Current date: 2025-12-29 (JST)
What This Is About
While the first shrine visit of the year (hatsumode) is a central part of Japan’s New Year, the holiday period is also filled with traditional games and activities. These offer a hands-on way to experience the culture, especially for families. This guide focuses on three classic pastimes: kakizome (first calligraphy), takoage (kite flying), and hanetsuki (a traditional form of badminton).
Why This Matters for Travelers
Participating in these activities provides a different kind of travel memory, moving beyond observation to active involvement. It’s a chance to engage with local customs in a relaxed and often playful setting. For those traveling with children, these games are a perfect way to break up temple visits and connect with Japanese culture in a fun, accessible manner. You don’t need to be an expert to try; the goal is participation.
The Classic New Year Games
Here’s a quick look at what these activities involve.
•Kakizome (書初め): This is the “first writing” of the year. Using a brush and ink, people write auspicious words or their resolutions for the year ahead. It’s a quiet, reflective practice.
•Takoage (凧揚げ): This is traditional kite flying. The kites are often beautifully decorated with characters from folklore or simple, bold designs. In the past, it was a way to wish for a child’s healthy growth.
•Hanetsuki (羽根つき): A game similar to badminton, played with decorative wooden paddles called hagoita and a brightly colored shuttlecock. It’s a casual game, and a common, fun “punishment” for losing is getting a mark on your face with ink.
Where You Can Actually Try Them
Finding a place to experience these games can be straightforward, as many temples, shrines, and cultural parks host events during the first week of January. Here are a few reliable options.
| Location | Activities Offered | Best For |
| Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura (Hokkaido) | Kakizome, Takoage, Hanetsuki, and other traditional games. | Families, a full-day experience in a theme park. |
| Kamigamo Shrine (Kyoto) | Kakizome (calligraphy) workshops. | A traditional and spiritual setting. |
| Local Parks & Riverbeds | Informal Takoage and Hanetsuki. | Spontaneous fun, no schedule needed. |
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, a historical theme park in Hokkaido, offers a comprehensive New Year festival from January 1-3. It’s an excellent choice for families, as all the main games are available to try in one place.
For a more traditional atmosphere, major shrines like Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto often hold kakizome events. These are sometimes aimed at students but are generally open for anyone to watch or participate in. Check the shrine’s official website for schedules, which are usually announced in late December.
Tips for Taking Photos
Instead of just documenting the event, try to capture the feeling.
•For Kakizome: Focus on the details. A close-up of the brush touching the paper, the concentration on someone’s face, or the final written characters drying in the sun can be very effective.
•For Takoage: Get low to the ground and shoot upwards, using the wide-open sky as your background. Include the person flying the kite in the frame to give a sense of scale and joy.
•For Hanetsuki: Use a faster shutter speed to freeze the motion of the shuttlecock in mid-air. Capturing the players’ reactions—laughter, surprise, or the fun of getting ink on their face—tells a better story than a posed shot.
Practical Notes for Families
•No Experience Needed: These activities are for fun. Don’t worry about being good at them. The goal is to try.
•Dress Warmly: January in Japan is cold. If you’re playing outside, wear layers, gloves, and a hat.
•Check Schedules: While some activities are informal, events at temples and parks have specific dates and times. Look for information on official websites around mid-to-late December.
•Bring Cash: If you are at a festival, there may be small fees for materials or food stalls nearby that only accept cash.
Summary
Beyond the beautiful and solemn shrine visits, Japan’s New Year is a time for play. Trying your hand at calligraphy, flying a kite, or playing a game of hanetsuki offers a memorable and authentic way to connect with the holiday season. These activities are accessible, often free, and provide a wonderful experience for both adults and children.
Sources / References
Notes & Limitations
•Event details for 2026 are based on past years and are subject to change. Always check official websites closer to the date.
•Not all shrines or parks will host events. Larger, well-known locations are a more reliable bet.
Certainty Level
Medium
