It feels like everyone I know is going to Japan—and they’re all falling in love with Tokyo.
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One of my friends is there right now celebrating his honeymoon. I’ve received texts at all hours highlighting his favorite experiences.
So far, that’s things like stumbling upon an old-school jazz performance on the 5th floor of a random skyscraper, trying to win me a voluptuous doll in an adult vending machine, and drinking all types of specialized sake.
I think those three adventures highlight the more unique elements of Tokyo’s hard-to-define identity. It’s a blend of old and new that’s surprisingly profane in some ways, then surprisingly enlightened in others—at least, for Westerners like me.
In fact, in terms of intangible cultural heritage, Japan is home to dozens of not-to-be-found-elsewhere traditions.
One of the coolest (and one that I’ve written about before) is the New Year’s ritual of Washoku. While people in the United States are busy finding someone to kiss as the clock strikes midnight, and people in Spain are busy shoving twelve grapes down their throats, those in Tokyo are instead mindfully crafting traditional foods.
And that’s just one of many ways to ring in the New Year.
Ever wondered how people in Tokyo celebrate New Year’s? Here are the most popular ways, starting off with Washoku.
5 ways locals ring in the New Year in Tokyo
#1 Washoku: traditional meals and community values
Washoku refers to the traditional Japanese diet—but on New Year’s, appreciation for Washoku is taken to the next level. Locals select the freshest seasonal ingredients and arrange them in a beautiful presentation.
The idea is to share this food with loved ones to strengthen community ties while also giving appreciation to the food grown and prepared. From soba noodles to rice cakes, these meals are typically eaten in the first few days of the New Year.
#2 Raiho-shin: ritual deity visits
It’s a popular time for people throughout Tokyo to receive visits from local deities. Some dress up in costumes as recognizable deities, then make their rounds to visit homes to give warnings and blessings.
For example, they might warn against idleness while praying for a blessing like good health. (Very different from those Krampus Runs in the European Alps…)
#3 Float festivals
New Orleans is renowned for its parades—and Japan is known for its float festivals. Around the country, and especially in Tokyo, these floats can sometimes weigh several tons.
And, unlike their American counterparts, they’re fully lifted or carried by manpower. Over New Year’s, many neighborhoods host smaller float festivals.
#4 Joya-no-kane: Bell-ringing ceremonies
If you happen to be in Tokyo over New Year’s Eve, I’d highly suggest making a visit to a local Buddhist temple to attend a joya-no-kane bell-ringing ceremony.
While many temples only let monks participate, some are open to the public so long as you register beforehand.
The ceremony includes ringing a bell 108 times. That number comes from Buddhist Zazen teachings, which outline 108 earthly desires and temptations. Joya-no-kane symbolizes the elimination of these obstacles.
#5 Countdown parties
I mentioned that cities like Tokyo offer a blend of east and west. One way that you can feel this intersection is on New Year’s Eve when Tokyo hosts a number of countdown parties.
These countdown parties are similar to standard American NYE events, including live music, food and drinks, and late-night festivities galore. These are particularly common in neighborhoods like Roppongi and Shinjuku.
