Current date: 2025-12-29 (JST) What is Hatsumode? Hatsumode is the first visit to a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple in the new year. It is one of Japan’s most important and widely practiced traditions. From New Year’s Eve through the…
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…
Current date: 2025-12-26 (JST) What is the Forecast? Japan’s weather over the New Year holiday period is expected to feature a significant temperature drop and potential snow, particularly after January 1st. 1 While the last few days of December may…
Current date: 2025-12-23 (JST) This article provides a practical guide to navigating business closures during Japan’s New Year holiday. It is not a list of events, but a manual for understanding which services shut down and how to plan around…
