How Japanese People Spend the New Year Days

Early January in Japan feels different from the rest of the year. Streets become quiet, workplaces pause, and many families take a slow breath after the busy weeks of December. It is a moment when people shift their focus toward home, familiar routines, and the sense of starting fresh. Even those who do not follow every custom still feel the rhythm of the season in small ways—tidying their living space, preparing simple foods, or visiting relatives. The atmosphere is gentle and unhurried, and conversations often circle around the coming year. With this mindset, Japanese New Year customs take shape naturally, creating a period that blends tradition with everyday life.

Japanese New Year Customs and How People Spend the First Days of the Year

Preparing for the New Year

Toward the end of December, many households begin “nenmatsu no o-sōji,” a thorough year-end cleaning. It is not tied to a single strict rule; families simply try to start January with an uncluttered home. People sort through drawers, wipe windows, and put away things that accumulated during the year. Offices and schools often do the same. This rhythm marks the closing of one period and the quiet transition into another.

During these days, many also prepare food that can be enjoyed slowly after New Year’s Day. Some families cook together, while others buy ready-made dishes from local stores. The goal is to simplify the first days of January so everyone can relax without rushing to cook or shop. Supermarkets and small local shops often feel lively around this time as people gather what they need before businesses close for the holiday.

How People Spend January 1st

On the morning of January 1st, many households begin the day with a calm routine. Breakfast might be earlier or later than usual, depending on the family. Some people choose to stay in pajamas and take things slow; others dress a bit more neatly before greeting the new year. Phones buzz with messages from friends and relatives exchanging simple New Year greetings. Television programs play quietly in the background—variety shows, traditional music, or special broadcasts that air only at this time of year.

A large number of people visit a shrine or temple for “hatsumōde,” the first visit of the year. Some go early in the morning, while others wait until the afternoon when the air is a little warmer. The purpose varies: offering thanks for the past year, hoping for good health, or simply enjoying the lively but relaxed atmosphere. Food stalls appear near popular shrines, and families walk along the paths together, chatting about plans for the coming months.

Time with Family and Relatives

New Year’s in Japan tends to revolve around family gatherings. Some visit parents or grandparents who live in other regions, leading to the busiest travel season of the year. Children often look forward to receiving “otoshidama,” a small monetary gift traditionally given by adults. Conversations are usually light and centered on recent events, travel stories, or goals for the new year. People who live far apart appreciate this opportunity to reconnect in a slower setting.

Even when gatherings are small, the atmosphere remains warm. A table might hold simple dishes prepared ahead of time, snacks brought by relatives, or food that reflects regions people come from. These details differ from home to home, yet the shared rhythm of resting and reconnecting remains similar across the country.

Foods and Drinks Commonly Seen in Early January

January foods in Japan tend to emphasize comfort and familiarity. Many households prepare dishes that require little effort after the new year begins. Warm soups, mild-tasting ingredients, and rice-based foods appear frequently. Among these, amazake—a gentle rice drink made from kōji—is familiar to many people as a seasonal item. It is associated with winter and has long been consumed around the New Year period. Despite its name, it does not contain alcohol when made from rice kōji, making it suitable for children as well.

People encounter amazake in various ways: at shrines serving small cups to visitors, at home during quiet mornings, or at winter events. Its mild flavor and approachable nature allow it to blend naturally into New Year routines without requiring formal preparation.

This amazake-inspired candy is included in this month’s Monthly Japanese Snack Box, together with other seasonal items.

How These Customs Appear in Today’s Japan

New Year routines in Japan continue to adapt to modern life. Larger cities often remain quiet from January 1st to 3rd, yet many people spend part of the holiday at cafés, small restaurants, or local parks. Families with young children sometimes choose nearby shrines instead of the larger, more crowded ones. Some households celebrate over video calls when relatives live far apart or when schedules do not align. These choices vary, but the intent remains similar: creating space to pause and reset.

Shops and entertainment areas gradually reopen after the second or third day, and many people enjoy walking through New Year sales. Television programs, online services, and delivery options provide additional ways to spend time without rushing outside. Even with these shifts, the slower pace of early January still stands out. The mixture of rest, modest celebration, and gentle routine continues to shape how people welcome the new year, regardless of changes in lifestyle.

What These First Days Bring to Everyday Life in Japan

The first days of January offer a calm moment that contrasts with the energy of late December. People take time to settle their thoughts, meet relatives they have not seen for months, and adjust to the feeling of beginning another year. Customs such as visiting shrines, preparing simple foods, and sharing small seasonal items help structure this period without placing heavy expectations on anyone. Through these steady routines, many households ease back into daily life while carrying a sense of renewal into the weeks ahead.