“HIGHLIGHTING Japan” is an official monthly online magazine to promote understanding of Japan for the people around the world, with variety of themes.This month’s Highlighting Japan,we present an interview with a great scholar of folklore on the special meaning that welcoming the New Year has for Japanese people. We introduce kimono, o-sechi ryori cuisine, a New Year's herbal sake Celebrate the beginning of 2025 in Japan by participating in the tradition of hatsumōde — the first visit to a shrine or temple of the year — at one of the most-visited temples near Tokyo. The majority visit on New Year’s Day. Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Asakusa Hanayashiki, Japan’s oldest amusement park. This family-friendly event offers live music, performances and a fun atmosphere as guests count down to 2025 amidst the park’s nostalgic charm. How would like to celebrate the 2025 New Year?? It’s the most exciting and festive time of the year in Japan, so let’s go big and party all night long at one of these countdown events! For more information about holiday season in Japan, please check out useful links listed below! If you’re in Japan and don’t want to spend New Year’s Eve at home, you can try one of these 11 activities. 1. Tokyo – TOKYO SKYTREE / 2025 New Year’s Day Sunrise. Celebrate New Year’s Eve by witnessing the breathtaking sunrise from the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree. Special tickets for this New Year celebration at Skytree are Celebrate the New Year with fireworks at one of Japan's most iconic spots. The Oedo Antique Market is the largest outdoor antique market in Japan. This is the flea market to shop-til-you-drop — find second hand clothes, DVDs, books, anything you can think of. Need a little luck in the new year? New Year’s Eve in Japan is traditionally spent with the family, eating osechi and making the first shrine visit of the year. That isn’t the only option though — there are some amazing Tokyo New Year parties to see off the soon-to-be-infamous year of 2024. Here’s a rundown of the top party picks. January marks the start of a fresh new year, filled with traditional Japanese celebrations and unique events. From the first sunrise of the year and Hatsumode shrine visits to festive mochi-pounding ceremonies, there's plenty to experience. Tokyo celebrates January 2025 with traditional New Year events, featuring Hatsumode (first shrine visits) at major temples like Senso-ji and Meiji Shrine. Experience sacred rituals, winter peonies, and unique ceremonies in cold but festive atmosphere. From January 2nd to January 26th, the Tokyo National Museum invites visitors to explore all things slithering with their New Year's Celebration exhibition. This event commemorates the Year of the Snake with an array of snake-inspired works from various eras and regions. 13-7 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 150-0042. 2025 New Year’s Eve Celebration at ANA InterContinental Tokyo: Ring in a brand new year at the MIXX Countdown party. Experience a New Year’s Eve party like no other with a lively DJ performance, a stylish countdown, and the inimitable Tokyo skyline up on the 36th floor. Winter fireworks can be enjoyed at various locations in Japan, including Lake Kawaguchiko by Mt. Fuji, Atami Onsen, and Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki. We introduce seven winter fireworks festivals for memorable Christmas events, New Year 2025, and travel during the first months of the year in Japan. 2025 is right around the corner! There are tons of star-studded TV specials featuring superstar entertainers airing on Tuesday (December 31) to help us ring in the New Year, and we’ve got your What are some popular New Year's resolutions in Japan? Popular New Year's resolutions in Japan include health and fitness goals, learning new skills, and improving personal finances. Many people also focus on spending more time with family and friends, as well as practicing mindfulness and gratitude. You Might Also Like: As it is an extremely big holiday, various events and traditions are held on this day every year. Wondering what to do for New Year’s 2025? Here are some typical Japanese New Year traditions and unique ways to celebrate the New Year in Japan. New Year's Eve in Tokyo is a culturally unique event, distinct from Western-style celebrations. As the year ends, Tokyo emerges as a prime destination for those eager to delve into Japanese New Year traditions. Unlike the lively parties often seen in the West on December 31, Tokyo's New Year's Eve is more about family gatherings, hometown visits, and traditional customs. Even though many Tokyo New Year’s Eve Dinner 2025 in Osaka, Japan offers a variety of options for individuals to mark the arrival of the new year. Whether you opt for a intimate dinner with your partner or a gathering with your family or coworkers, Osaka, Japan has an option to suit your preferences. It’s already this time of year again! We are about to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome the 2025 New Year very very soon. If you are planning to spend your winter holiday in Japan over the Christmas/New Year period, it maybe a good idea to join one of countdown events which will be held at several locations in Tokyo. From the creators of Tokyo Cheapo, Japan Cheapo is a site dedicated to helping you get the most from your yen while travelling around Japan. More than 100,000 people visit Japan Cheapo each month for help in planning their trip to Japan. Combined with Tokyo Cheapo, total reach exceeds 850,000. Suggested Read: Attractions to Celebrate New Year 2025 in New York City with a Bang. New Year in Tokyo is not about eve parties only; it's more than that. On this auspicious day, people prefer to visit shrines or temples for good fortune, ring the temple bells 108 times called Joya no Kane, and spend quality time with family.
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