Japanese New Year Traditions in Aomori: A Guide for Military Families

Updated October 30, 2026

Images are for illustration.

In Japan, New Year (Oshogatsu) is the big family holiday. A friendly guide for Misawa-area families to toshikoshi soba, temple bells, hatsumode, osechi, nengajo and what is closed over the holidays in Aomori.

Key points

Oshogatsu (New Year) is Japan's biggest family holiday. Many shops, restaurants and sights close from around Dec 29 to Jan 3, so plan groceries, fuel and cash ahead.
Core traditions: toshikoshi soba on Dec 31, the temple bell at midnight, hatsumode (first shrine or temple visit), osechi food, otoshidama money for kids and nengajo greeting cards.
You do not need to do anything formal as a guest. Say a couple of phrases, try the food and enjoy the atmosphere.
Risoukyo plans a New Year countdown fireworks show on Dec 31 from 10:00 p.m. (planned) after the Christmas Market.

Oshogatsu: why New Year is bigger than Christmas

If you are used to Christmas being the big winter holiday, Japan flips it. Christmas is a cheerful, mostly secular season (see Christmas in Japan explained), while Oshogatsu, the New Year, is the time families gather, houses are cleaned and decorated, and the country slows down. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) describes the first three days of the year as shogatsu-sanganichi and notes that many visiting spots, restaurants and shops are closed from around Dec 29 until Jan 3.

For a military family stationed in Aomori, the practical effect is simple: you will feel the quiet, and you will see lovely traditions in action. This guide walks through the main customs, then covers what to plan for. In 2026 the calendar looks like this: Dec 31 is a Thursday (Omisoka, New Year's Eve), and Jan 1, 2027 is a Friday. The 2027 zodiac animal is the sheep (or goat), hitsuji in Japanese.

December 31 (Omisoka): soba, bells and countdowns

Toshikoshi soba

On New Year's Eve, people eat toshikoshi soba, long, thin buckwheat noodles that stand for a long life. JNTO notes that toppings vary by region, with shrimp or herring among them. Restaurants and soba shops are busy on the 31st, and some close early, so check the hours. Many supermarkets sell packaged or fresh soba kits in late December.

Joya no kane: 108 bells

After soba, many people head to a temple for joya no kane, the midnight bell-ringing. JNTO says the bell is rung 108 times, a number tied to the 108 worries of humankind in Buddhist tradition. It is a calm, cold, candle-and-breath-fog sort of night, so dress warmly.

Countdown fireworks at Risoukyo

Japan has its own countdown events too. Risoukyo plans a New Year countdown fireworks show on Dec 31, 2026, from 10:00 p.m. (planned). It is outdoors in Towada, so bundle up. See our guide to the New Year countdown fireworks in Towada for details and tips, and check the official page (Japanese) for updates.

January 1 and the first three days

Hatsumode: the first shrine or temple visit

Hatsumode is the first visit of the year to a shrine or temple, traditionally in the first few days of January. JNTO notes that people pray on Jan 1 and that some climb to high ground to see the first sunrise (hatsu-hinode). Typical activities include making a small offering, saying a prayer, buying a charm (omamori) and drawing a fortune slip (omikuji). Some places serve amazake (sweet, low-alcohol or non-alcoholic rice drink) in winter. Check what each place offers.

If you plan to go, expect crowds on Jan 1-3, cold feet and a long queue at larger shrines. A small local shrine can be a quieter, equally meaningful stop. Basic manners help: bow lightly at the entrance, keep your voice down and follow the posted instructions at the offering hall. Our etiquette guide for local events has more general tips. Ask a Japanese friend or neighbor which local shrine they recommend.

Osechi and ozoni

Osechi is traditional New Year food packed in stacked boxes. JNTO lists black beans, herring roe, grilled shrimp and datemaki (sweet rolled omelet) among the dishes, and notes that osechi is usually ordered in advance. If you want to try it, look for pre-orders at department stores, supermarkets, restaurants and some convenience stores in November and December. Availability varies, so check each business. Ozoni is a soup with mochi rice cakes, and JNTO describes it as a vegetable stew in a miso or soy-sauce broth. Recipes differ by region and family.

One safety note for families: mochi is sticky and can be a choking hazard. The Tokyo Fire Department urges people every year to cut mochi into small, bite-sized pieces and chew slowly, and warns that elderly people and small children are most at risk. Cut it small for kids and watch them while they eat.

Otoshidama: money for children

Otoshidama is New Year pocket money that adults give to children, often in a small decorated envelope. JNTO describes it simply as adults giving money to children. As a visitor you are not expected to give any, but if your children make Japanese friends, a parent may hand your kids an envelope. A polite "thank you" is enough, and it is fine to ask a friend how to handle it if you are unsure.

