{"id":14999,"date":"2025-12-20T18:17:26","date_gmt":"2025-12-20T09:17:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/?p=14999"},"modified":"2025-12-26T15:24:44","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T06:24:44","slug":"japanese-new-years-in-osaka-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/2025\/12\/20\/japanese-new-years-in-osaka-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"The Complete Guide to New Year&#8217;s in Osaka 2025-2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>New Years, or <em>Sh\u014dgatsu<\/em> in Japanese, is an all-important festival throughout the entire country. Official celebrations start on New Year&#8217;s Eve and the holiday period lasts through January 3. It&#8217;s a time for families to gather, some of whom may see each other only once a year. It is a time where children look forward to their treasured <em>toshidama<\/em> (New Year\u2019s money from relatives). It is far more significant than Christmas and many businesses and facilities are closed. <\/p>\n<p>So how can you enjoy New Years in Osaka? Here are a few ideas and some cultural background so you can make the most of your holiday&#8230;<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 10px; border-radius: 0px; background: #f7f7f7;\">\n<h2 style=\"color:#b1933b; margin: 10px 0 0;\">\uff3bContents\uff3d<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor1\">New Year Decorations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor2\">Hatsumode at the Shrine<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor3\">Joya no Kane at the Temple<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor4\">All Night Trains<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor5\">Activities at Home<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor6\">Hatsuhinode, the First Sunrise<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor7\">New Year Foods<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anchor8\">Countdown Parties<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor1\" style=\"color:#b1933b;\">New Year Decorations<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re living here, one way to get in the <em>Sh\u014dgatsu<\/em> spirit is to set up some decorations in your home. If you\u2019re simply here for a visit, look for these pretty decorations as you explore the city. \u2028<\/p>\n<p>Here are three of the most common ones.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color:#b1933b;\">Kadomatsu<\/h3>\n<p>Three bamboo stalks bundled together that are cut at an angle represent prosperity are often paired with a piece of pine (symbolizing longevity) and a plum branch (for steadfastness). <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/mini-kadomatsu.jpg\" alt=\"small Japanese New Year decoration, kadomatsu\" width=\"1108\" height=\"1477\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15009\" \/><\/p>\n<p><em>Kadomatsu<\/em> are placed at the entrance to one\u2019s home or business and can range in size from tiny tabletop decorations to impressive arrangements over a meter tall.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/large-kadomatsu.jpg\" alt=\"large kadomatsu New Year decorations on sides of doorway\" width=\"1477\" height=\"1108\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15010\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color:#b1933b;\">Shimekazari<\/h3>\n<p>Hung from doors and entranceways, small <em>shimenawa<\/em> (sacred rope), much like the ones you see at the entrance to Shinto shrines, are twisted into various shapes, each of which has a symbolic meaning. The ropes welcome gods of good fortune and dispel evil spirits. <em>Shimekazari<\/em> decorations always include the rope and may be augmented by twigs of pine (for longevity), oranges (a symbol of posterity), and zigzag paper strips called <em>shide<\/em>, among other decorations.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/shimenawa-e1671525450428.jpg\" alt=\"shimenawa Japanese New Year decoration\" width=\"800\" height=\"704\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15013\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color:#b1933b;\">Kagami mochi<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019ve been in an  Japanese store, supermarket, or even the hundred yen shop around the end of the year, you\u2019ve probably seen these round white mochi stacked on top of each other, reminiscent of little snowmen. These decorative mochi towers are placed at a family\u2019s household Shint\u014d altar as an offering to the gods and often topped with an orange, again for posterity.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"anchor2\" style=\"color:#b1933b;\">Hatsumode at the shrine<\/h2>\n<p>This tradition of visiting a Shint\u014d shrine for the first time in the new year is a highlight of the festivities. For some this is the only time they visit a shrine for the whole year, but it feels so important. The first visit is for greeting the gods in the New Year and can be done as soon as the clock strikes twelve. The crowds can be intense so some prefer to wait a few days until January 3rd, or even more recently people may wait until January 10th. Some people even wait until the <a href=\"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/2022\/01\/06\/toka-ebisu-festival-osaka\/\" title=\"Start the new year right! Osaka\u2019s most beloved festival\u2014T\u014dka Ebisu\">T\u014dka-Ebisu Festival<\/a> and pay their first visit to a shrine at an Ebisu Shrine to double up on the good luck!<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2021\/04\/toka-ebisu02.jpg\" alt=\"toka ebisu festival and crowds\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14218\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2021\/04\/toka-ebisu02.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2021\/04\/toka-ebisu02-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2021\/04\/toka-ebisu02-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Each shrine follows slightly different traditions, with some passing out hot drinks, sometimes hot sake, other times something less alcoholic. The largest shrines will have food stands and game stalls set up for the occasion. <\/p>\n<p>Osaka\u2019s most popular shrine at New Year\u2019s is undoubtedly <a href=\"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/spot\/sumiyoshi-taisha-shrine\/\" title=\"\u4f4f\u5409\u5927\u793e\">Sumiyoshi Taisha<\/a>. It is the head shrine for 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan. Throngs of people enter the shrine climbing the steps of the picturesque Taiko Bridge (aka Soribashi) and funnel into the shrine grounds to pay their respects. Over 2 million visitors in the first 3 days of the New Year holiday!<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2020\/08\/sumiyoshi-taisha-01.jpg\" alt=\"the Taiko Bashi(bridge) at Sumiyoshi Taisha\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1892\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2020\/08\/sumiyoshi-taisha-01.