{"id":9117,"date":"2025-11-10T12:15:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T15:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/?p=9117"},"modified":"2026-10-18T13:19:28","modified_gmt":"2026-10-18T16:19:28","slug":"new-year-in-japan-celebrating-oshogatsu-in-tokyo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/new-year-in-japan-celebrating-oshogatsu-in-tokyo\/","title":{"rendered":"New Year in Japan: Celebrating Oshogatsu in Tokyo"},"content":{"rendered":"<html><body><p class=\"summarization\"><strong>New Year in Japan, or Oshogatsu, brings together family gatherings, religious observances and symbols of renewal. Traditions include the Buddhist bells of joya no kane, the first shrine or temple visit known as hatsumode, osechi and ozoni dishes, and decorations such as kadomatsu. Customs vary between households and regions.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>New Year in Japan<\/strong> offers a chance to discover seasonal food, family traditions and places of worship. Planning an Oshogatsu visit to Tokyo? This guide explains the customs and practicalities, with time to enjoy them respectfully rather than rushing between attractions.<\/p>\n<p><em>Illustrations in this article are conceptual images, not documentary photographs or evidence of a particular historical event, destination, venue or access route.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2>What is Oshogatsu, and why does it matter?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kagami-mochi-with-two-stacked-rice-cakes-and-a-citrus-fruit-9117-1.webp\" alt=\"Kagami mochi with two stacked rice cakes and a citrus fruit\" title=\"Kagami mochi with two stacked rice cakes and a citrus fruit\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Oshogatsu<\/strong> is the Japanese New Year, centred on the opening days of January. For many families, it is a time to reconnect, prepare for a fresh start and observe traditions handed down through generations.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Main Oshogatsu traditions<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Joya no kane:<\/strong> Buddhist temple bells ring 108 times around New Year\u2019s Eve, a number associated with worldly desires in Buddhist tradition. The ringing symbolises letting go of these attachments.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Hatsumode:<\/strong> the first visit of the year to a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple, often to offer prayers for the year ahead.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Osechi-ryori:<\/strong> an assortment of festive dishes, often presented in tiered lacquered boxes, with foods symbolising hopes such as prosperity or a long life.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Otoshidama:<\/strong> gifts of money given to children in small envelopes at New Year.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kadomatsu and shimenawa:<\/strong> decorations and sacred ropes associated with welcoming New Year deities and marking sacred or purified spaces. Their meaning is religious and symbolic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cultural meaning<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Oshogatsu combines religious observances with family customs and preparations such as <strong>osoji<\/strong>, the year-end deep clean. Clearing and caring for the home can become part of marking a new beginning.<\/p>\n<p>In Tokyo, celebrations range from quiet family meals to busy visits to major places of worship. Some locations have seasonal stalls and events, but these are not universal. There is no single way that every Japanese household celebrates.<\/p>\n<p>Visitors can take part where welcomed by learning the local etiquette and respecting worshippers. One important distinction: clapping is part of the usual prayer sequence at many Shinto shrines, but not at Buddhist temples. Observe the instructions at each site rather than applying one ritual everywhere.<\/p>\n<h2>Preparing at home: decorations and customs<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/japanese-new-year-decoration-in-a-quiet-home-setting-9117-2.webp\" alt=\"Japanese New Year decoration in a quiet home setting\" title=\"Japanese New Year decoration in a quiet home setting\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Traditional preparations<\/strong> can include cleaning, seasonal decorations and household observances. If you are a guest, ask your host which customs they follow; watching respectfully is as welcome as joining in when invited.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cleaning and organising: osoji<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Before Oshogatsu, many households undertake <strong>osoji<\/strong>. This thorough clean is a practical way to finish the year and prepare the home for the next. Tasks might include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sweeping and cleaning rooms, including neglected corners.<\/li>\n<li>Sorting documents and disposing of unnecessary papers securely.<\/li>\n<li>Washing bedding and organising cupboards and wardrobes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Familiar New Year decorations<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Several decorations appear at entrances or inside homes. Their arrangements and the dates they are displayed can differ locally.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Kadomatsu<\/strong> \u2014 arrangements of pine and bamboo, sometimes with plum, traditionally set near the entrance to welcome the New Year deity, Toshigami.