Japanese New Year: Should You Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine at Midnight?

Visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine at Midnight with the locals is a spiritual thing!
Or if spirituality isn't your thing, it's a lifetime memory.

New Year in Tokyo is one of the Most beautiful Traditional Japanese celebrations and Festivals.

On Japanese New Year's eve (Oshogatsu) locals come to Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo after midnight.
Traditional kimono, that's what they wear if the weather permits, which makes it a good photo opportunity for you...

Several million people(!!!) come to Meiji Shrine during the three days of this major Japanese holiday.

The Japanese people pray for a prosperous and healthy new year.
The temples ring their bells 108 times in memory of Japan's hard times.

Many Tokyo Attractions are closed between January 1st to January 3rd (museums, shops).

The Truth About Japanese New Year

The Japanese view the years as completely separate, with each New Year providing a fresh new start.

Everything associated with the New Year is symbolic of 'firsts'.
Everyone is expected to complete their duties before the end of the year, and 'year forgetting parties' – Bonenkai - are held in order to leave behind the old year's troubles.
Isn't that a sweet idea?

January 1st represents the whole year that has just begun. That's why the Japanese try to make this day just perfect.

A lucky start to the year is watching the first sunrise.

And there's the food of course. You have to try the Special New Year Food.

Otoshidama means 'new year treasure', and it's a beautiful custom of giving money to children on New Year's Day.

There are also special games to play on New Year. A popular game is Furuwarai which is like pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, Hanetsuki - Japanese badminton, Takoage - kite flying, and Karuta - a card game.

You'll see typical decorations on the Japanese houses, cranes and turtles, that are believed to bring good luck, longevity and happiness.

Continue Reading:

Christmas in Japan

Christmas Decorations in Japan

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