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Shōgatsu
Japan's most important holiday, welcoming the new year with shrine visits and family feasts.
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Festival Overview
What is Shōgatsu?
Japan's most important holiday, welcoming the new year with shrine visits and family feasts.
ReligionShinto
CategoryNew Year
Celebrated inJapan
Duration3 days
ReachJapan
History, Origin & Significance
The Story Behind Shōgatsu
The Japanese New Year is an annual festival that takes place in Japan. Since 1873, the official Japanese New Year has been celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar, on January 1 of each year, New Year's Day .
Source: Wikipedia — Japanese New Year
At a Glance
Celebration & Rituals
3 days of celebration
Observances stretch across 3 days of rituals and gatherings.
Hatsumode shrine visits
The most recognisable custom of Shōgatsu.
Japan
Communities across 1 country take part.
Osechi ryori
A signature dish closely associated with the celebration.
Flavours of the Celebration
Food & Culture
No Shōgatsu celebration is complete without its signature dishes, shared with family and community throughout the festivities.
Osechi ryoriMochiToshikoshi soba
Customs & Practices
Traditions
The customs practised during Shōgatsu vary by region, but these are the most widely recognised.
Hatsumode shrine visitsOsechi ryori feastingSending nengajo greeting cards
Duration
Shōgatsu Timeline
Day 1 — Opening · Jan 1, 2027
Hatsumode shrine visits
Day 2
Osechi ryori feasting
Day 3 — Closing
Sending nengajo greeting cards
Where It's Celebrated
Location & Country Details
Celebrated In
🇯🇵 Japan
Primarily celebrated in Japan. Detailed country facts (capital, currency, languages) need a REST Countries API key configured — see .env.example.
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Travel Information
Best time to plan around
Typically celebrated in January.
Where to go
Japan
- Transport and hospitality prices often peak around New Year celebrations — book early.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Shōgatsu falls on Jan 1, 2027, based on the official public holiday calendar.
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