New Years or Oshogatsu is one of the most important times of the year in Japan. It is a little like a Western Christmas. Families get together and everything closes down.
Before Oshogatsu, people will clean and decorate their houses to welcome in the New Year. In front of many houses you will see Shimenawa (しめ縄), and some businesses will have kadomatsu (門松). These are placed to bring good health, luck and prosperity to the houses.
If you are traveling during New Years, there will be no parties, fireworks and it will usually be very quiet. Many people go to the Temple or Shrine at night or in the morning and pay their respects.
Many people will send out New Year postcards and buy Mamori to bring them good luck, fortune or health for the year. They also eat special food called Osechi (お節).
It is a great time of the year to experience an interesting and very important part of the Japanese culture.
Come have fun and enjoy this amazing time of year.
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