Holiday cards are a familiar tradition around the world, but in Japan, they take on a uniquely meaningful form known as nengajo. These handwritten or printed messages act as small tokens of gratitude, luck, and connection exchanged at the start of the year.

The end of the year in Japan is not just about countdowns, parties, and feast-worthy food. It is also the moment when people hit pause, look around their homes, and decide to give everything a fresh start.

During the New Year in Japan, people perform hatsumode, the first visit to a shrine or temple. Families, couples, and friends put on their warmest clothes (and sometimes a kimono!), brave the winter chill, and step through shrine gates to pray for good luck, health, and happiness.

New Year’s in Japan is a time of fresh starts, family gatherings, and heartfelt exchanges that set the tone for the months ahead. Japanese phrases for the New Year carry deep cultural weight, blending politeness, gratitude, and optimism. 

One of the best low-cost and unique activities to do in Japan is stamp collecting! In fact, many tourist destinations and transportation hubs offer them, making it easy to participate. Here’s the rundown of what it takes to get stamps in Japan. 

Heisei retro is making a comeback because, for many people, reliving that aesthetic invokes nostalgia and fond memories from that time period.