Happy New Year from everyone here at JNTO!
2020 is going to be an incredible year for Japan, and we’re excited to share it with everyone! Do you have plans to visit the Land of the Rising Sun this year? If so, we want to hear them! Here are some essential ways to celebrate New Year’s Day in Japan!
1) Hatsumode: join locals for the “first shrine visit of the year.” You will see people getting in line at shrines before midnight to pay their respects to the gods. If you are lucky, the shrine might even serve some warm amazake (an non alcoholic rice drink) or sake!
2) Omikuji: find out your fortune for the next year! These little paper fortunes (like the one in the picture) are usually in Japanese, but Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Chiba Prefecture, Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto, and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura are known for providing English versions.
3) Osechi: this Japanese cuisine contains assorted traditional dishes, and is served in a box similar to bento. Each ingredient holds a particular meaning and symbolizes good fortune for the year ahead!
4) See the sunrise: active types might want to hike up to one of Japan’s many mountain shrines to see the first sunrise of the year. Just be sure to bundle up to keep warm! Watching Mt. Fuji appear in the sunrise is another popular option.
Incredible photo courtesy of @ko_ion9117. Follow @visitjapanjp for your daily dose of Japan travel inspiration. Tag your own photos of Japan with #visitjapanjp to give us permission to repost!
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