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shimenawa<\/strong> \u2014 a sacred straw rope marking a sacred or purified space. Related New Year decorations called shimekazari often hang above an entrance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kagami mochi<\/strong> \u2014 two round rice cakes stacked with the smaller on top, traditionally topped with a daidai bitter orange. Some modern displays use a mandarin or a decorative replica.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Displaying and looking after decorations<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Treat household decorations with care and follow your host\u2019s practice. Useful points include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Display <strong>kadomatsu<\/strong> as a pair beside the entrance where appropriate, without blocking the doorway or escape route.<\/li>\n<li>Keep <strong>kagami mochi<\/strong> in a clean, stable place away from young children and pets. A decorative display is not necessarily suitable for eating later.<\/li>\n<li>Removal dates vary by region. Ask locally about collection or ceremonial disposal and accepted materials; do not burn decorations yourself.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Simple household observances<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Some families follow religious customs, while others concentrate on food and time together. Join only when invited, and adapt any personal celebration to your own beliefs:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Some households serve <strong>otoso<\/strong>, a spiced sake traditionally associated with wishes for health. Alcohol is optional and for adults only; a non-alcoholic drink is perfectly suitable for a personal toast.<\/li>\n<li>A family may place a small portion of <strong>osechi<\/strong> as an offering at a household altar. Let the host lead this practice rather than creating or rearranging an offering yourself.<\/li>\n<li>Take a quiet moment for reflection or prayer, if this feels appropriate to the occasion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Practical advice for guests<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>When staying with Japanese friends or visiting a household, ask before touching decorations or religious objects. Small courtesies help:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Greet your hosts and follow their guidance about shoes and where to sit or walk.<\/li>\n<li>Ask permission before taking photographs, particularly near household altars or private rooms.<\/li>\n<li>Offer to help with tidying or cooking, while leaving your host free to decline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Hatsumode: a first shrine or temple visit in Tokyo<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/illustration-of-a-japanese-shrine-entrance-in-winter-9117-3.webp\" alt=\"Illustration of a Japanese shrine entrance in winter\" title=\"Illustration of a Japanese shrine entrance in winter\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Hatsumode<\/strong> means the first shrine or temple visit of the year. Visitors may make an offering and pray, but the form of worship differs between Shinto and Buddhism and between individual sites.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Getting there and choosing a time<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tokyo\u2019s <strong>Meiji Jingu<\/strong> is a Shinto shrine; <strong>Senso-ji<\/strong> and <strong>Zojo-ji<\/strong> are Buddhist temples. All can draw large New Year crowds. Check the official opening arrangements and transport timetable for your dates. A very early arrival does not guarantee a short queue, and overnight train services should never be assumed.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Purification at the water basin: temizu<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If a purification basin is open, follow its current instructions. Some use running water rather than ladles. Where the traditional ladle procedure is offered, it commonly works as follows: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.meijijingu.or.jp\/en\/feelshinto\/2.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source: Meiji Jingu: purification and prayer<\/a><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Hold the ladle in your right hand:<\/strong> pour a little water over your left hand.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Move the ladle to your left hand:<\/strong> rinse your right hand.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pour a little water into your left palm:<\/strong> if the site\u2019s instructions include rinsing the mouth, use the water in your palm, never put your mouth to the ladle, and discreetly release the water outside the basin. Do not drink it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rinse your left hand again:<\/strong> finish by letting the remaining water run over the handle, where instructed, before replacing the ladle.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Offerings and prayer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The following is a common Shinto shrine sequence, not a rule for Buddhist temples. Follow the shrine\u2019s own guidance. At Senso-ji, the temple explains that worshippers place their hands together in Buddhist prayer; they do not use the shrine clapping sequence. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.senso-ji.jp\/english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source: Senso-ji: Buddhist worship and visiting<\/a><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Make an offering, if you wish:<\/strong> place a coin gently in the offering box. The \u00a55 coin has an auspicious association through a Japanese wordplay, but there is no required amount for a visitor.