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New Year’s in Komatsu (正月, shōgatsu)

In many European countries, Christmas is considered to be the biggest holiday of the year. Many Americans consider Thanksgiving to be theirs; but what about Japan? Is it Christmas? Is it the emperor’s birthday?
Is it Otabi Festival?
I kid…
It’s probably not any of these.

In fact, many would argue that New Year’s is the biggest festival in Japan. In many countries, New Year’s is considered to be a great excuse to party and celebrate the new year. For many Japanese people, however, this is your opportunity to spend valuable time with your family. Many businesses will close for the first few days of the year and large quantities of people will travel to their home prefecture to visit their family if they live away.

The start of the new year is seen to be an opportunity for a completely fresh start, hence why year-end parties are called “bounenkai” (“year forgetting party”). This means leaving worries and inhibitions in the old year for a new fresh start. Tied with this, the first of January is often started by viewing the first sunrise (known as hatsuhinode) and is supposed to be a day without inhibitions and negativity. In addition to this, many people participate in hatsumode – the first shrine visit of the year. Tokyo’s Meiji Jingu Shrine is one of the most popular for this tradition, seeing over 3 million participants.

Ataka Sumiyoshi Shrine: a popular spot for Hatsumode in Komatsu

Many Japanese people send nengajō, new year’s postcards making Japanese post offices extremely busy towards the end of December and beginning of January trying to make sure everyone’s cards arrive on time! Some post offices even hire students to help out temporarily, if anyone was looking for some seasonal work!

How to spend your New Year’s in Komatsu

Some of the most popular spots in Komatsu for new year’s include Natadera and Ataka Sumiyoshi Shrine. If you are around, you should head on down and experience the festivities! At the turn of the year, bells are rung 108 times. It is this number because this represents the 108 earthly temptations and each ring is to get rid of each of them.

I hope this short guide briefs you a little on what to expect for the turn of the year!