What to KnowOshogatsu Festival and Oshogatsu Family FestivalJan. 1, 2026Little TokyoOshogatsu Festival, presented by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Southern California, will take place at Weller Court (10:50 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.) and Japanese Village Plaza (12:30 to 4:30 p.m.)The Japanese American National Museum’s Oshogatsu Family Festival is happening from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Noguchi PlazaFree entryA variety of festive happenings, including a mochisutki (Japanese rice pounding ritual) and Taiko drum performances will happen around Little Tokyo on New Year’s Day
We’re galloping into 2026 at an impressive speed, but there is time to pause and celebrate the new year, and all of its auspicious promises, in Little Tokyo.
The neighborhood has long been a celebratory spot on the first day of the year courtesy of the Oshogatsu Festival, which is presented by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Southern California, and the Japanese American National Museum’s Oshogatsu Family Festival.
Both uplifting parties return to the historic area each year on the first day of January.
And come 2026, the festivities will again visit both Weller Court and Japanese Village Plaza, as well as Noguchi Court; all of the locations are found within Little Tokyo and are walking distance from the Little Tokyo/Arts District Metro station.
Ponies will be in focus, or at least the powerful and awesome energy of the horse, as we look ahead to the coming Lunar New Year and what gifts the future might bring.
A traditional rice-pounding demonstration is one flavorful favorite at the family festival, while the stirring opener of the Oshogatsu Festival is a Taiko drum performance.
A lion dance, a sake booth, and a host of sweet and savory foods for sale, including karaage and takoyaki, are also part of the Oshogatsu Festival.
At the family fest, in Noguchi Plaza, a candy sculpture demonstration, sweet souvenir snapshots, and opportunities to create horse-inspired crafts are on the schedule.
No reservation is needed for the effervescent events. Do check the schedule and details for both happenings before making for Little Tokyo on New Year’s Day.
AloJapan.com