1. Preparation: The "Big Clean" (Osoji)

Before the year ends, families participate in Osoji. They clean their entire house, office, and workspace from top to bottom. The idea is to purify the space and welcome the "New Year Deity" into a clean home, leaving the "dirt" of the past year behind.

2. New Year’s Eve (Omisoka - December 31)

• Toshikoshi Soba: On the night of December 31, people eat long buckwheat noodles called Soba. The long shape of the noodles symbolizes a long and healthy life.
• Joya no Kane (108 Bells): At midnight, Buddhist temples across Japan ring a large bell 108 times. According to Buddhist tradition, this cleanses the 108 human sins and worldly desires, allowing for a fresh start.

3. The First Visit (Hatsumode)

During the first three days of January, millions of people visit Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples. This tradition is called Hatsumode. People pray for:

• Good health and safety.
• Success in studies or business.
• They also buy Omikuji (paper fortunes) and Omamori (lucky charms).

4. Traditional Food: Osechi Ryori & Mochi

• Osechi Ryori: These are special dishes served in beautiful lacquered boxes (Juubako). Every ingredient has a meaning. For example, shrimp represents long life (because of its curved back), and sweetened black beans represent hard work.
• Ozoni: A traditional soup containing Mochi (stretchy rice cakes) and vegetables.
• Mochi-tsuki: Many communities hold events to pound steamed rice into dough to make fresh mochi.

5. Gifts for Children (Otoshidama)

Just like receiving "Dakshina" during Dashain or Tika, Japanese children receive decorated envelopes containing money from their parents, grandparents, and relatives. This is called Otoshidama, and it is often the highlight of the holiday for kids.

6. Decorations

• Kadomatsu: Pine and bamboo decorations placed at the entrance of homes to welcome ancestral spirits.
• Kagamimochi: Two round rice cakes topped with a small orange (daidai), placed on a household altar.

Important Note for Visitors/Residents

Japan becomes very quiet from January 1st to 3rd.

• Most banks, offices, and local shops close.
• Department stores often have huge "New Year Sales" starting on the 2nd or 3rd, featuring Fukubukuro (Lucky Bags)—sealed bags sold at a discount where you don't know exactly what's inside until you buy it!