Japanese New Year (お正月) — A Foreigner's Complete Guide (2025)
Japanese New Year — known as Oshōgatsu (お正月) — is the most important holiday in the Japanese calendar. Unlike Western New Year celebrations centered on parties and fireworks, Japanese New Year is a time of quiet family gatherings, ancient temple rituals, and deeply rooted cultural traditions. For foreigners living in Japan, it is one of the most fascinating cultural experiences the country offers — but also one that requires some preparation. ...