Nengajo: New Year cards

Nengajo are New Year greeting postcards that Japan Post delivers all at once on Jan 1. For last year's cards, Japan Post set Dec 25, 2025 as the posting deadline for Jan 1 delivery. The 2027 deadline will be announced separately, so check Japan Post's official page if you want to send one. Many families also send a card to say thanks for the past year and to wish people well. If you receive one, a short reply is a nice gesture.

Kadomatsu, shimenawa and kagami mochi

From late December you will see kadomatsu (pairs of pine and bamboo arrangements) at entrances, plus shimenawa (twisted straw ropes) and kagami mochi (stacked rice cakes) inside homes. JNTO explains that kadomatsu and shimenawa are hung outside to guide the New Year gods to the house, and that kagami mochi is displayed as an offering. These decorations usually go up after Christmas, so you might see a Christmas display give way to New Year decor almost overnight.

Phrases for the New Year

Yoi otoshi o (よいお年を) - Have a good New Year. Said before the year ends.
Akemashite omedeto gozaimasu (あけましておめでとうございます) - Happy New Year. Said on and after Jan 1.
Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu (今年もよろしくお願いします) - Please look after me again this year.

For more everyday vocabulary, see our Japanese phrases for a Christmas market.

What is closed over the New Year holidays

This is the biggest practical point. JNTO says many sights, restaurants and shops are closed from around Dec 29 to Jan 3. Do not assume anything is open, and check each business directly. As an example, the Towada Art Center is closed over New Year (see the dates on its official calendar). Typical things to check:

Restaurants and cafes: many close for several days. Some reopen on Jan 2 or 3, some later, and a few stay open. Check each business.
Supermarkets: hours are often shortened, and some shops close on Jan 1-2 or longer. Check each store. Stock up by Dec 29-30.
Banks, post offices and ATMs: counters are typically closed around Jan 1-3, and ATM hours can change. Check, and withdraw cash before Dec 28. See paying at local Japanese events.
Gas stations and taxis: hours and availability can be reduced. Fill up the tank and arrange rides early.
Shrines and temples: these are the busiest places, and many have special New Year hours.
Sightseeing spots and museums: many are closed. Check before you drive.

The New Year also brings shop sales and "lucky bags" at many stores in early January, but the start dates vary by store, so look at each store's announcement.

Winter driving and weather around Towada

Towada is cold in winter. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency's 1991-2020 normals for the Towada AMeDAS station, December averages 33°F (0.6°C), with an average daily high around 40°F (4.6°C) and a low around 26°F (−3.5°C), and about 28 in (72 cm) of total snowfall for the month. January is typically colder. Roads can be icy, and with holiday travel and closed stations, you should prepare. Follow your unit's and the base's current guidance for off-base travel and winter driving, and consult our Aomori winter clothing guide and the winter travel guide from Misawa to Risoukyo.

A simple holiday plan for a Misawa-area family

Dec 23-27: visit the Risoukyo Christmas Market (planned) for lights, snow play and a Japanese-style Christmas atmosphere.
Dec 28-30: shop for groceries, order osechi if you want it, withdraw cash and fill the tank.
Dec 31: eat toshikoshi soba at home or out, then consider the Risoukyo countdown fireworks from 10:00 p.m. (planned).
Jan 1-3: try hatsumode at a local shrine, enjoy ozoni and mochi (cut small for kids) and keep the schedule flexible.

__GLANCE__

At a glance: Risoukyo Christmas Market 2026

Dates: Wednesday, Dec 23 - Sunday, Dec 27, 2026 (5 days)
Hours: 3:00-9:00 p.m. (15:00-21:00) (planned)
Venue: Handmade Village Risoukyo, 2-21 Torigamori, Fukamochi, Towada, Aomori 034-0106
Admission (planned): adults ¥1,500; high school and university students ¥1,000; junior high and younger ¥500; age 5 and under free
Parking: 300+ spaces (planned)

Details are planned and may change - see the English overview and the official page (Japanese).

FAQ

When are Japanese businesses closed for New Year?

JNTO says many sights, restaurants and shops are closed from around Dec 29 to Jan 3. The exact dates differ by business, so check each one in advance. Convenience stores and some chain restaurants may stay open, but do not count on it.

What is toshikoshi soba?

It is a bowl of buckwheat noodles eaten on New Year's Eve (Omisoka). The long, thin noodles stand for a long life. Toppings vary by region.

Do I have to give otoshidama?

No. Otoshidama is New Year pocket money that adults give to children, and visitors are not expected to give it. If your kids receive an envelope from a Japanese friend, a warm thank-you is enough.

Can I visit a shrine for hatsumode as a visitor?

Yes. Shrines and temples welcome visitors at New Year. Expect crowds and cold weather, follow the posted instructions, and be polite with photos near people praying. Check opening times for your shrine.