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bow twice:<\/strong> make two respectful bows.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Clap twice:<\/strong> follow the normal shrine practice without making a performance of it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pray quietly:<\/strong> take a moment to express thanks or hopes for the coming year.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bow once more:<\/strong> finish with a final respectful bow.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Omikuji, ema and omamori<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Depending on the site, you may also encounter:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Omikuji:<\/strong> paper fortunes or messages. Some visitors keep them; others tie them to a designated rack. Follow the site\u2019s instructions and do not tie paper to trees or fixtures without permission.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ema:<\/strong> small wooden plaques on which people write wishes, then hang them in the designated place. Remember that anything written on a displayed plaque may be read by others.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Omamori:<\/strong> religious amulets associated with wishes for health, study or safe travel. Obtain them from the site\u2019s official counter; they are expressions of faith, not a guarantee of protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Etiquette and behaviour<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Leave room for worshippers and keep the atmosphere calm:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Speak quietly, keep routes clear and avoid photographing people at prayer without permission.<\/li>\n<li>Check whether photographs are allowed around halls, altars and ceremonies.<\/li>\n<li>Carry some cash for optional offerings and purchases. Check ATM access and holiday opening arrangements beforehand.<\/li>\n<li>Take care on steps and around raised thresholds, particularly in formal clothing or unfamiliar footwear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Making the visit more comfortable<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A little flexibility helps during the holiday:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Consider a later date if your plans allow. The first three days of January can all be very busy, so 2 or 3 January is not automatically a quieter choice.<\/li>\n<li>Dress for the weather and bring warm layers, gloves and suitable rain protection for outdoor queues.<\/li>\n<li>Follow stewards\u2019 directions, signs and designated entrances and exits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>New Year food: osechi, ozoni and where to try them<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/clear-broth-ozoni-with-chicken-vegetables-and-small-mochi-pieces-9117-4.webp\" alt=\"Clear broth ozoni with chicken vegetables and small mochi pieces\" title=\"Clear broth ozoni with chicken vegetables and small mochi pieces\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Osechi<\/strong> is a selection of symbolic New Year dishes; <strong>ozoni<\/strong> is a soup containing mochi rice cakes. Both have regional and family variations, and neither has a single universal recipe.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Familiar osechi dishes and their symbolism<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Kuromame, sweet black soybeans:<\/strong> associated with health and diligence.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kazunoko, herring roe:<\/strong> symbolising hopes for descendants and family continuity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tazukuri, small dried fish:<\/strong> associated with hopes for a good harvest.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Datemaki, a sweet rolled egg and fish dish:<\/strong> associated with learning and scholarship.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kurikinton, chestnuts in sweet potato mash:<\/strong> its golden colour suggests wealth and prosperity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kamaboko, steamed fish cake:<\/strong> often served in festive red-and-white slices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Finding osechi in Tokyo<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tokyo\u2019s <strong>depachika<\/strong>, department-store food halls, are useful places to investigate seasonal osechi orders. Some hotels and restaurants also offer New Year menus or takeaway boxes. Check availability, ordering deadlines and collection dates rather than expecting to find a complete selection on the day. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/en\/blog\/new-year-celebrations-in-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source: Japan National Tourism Organization: New Year celebrations<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Department stores such as Isetan, Takashimaya and Mitsukoshi are possible starting points; confirm the specific branch\u2019s current offer.<\/li>\n<li>If considering a hotel in Ginza or Marunouchi, check whether it actually offers the meal, takeaway box or delivery service you need.<\/li>\n<li>Festival stalls often sell snacks, but they are not a reliable source of complete osechi meals. For a smaller tasting, ask a food hall or restaurant about individual dishes or portions.