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6 Most-Visited New Year's Shrines & Temples

Check out these statistics to find out which temple or shrine has the largest number of attendees during New Year's—and maybe find out the spots to avoid!

Bring in the New Year with Kit Kat

Kit Kat has been known in Japan for its off-the-wall flavors. For 2016, the company is ringing in the New Year with decorative boxes and... holograms?

6 Things to Do Before New Year's Hits in Japan

Before the clock strikes midnight on January 1, here are a few things that should be checked off before you ring in the New Year!

8 Things to Know About New Year's in Japan

All about Japan's biggest holiday of the year!

The Complete Guide to Osechi Ryori

In addition to watching the sunrise on the first day of the New Year, be prepared to gorge yourself on tiny dishes that have auspicious meanings.

New Year's at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple!

Texan in Tokyo takes you on a traditional Japanese New Year's journey!

How to Make it to the Office the Day After

We all like to eat and drink endlessly, but nobody likes a stomachache or a hangover. Here are four Japanese tricks for beating the post-party blaaaaghs.

5 Must-Visit Hokkaido Spots During Christmas

Whenever we talk about Christmas in Japan, most of us immediately imagine a snowy image and naturally associate it with Hokkaido.

What is Otoshidama?

While visions of sugar-plums dance in the heads of children celebrating Christmas, Japanese kids dream of opening an envelope with a special gift inside.

Tokyo's Top Christmas Markets

Grab a glass of hot wine and find some unique gifts—and unforgettable experiences—at Tokyo's top Christmas markets!

Top 3 Part-Time Jobs During the Holidays

The end of December is the busiest time of year in Japan, so almost everywhere is looking for extra help!

Explore Sapporo’s Fall Color Spots by Subway

While there are countless famous places in Hokkaido to enjoy the colors of fall, this piece focuses on the downtown autumn foliage spots that are conveniently accessible from the Sapporo subway.

Spoil Yourself with New Year's Mystery Bags

If you’ve ever visited Japan or Japanese online shops around New Year's, you’re bound to have seen some mysterious bags called 'fukuburo' appearing on the shelves. Read on to find out how to get the most out of them!

7 Japanese New Year's Traditions Explained

One of Japan's most important holidays, New Year's, brings with it unique customs—some of which date back all the way to the 800s.

3 Awesome Ozoni Recipes

This special soup is usually only eaten one day of the year!

7 Reasons to Experience New Year's in Japan

After the romance from Christmas Eve has settled, Japan turns to the New Year's holiday as a time of family reunions and traditions that you won't want to miss!

5 Spots to Watch New Year's Fireworks in Japan

There's nothing like bright lights to bring in the New Year!

8 Tokyo Churches for a Christian Christmas

While Christmas in Japan is mostly a holiday for couples, there are still chances to celebrate the religious side for those so inclined.

5 Places to Catch the First Sunrise in Choshi

This eastern Chiba town is the first to see the sunrise in the land of the rising sun.

Celebrate Oshogatsu Like a Native!

Learn all about how to celebrate New Year's in Japan!

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