New Year (正月, Shōgatsu) is the most important holiday of the year in Japan. Most businesses close their doors from January 1 to 3, and families typically gather over this period.

Traditional activities on New Year's Eve include the eating of toshikoshi soba (buckwheat noodles), symbolizing longevity. Many watch the popular annual music program "Kōhaku Uta Gassen" (televised since 1953!), then visit a shrine or temple around midnight. In recent decades, countdown parties have become more numerous in the large cities, but fireworks at the turn of the year remain uncommon.

Visitors can join the crowds doing hatsumode, the year's first visit to a shrine or temple. Hatsumode festivities are held at practically every shrine and temple across Japan during the first few days of the year, especially on January 1.