<\/li>\n<li>Look into advance orders before travelling. Deadlines and quantities vary by seller, and some products sell out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Ozoni: ingredients and regional differences<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ozoni<\/strong> varies widely. A clear, soy-seasoned broth is common in the Kanto region around Tokyo, while white-miso versions are associated with Kyoto and parts of Kansai. The following is a simple clear-broth example, not a recipe representing every household. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maff.go.jp\/e\/policies\/intel\/gi_act\/register\/s124.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source: MAFF: white miso and regional ozoni<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>800 ml dashi<\/strong> \u2014 check the ingredients: many versions contain fish. A verified fish-free kombu stock can be used for a vegetarian adaptation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>4 plain savoury mochi rice cakes<\/strong> \u2014 use a product intended for cooking and follow its packet instructions, not filled dessert mochi.<\/li>\n<li><strong>150 g boneless chicken thigh<\/strong> \u2014 cut into bite-sized pieces. A vegetarian adaptation can use shiitake mushrooms and konnyaku prepared according to their instructions, alongside fish-free stock.<\/li>\n<li><strong>50 g daikon radish<\/strong> \u2014 thinly sliced.<\/li>\n<li><strong>30 g carrot<\/strong> \u2014 thinly sliced or cut into decorative shapes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>1 tablespoon soy sauce<\/strong> \u2014 for a gluten-free version, use a product labelled gluten-free; tamari is not automatically gluten-free.<\/li>\n<li><strong>1 teaspoon mirin<\/strong> \u2014 optional, for a little sweetness.<\/li>\n<li><strong>2 sprigs mitsuba or spring onion<\/strong> \u2014 to finish.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Making the clear-broth ozoni<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Heat the stock:<\/strong> bring the 800 ml dashi to a gentle simmer in a saucepan.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cook the chicken and vegetables:<\/strong> add the chicken, daikon and carrot. Allow roughly 8\u201310 minutes initially, then check rather than relying on time alone. The vegetables should be tender and the chicken thoroughly cooked: UK guidance gives a core temperature of 70\u00b0C for 2 minutes, or 75\u00b0C for 30 seconds, as suitable combinations. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/cooking-your-food\/cooking-your-food\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source: UK food safety guidance: cooking temperatures<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Season:<\/strong> add the tablespoon of soy sauce and the optional teaspoon of mirin. Taste the broth once the chicken is safely cooked and adjust with a little salt only if needed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prepare the mochi:<\/strong> grill or boil it according to the packet. Mochi becomes sticky and can cause choking. Japan\u2019s Consumer Affairs Agency advises cutting it into small, manageable pieces and chewing slowly and thoroughly; do not swallow a large piece or try to wash it down whole with a drink. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.caa.go.jp\/policies\/policy\/consumer_safety\/caution\/caution_046\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source: Japan Consumer Affairs Agency: mochi choking precautions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Assemble the bowls:<\/strong> divide the prepared mochi between the bowls in small pieces, then add the hot broth, chicken and vegetables. Portion sizes depend on the size of the rice cakes. Mochi may be unsuitable for someone with chewing or swallowing difficulties; do not serve it to a vulnerable diner without appropriate advice.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Finish:<\/strong> add the mitsuba or sliced spring onion and serve at a comfortable eating temperature. Take particular care when children or older people are eating; supervision does not remove the choking risk.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Practical food tips in Tokyo<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>For a small introduction to osechi, ask about individual dishes at a food hall or a restaurant with a confirmed seasonal menu, rather than relying on temple stalls.<\/li>\n<li>Book ahead where required and check collection times and holiday closures.<\/li>\n<li>Ask about vegetarian requirements and allergies before ordering. Fish stock, seafood, egg, soy and wheat are common ingredients, and substitutions cannot be assumed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Places and seasonal events in Tokyo<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/illustrated-shrine-approach-with-seasonal-greenery-9117-5.webp\" alt=\"Illustrated shrine approach with seasonal greenery\" title=\"Illustrated shrine approach with seasonal greenery\"><\/p>\n<p>A Tokyo New Year itinerary can combine a place of worship with seasonal food and neighbourhood exploring. Treat event programmes and opening hours as date-specific: not every temple has a market, and many businesses close for part of the holiday.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Temples and shrines to consider<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Meiji Jingu:<\/strong> a major Shinto shrine in wooded grounds, with very large hatsumode crowds.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Senso-ji, Asakusa:<\/strong> a Buddhist temple approached via Nakamise shopping street. Check individual shop hours and respect the temple\u2019s prayer practice.