire New Year season, typically lasting from January 1 to January 3, and in some traditions until January 7. During this time, businesses close, families reunite, and people focus on renewal, gratitude, and welcoming good fortune.

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Why Is Oshōgatsu So Important in Japan?

Oshōgatsu sits at the heart of Japan’s cultural calendar. It symbolizes far more than a change of date—it marks a fresh start for life, relationships, and intentions.

For Japanese families, Oshōgatsu represents:

A symbolic reset of goals and mindset

Reflection on the past year with humility and gratitude

Appreciation for family, ancestors, and nature

Inviting health, harmony, and prosperity into the new year

According to traditional belief, a deity called Toshigami-sama visits homes during Oshōgatsu to bring blessings for well-being and abundance. Many New Year customs—cleaning homes, decorating entrances, and preparing symbolic foods—are performed to welcome this deity respectfully.

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How Do Japanese People Prepare for New Year?

Preparation for the Japanese New Year begins well before January 1st. It is a thoughtful and symbolic process that focuses on cleansing the past and welcoming positive energy for the future.

1. Ōsōji (大掃除) — Year-End Cleaning

Before the New Year arrives, families take part in ōsōji, a thorough, top-to-bottom cleaning of their homes, workplaces, and even public spaces.

This is more than just tidying up. It represents the act of:

• Letting go of bad luck and negative experiences
• Clearing emotional and mental clutter
• Creating a fresh, peaceful environment for the new year

By cleaning their homes, people symbolically clean their lives  preparing to welcome Toshigami-sama, the New Year deity, into a space filled with purity, order, and respect.

2. New Year Decorations

Once the home is cleaned, it is adorned with traditional decorations, each chosen for its spiritual meaning and good wishes.

• Kadomatsu — Pine and bamboo arrangements placed at entrances to invite Toshigami-sama and represent strength, resilience, and longevity.
• Shimenawa — Sacred straw ropes hung on doors and gates to purify the space and protect the home from negative influences.
• Kagami Mochi — Two stacked rice cakes topped with an orange, symbolizing harmony, continuity, and the blessing of abundance.

Together, these decorations transform the home into a welcoming space for blessings, peace, and prosperity  turning preparation into a beautiful ritual of hope and renewal.

What Is the Japanese New Year Feast Called?

The traditional Japanese New Year feast is called Osechi Ryōri (おせち料理) a beautifully prepared collection of symbolic dishes enjoyed during the Oshōgatsu season.

Osechi is served in elegant, stacked lacquer boxes known as jubako, with each layer holding foods that represent specific hopes and blessings for the coming year. The colors, shapes, and ingredients are carefully chosen, making the meal both visually stunning and deeply meaningful.

Here are some of the most common Osechi dishes and what they symbolize:

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Another essential New Year dish is Zōni, a comforting soup made with mochi rice cakes, seasonal vegetables, and broth. Its flavor and ingredients vary by region, making it a unique expression of local tradition.

All of these foods are prepared before New Year begins so families can spend the holiday resting, reflecting, and enjoying time together  without the need to cook. In this way, Osechi Ryōri becomes not just a meal, but a celebration of hope, harmony, and renewal served on a plate.

What Are Japanese New Year Traditions?

Japanese New Year is filled with meaningful customs that connect people to spirituality, family, and the rhythm of the seasons. Each tradition carries symbolic value and helps mark the beginning of the year with intention and gratitude.

1. Hatsumōde (初詣) — The First Shrine Visit

Shortly after midnight on January 1st, people visit Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples in a tradition known as Hatsumōde. It is the first prayer visit of the year and one of the most important New Year rituals in Japan.

During Hatsumōde, people:

• Offer coins as a sign of respect
• Ring bells to call the attention of the deities
• Bow and clap their hands in prayer
• Write wishes on wooden plaques called ema

Through these acts, people ask for health, success, happiness, and protection in the year ahead.

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2. Nengajō (年賀状) — New Year Greeting Cards

Another beloved tradition is sending Nengajō, New Year greeting postcards sent to friends, relatives, teachers, and colleagues. These cards are carefully timed so that they arrive exactly on January 1st.

They serve as a thoughtful way to:

• Express gratitude for the past year
• Maintain social and professional relationships
• Share good wishes for the coming year

Nengajō reflects the Japanese value of maintaining harmony and appreciation within relationships.

3. Otoshidama (お年玉) — New Year Gift Money

Children eagerly look forward to Otoshidama, the tradition of receiving money in beautifully decorated envelopes from parents, grandparents, and relatives.

Much like red envelopes in Chinese culture, Otoshidama symbolizes:

• Sharing blessings with the younger generation
• Wishing children growth, happiness, and prosperity
• Strengthening family bonds through generosity

Together, these traditions transform the Japanese New Year into a season of reflection, gratitude, hope, and connection  where spiritual practices and family warmth come together to welcome a fresh beginning.

How Do You Say “New Year” and “Happy New Year” in Japanese?

Learning how to say “New Year” and “Happy New Year” in Japanese adds a beautiful cultural touch to your understanding of Oshōgatsu and allows you to greet others in a respectful and meaningful way.

“New Year” in Japanese

• New Year = 正月 (Shōgatsu)
• Japanese New Year = 日本のお正月 (Nihon no Oshōgatsu)

These terms are used when talking about the season, traditions, or the holiday itself.

