It’s worth getting up early on New Year’s Day, as Hotel Universal Port Vita and its sister property, Hotel Universal Port, are hosting two cultural events back-to-back to kick off the 2026 New Year on an auspicious note.
A traditional Japanese lion dance, known as shishimai, will be roaming the hotel from 8.30am to 8.50am. This energetic performance is a customary practice to ward off evil spirits while ushering in good fortune for the new year.
This is followed by daikagura, a performance that originated in Ise over four centuries ago. It combines the lion dance with acrobatics such as umbrella spinning. Pay attention to the props used, as each carries different symbolism: prosperity, good fortune, and more.
The same showcase will also be held at the adjacent Hotel Universal Port: the lion dance procession from 9.30am to 9.50am, and daikagura in the lobby from 10am to 10.30am. All performances are free to watch.
AloJapan.com