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Zojo-ji:<\/strong> a Buddhist temple near Tokyo Tower, offering a striking combination of religious architecture and the city skyline.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nezu Shrine and neighbourhood shrines:<\/strong> alternatives to include if they fit your route. Smaller grounds do not necessarily mean small crowds during the holiday.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Food halls and seasonal stalls<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Department-store food halls may offer <strong>osechi<\/strong> and other New Year products, often through advance orders. Some temple or shrine areas also have temporary stalls; confirm what is operating before building your day around them.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Isetan, Takashimaya and Mitsukoshi food halls:<\/strong> check branch-specific seasonal menus, order arrangements and collection dates.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nakamise and temple-area stalls:<\/strong> possible places for snacks and souvenirs, rather than a guaranteed source of osechi boxes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Neighbourhood events:<\/strong> look for locally advertised fairs. Obtain religious items such as ema or omamori from the appropriate official counter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Seasonal events and shopping<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Buddhist temples may mark <strong>joya no kane<\/strong> with bell ringing. Some locations hold cultural performances, while shops may sell fukubukuro, or lucky bags. Winter illuminations and events each have their own dates and access arrangements.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Joya no kane:<\/strong> check the temple\u2019s programme. Visitors are not automatically allowed to ring the bell; participation may require a ticket or advance arrangement.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cultural performances:<\/strong> attend only those listed in the venue\u2019s current programme, and follow viewing and photography rules.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fukubukuro and sales:<\/strong> check the retailer\u2019s dates, ordering system and any disclosed contents. A lucky bag is a purchase, not a promise of value or luck.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Planning without unnecessary stress<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Choose your timing:<\/strong> consult current crowd guidance and allow plenty of time. Neither dawn nor late afternoon guarantees an empty site.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Plan your transport:<\/strong> check holiday timetables, interchange routes and your last practical return service.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Carry some cash:<\/strong> smaller stalls may not take cards. Check nearby ATM access before relying on it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Respect the setting:<\/strong> keep prayer areas quiet, follow queues and ask before photographing worshippers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Consider another neighbourhood:<\/strong> a smaller site may suit your interests and route, but avoid assuming it will be quiet or more authentic than a major one.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Combining visits<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Choose one area rather than crossing Tokyo repeatedly. You might visit a shrine or temple, explore nearby open shops and finish with a pre-booked meal. Check every stop first: a food hall or restaurant may be closed on 1 January, so this is a planning outline rather than a guaranteed New Year\u2019s Day route.<\/p>\n<h2>Travel practicalities: etiquette, transport and budget<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/travel-notebook-and-suitcase-for-planning-a-new-year-visit-9117-6.webp\" alt=\"Travel notebook and suitcase for planning a New Year visit\" title=\"Travel notebook and suitcase for planning a New Year visit\"><\/p>\n<p><strong>Basic etiquette<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Show <strong>respect<\/strong> at both shrines and temples: speak quietly, leave space for others and do not touch sacred objects without permission. Follow local signs and staff instructions.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use the purification facility only where available and follow its current procedure.<\/li>\n<li>An offering is optional; there is no need to find a particular coin before visiting.<\/li>\n<li>Check photography rules and ask before taking pictures of people at prayer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Transport and opening hours<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Plan journeys around the actual holiday timetable. New Year crowd patterns differ from ordinary working days, especially around major worship sites.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An IC card such as Suica or PASMO can make travel easier; check current purchase options, device compatibility and where it is accepted.<\/li>\n<li>Allow time for queues and station crowd controls rather than relying on normal weekday rush-hour patterns.<\/li>\n<li>Confirm the last train and a realistic alternative route. Do not assume that all lines run overnight or that taxis will be readily available.<\/li>\n<li>Station lockers can be useful, but space is limited. Avoid bringing large luggage into crowded worship areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Money and budgeting<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Carry some <strong>cash<\/strong> alongside your usual payment method. Small stalls may be cash-only, and overseas cards are not accepted everywhere.