To understand Japanese New Year greetings properly, beginners should start by learning the Japanese alphabet, including Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.

“Happy New Year” in Japanese

• あけましておめでとうございます (Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu) — Formal and polite (used in professional or respectful settings)
• あけましておめでとう (Akemashite omedetō) — Casual and friendly (used with close friends and family)

A key cultural detail is that this greeting is only used after the New Year has begun — from January 1 onward. It is not said before midnight on December 31, as doing so would be considered premature.

Using these phrases correctly shows not only language knowledge, but also cultural awareness and respect  an important part of communication in Japan.

When Is Japanese New Year Celebrated?

Japanese New Year is celebrated on:

• January 1 – Main celebration day
• January 1–3 – Public holidays
• Some traditions continue until January 7

Japan follows the Gregorian calendar, so unlike the Chinese New Year, Japanese New Year always starts on January 1.

What Is Open in Japan During New Year?

During the New Year holiday, much of Japan slows down as people focus on family and tradition.

• Government offices, banks, and many businesses are closed from January 1 to January 3.
• Convenience stores, some restaurants, and major transport services usually remain open.
• Shrines, temples, and popular tourist attractions become extremely crowded with visitors.
• Trains and flights are often fully booked as millions travel to their hometowns.

If you plan to visit Japan during this time, it’s wise to book transportation early and expect limited services  but also a uniquely festive and culturally rich atmosphere.

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Why Is Japanese New Year Important Culturally?

Japanese New Year beautifully reflects the deeper values that shape Japanese society and everyday life.

It highlights:

• Respect for tradition and ancestral wisdom
• The importance of family unity and togetherness
• Gratitude and humility for the year that has passed
• Harmony with nature, time, and spiritual forces
• Personal renewal and self-improvement for the future

Unlike loud, party-driven celebrations seen elsewhere, the Japanese New Year is calm, reflective, and intentional. It invites people to slow down, reconnect with what truly matters, and begin the year with clarity, balance, and a sense of purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Japanese New Year called?

Japanese New Year is called Oshōgatsu (お正月), which refers to the New Year season celebrated from January 1 to early January in Japan.

Q2. What is お正月 (Oshōgatsu) and why is it important?

Oshōgatsu is the most important cultural holiday in Japan. It symbolizes renewal, reflection, gratitude, and the welcoming of good fortune for the year ahead. Families gather, homes are purified, and people reconnect with tradition and spirituality.

Q3. How do you say “New Year” in Japanese?

“New Year” in Japanese is 正月 (Shōgatsu). When referring specifically to the Japanese New Year celebration, people often say 日本のお正月 (Nihon no Oshōgatsu).

Q4. How do you say “Happy New Year” in Japanese?

The formal greeting is あけましておめでとうございます (Akemashite omedetō gozaimasu). A casual version used among friends and family is あけましておめでとう (Akemashite omedetō).

Traditional New Year schedules and rituals are easier to follow once you know how to tell the time in Japanese.

Q5. What is the Japanese New Year feast called?

The traditional New Year feast is called Osechi Ryōri (おせち料理). It includes symbolic foods served in stacked boxes, each representing wishes like health, prosperity, and longevity.

Q6. What food is eaten during Japanese New Year?

Common foods include Osechi dishes such as kuromame (black beans), kazunoko (herring roe), datemaki (sweet omelet), shrimp, kurikinton (chestnut mash), and Zōni, a soup with mochi rice cakes.

Q7. What is Hatsumōde?

Hatsumōde (初詣) is the first visit to a shrine or temple in the new year, where people pray for health, success, happiness, and protection.

Q8. Is Japanese New Year similar to Chinese New Year?

No. Japanese New Year is celebrated on January 1 following the Gregorian calendar, while Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar and changes each year.

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Q9. Do Japanese people celebrate New Year with fireworks or parties?

Generally no. The Japanese New Year is calm and family-oriented, focusing on reflection, prayer, and tradition rather than loud celebrations.

Q10. How long does Japanese New Year last?

The main holiday period is January 1–3, but some traditions continue until January 7.

Q11. What is Toshigami-sama?

Toshigami-sama is the traditional New Year deity believed to visit homes during Oshōgatsu to bring blessings for health, harvests, and prosperity.

Q12. What is Otoshidama?

Otoshidama is the tradition of giving money to children in decorative envelopes as a New Year blessing for growth and happiness.

Q13. What is Nengajō?

Nengajō are New Year greeting postcards sent to friends, family, and colleagues to express gratitude and good wishes for the year ahead.

Q14. Can tourists enjoy Japanese New Year?

Yes, but they should plan carefully, as many businesses close and transport becomes busy. Shrines and temples are lively and culturally rich during this time.

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Q15. Why is Japanese New Year culturally unique?

Because it combines spirituality, family values, tradition, and personal reflection — making it more meaningful and inward-focused than many Western New Year celebrations.

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Conclusion

The Japanese New Year (Oshōgatsu) is more than a date  it is a cultural reset, a spiritual renewal, and a family-centered celebration that reflects the heart of Japanese society.

Through traditions like shrine visits, symbolic foods, greetings, and rituals, Japanese people welcome the new year with respect, hope, and gratitude. Whether you are a student, traveler, or language learner, understanding Oshōgatsu offers a meaningful insight into Japan’s values and way of life.

It reminds us that a new year is not just about time changing  it is about mindset, renewal, and harmony with the world around us.