New Year in Japan 2026–27
New Year (shogatsu) is Japan's biggest holiday. Here is what happens from the year-end markets to the first shrine visit — and where to see it.
How New Year works in Japan
- Mid-to-late December:year-end markets such as Sensoji's battledore fair, and New Year decorations (kadomatsu, shimekazari) go up.
- December 31 (Omisoka): toshikoshi soba for dinner, then temple bells rung around midnight (Joya no Kane).
- January 1–3: hatsumode — the first shrine or temple visit — at its busiest; fukubukuro lucky-bag sales start at department stores.
- Around December 29 – January 3: offices and banks close, and some museums and small restaurants take a break. Shrines, temples, big stores and most sights stay open.
Where to go
- Thu, Dec 17 – Sat, Dec 19, 2026Sensoji Hagoita-ichi (Battledore Fair)New YearFree
- Thu, Dec 31 – Fri, Jan 1, 2027Yasaka Shrine Okera Mairi (New Year's Eve Fire)New Year7:30 PMFree
- Thu, Dec 31 – Wed, Jan 6, 2027Sensoji New Year (Hatsumode & Joya no Kane)New YearFree
- Thu, Dec 31 – Tue, Jan 5, 2027Fushimi Inari Taisha Hatsumode (New Year Shrine Visit)New YearFree
- Fri, Jan 1 – Sun, Jan 3, 2027Meiji Jingu Hatsumode (New Year Shrine Visit)New YearFree
New Year in Japan: common questions
- What do people do on New Year's Eve in Japan?
- New Year's Eve (Omisoka) is mostly a quiet family night: people eat toshikoshi soba for a long life, and around midnight Buddhist temples ring their bells in Joya no Kane. Many then head to a shrine or temple for the first prayer of the year as soon as the date changes. Big public countdown parties are the exception rather than the rule.
- What is hatsumode?
- Hatsumode is the first shrine or temple visit of the new year. Most people go on January 1–3, when the famous shrines are packed and entry is controlled, but a visit any time in early January counts. People pray, buy new charms (omamori), return last year's charms and draw an omikuji fortune.
- Is everything closed over New Year in Japan?
- January 1 is a national holiday, and most offices and banks close from around December 29–31 to January 3. Many museums, some restaurants and small shops close for a few days too. Big department stores, malls, convenience stores and most attractions stay open or reopen on January 1–2, and shrines and temples are at their busiest. Check opening days for anything specific before you travel.
- What is fukubukuro?
- Fukubukuro (lucky bags) are sealed bags of goods sold at a discount at New Year, usually from January 1 or 2 at department stores and brand shops. Popular brands sell out early in the morning, and some now take orders or run lotteries in advance.
- Where should I go for New Year in Tokyo and Kyoto?
- In Tokyo, Meiji Jingu and Sensoji are the classic hatsumode spots, and Sensoji also rings its bell on New Year's Eve. In Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine's Okera Mairi fire runs through the night of December 31, and Fushimi Inari opens its prayer halls at midnight. Each page below has the details, updated as the shrines announce this year's hours in December.
Winter illuminations to see over the holidays → · Christmas markets →