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Check a convenient ATM\u2019s holiday access and whether it accepts your card; availability at a 7-Eleven or Japan Post location should not be assumed without checking.<\/li>\n<li>As an illustrative planning allowance, \u00a52,000\u2013\u00a55,000 might cover some local transport and snacks, depending on your choices. This is not a current price quotation or a complete daily budget: accommodation, main meals, flights and special events are additional.<\/li>\n<li>Price osechi boxes and restaurant meals separately, particularly if you want a premium seasonal menu.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Useful preparations<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Book accommodation and any important meals ahead, and confirm holiday closures before travelling.<\/li>\n<li>Wear warm layers and footwear suitable for winter walking. Follow instructions about removing shoes indoors, but prioritise secure, comfortable shoes outdoors.<\/li>\n<li>Save maps, transport information and useful phrases for offline use.<\/li>\n<li>Keep documents and money secure, with an appropriate phone charger and plug adaptor for your equipment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Health and personal safety<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A few practical preparations can make the holiday easier:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Follow local advice on crowds, access routes and hygiene.<\/li>\n<li>Clean your hands regularly and consider a face covering where appropriate to your circumstances and local guidance.<\/li>\n<li>Arrange suitable travel insurance and keep secure copies of essential documents separate from the originals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Bringing the experience together<\/h2>\n<p>Oshogatsu offers a thoughtful introduction to Japanese New Year traditions through food, family customs and places of worship. Allowing time, checking practical details and respecting differences between sites will help you enjoy the visit with consideration for others.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for reading. Follow our social channels for more ideas about seasonal celebrations and traditions around the world.<\/p>\n<p>Explore the <a href=\"https:\/\/euamoonatal.com\/en\/\">I Love Christmas blog<\/a> for recipes, travel ideas and ways to celebrate the festive season.<\/p>\n<h2>FAQ: New Year in Japan and Oshogatsu in Tokyo<\/h2>\n<h3>When is Oshogatsu celebrated?<\/h3>\n<p>The main celebrations centre on 1 January and the first three days of the year. Preparations begin in December, while particular customs and shrine or temple observances may continue later in January.<\/p>\n<h3>How can I avoid long hatsumode queues?<\/h3>\n<p>Check the site\u2019s current advice and consider a later date or a different location. The first three days of January can all be busy, including early mornings. Leave time for queues and use the actual holiday transport timetable.<\/p>\n<h3>What is osechi, and where can I buy it in Tokyo?<\/h3>\n<p>Osechi is a selection of symbolic New Year dishes, often served in tiered boxes. Investigate department-store food halls, hotels or restaurants with a confirmed seasonal offer, checking advance orders and collection dates. Temple stalls are not a reliable source of a complete osechi meal.<\/p>\n<h3>Can ozoni or osechi be vegetarian or fish-free?<\/h3>\n<p>They can be adapted, but do not assume a dish is fish-free because it contains vegetables. Ask about dashi, seafood and other ingredients beforehand. At home, verified fish-free kombu stock and suitable vegetables can form an alternative; check all seasoning labels too.<\/p>\n<h3>What etiquette and safety points matter most?<\/h3>\n<p>Follow each site\u2019s prayer and photography rules: the usual Shinto clapping sequence does not apply at Buddhist temples. Dress for outdoor queues, keep belongings secure and check transport and ATM access. When trying mochi, remember its choking risk and eat only suitable small pieces, slowly and carefully.<\/p>\n<h2>Sources and Further Reading<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.meijijingu.or.jp\/en\/feelshinto\/2.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Meiji Jingu: purification and prayer<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.senso-ji.jp\/english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Senso-ji: Buddhist worship and visiting<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/en\/blog\/new-year-celebrations-in-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Japan National Tourism Organization: New Year celebrations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.maff.go.jp\/e\/policies\/intel\/gi_act\/register\/s124.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MAFF: white miso and regional ozoni<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.caa.go.jp\/policies\/policy\/consumer_safety\/caution\/caution_046\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Japan Consumer Affairs Agency: mochi choking precautions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/cooking-your-food\/cooking-your-food\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UK food safety guidance: cooking temperatures<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/body><\/html>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore Oshogatsu in Tokyo, from hatsumode and New Year food to decorations, temple etiquette and practical travel 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