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2020\/08\/sumiyoshi-taisha-01-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2020\/08\/sumiyoshi-taisha-01-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 10px; border-radius: 0px; background: #f7f7f7;\">\n<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/spot\/sumiyoshi-taisha-shrine\/\" title=\"\u4f4f\u5409\u5927\u793e\">Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine<\/a> hours:<\/strong><br \/>\n10pm\u20138pm Dec. 31 to Jan. 1, 2025\/2026<br \/>\n6am\u20137pm Jan. 2\u20133, 2026<br \/>\n6am\u20136pm Jan. 4\u20135, 2026<br \/>\n6:30am\u20135pm Jan. 6, 2025\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2020\/08\/sumiyoshi-taisha.jpg\" alt=\"sumiyoshi taisha buildings\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2020\/08\/sumiyoshi-taisha.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2020\/08\/sumiyoshi-taisha-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2020\/08\/sumiyoshi-taisha-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/spot\/osaka-tenmangu-shrine\/\" title=\"\u5927\u962a\u5929\u6e80\u5bae\">Tenmangu Shrine<\/a> is slightly more laid back with about 600,000 visitors over the 3-day period, with New Year\u2019s Day being the busiest. This shrine venerates the Shinto deity of learning and the arts, Sugawara no Michizane, so it is popular with students. It is also located very near Japan\u2019s largest shopping street, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Arcade, which is usually filled with festival stalls. Unrefined sake will be passed out at midnight, but only while supplies last.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/03\/osaka-tourist-map-dekamap-img15.jpg\" alt=\"osaka tenmangu shrine\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-11497\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/03\/osaka-tourist-map-dekamap-img15.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/03\/osaka-tourist-map-dekamap-img15-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/03\/osaka-tourist-map-dekamap-img15-400x280.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 10px; border-radius: 0px; background: #f7f7f7;\">\n<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/spot\/osaka-tenmangu-shrine\/\" title=\"\u5927\u962a\u5929\u6e80\u5bae\">Osaka Tenmangu Shrine<\/a> hours:<\/strong><br \/>\n6am\u20139pm Dec. 31, 2025<br \/>\n12am\u20138pm Jan. 1, 2026<br \/>\n6am\u20137pm Jan. 2\u2013Jan. 3, 2026<br \/>\n9am\u20135pm normal business hours\n<\/div>\n<p>Other smaller shrines are also fun to visit if you are looking for something more laid back. When you visit, line up to greet the gods with a money offering and ring the bell. Then you bow twice, clap twice, and bow again.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC02843-scaled-e1671526062673.jpg\" alt=\"donation box at Namba Yasaka Jinja Shrine in Osaka\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15017\" \/><br \/>\nDraw your New Year\u2019s fortune (<em>omikuji<\/em>) for an idea of what lies ahead this year. You\u2019re welcome to take it home as a souvenir although most people simply tie it to a rope or tree branch on shrine grounds. This is a fun tradition to carry out as you look forward to all the new year holds.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/DSC02797-1-scaled-e1671693278592.jpg\" alt=\"omikuji fortunes tied to tree at Namba Yasaka Jinja Shrine\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15051\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"anchor3\" style=\"color:#b1933b;\">Joya no Kane at the temple<\/h2>\n<p>This New Year tradition is held at Buddhist temples throughout the country and involves ringing in the New Year with the large temple bell. The ceremony starts before midnight at many temples, but at midnight at others. The bells are struck a total of 108 times. The number represents the number of worldly desires that a person experiences in life and the sound of the bells is supposed to purge humanity of these temptations.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/EM6e1kMU0AAIR0r-e1671698986162.jpeg\" alt=\"joya no kane new year bells at Japanese temple\" width=\"800\" height=\"581\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15093\" \/><br \/>\nSome temples allow members of the public to line up and take a turn pulling back the wooden beam suspended in front of the hanging bell and give it a firm strike. The large bells have a rich harmonic sound that travels far notifying the whole neighborhood of the passage of time.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/C05y0fNVIAAvaIN-e1671698916996.jpeg\" alt=\"shitennoji temple on japanese new years, joya no kane\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15092\" \/><br \/>\nTemples all over Osaka, and the rest of the country, are open New Year\u2019s Eve for <em>Joya no Kane<\/em>. Some pass out food and hot drinks. Some allow anyone to strike the bell, others allow only monks. Here are a few recommendations for where to go in Osaka:<\/p>\n<p>One of my favorites is <a href=\"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/spot\/shitennoji-temple\/\" title=\"\u548c\u5b97 \u7dcf\u672c\u5c71 \u56db\u5929\u738b\u5bfa\"> Shitennoji Temple<\/a>, Japan\u2019s first official temple, which is conveniently located near the Tennoji neighborhood in Osaka. The sprawling grounds are beautiful and the temple has multiple bells to ring on New Year\u2019s Eve. Starting at around 11pm on New Year&#8217;s Eve, the temple will distribute tickets for those who wish to be in the first lots of 108 to ring the bells. And even if you&#8217;re late, anyone has a chance to ring them until about 3am. Plus there are usually stands serving <em>amazake<\/em> (sweet rice non-alcoholic drink) and special New Year&#8217;s soba noodles among other street foods.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/06Shitennoji1.14.19-scaled-e1671526464646.jpg\" alt=\"shitennoji temple lucky wheel with pagoda in background\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15018\" \/><br \/>\nKitamido is another large temple right in the middle of the city near Honmachi Station. They&#8217;re planning lots of extra fun.<br \/>\nMessage candles will be set out in a big display and the countdown will include beautiful LED lights. This temple also allows all visitors to ring the temple bell before and after midnight lasting until about 1:30am.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/taiyuji.net\/02.html#annual-events\">Taiyuji<\/a> is a small temple halfway between Umeda and Ogimachi Park. Joya no Kane ringing starts at 11:45pm in 2025. The first 108 people to ring the bell will receive a small memento of the occasion and anyone in line before midnight will have a chance to ring in the good luck..<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/C07b42kVIAEV_l7-e1671698831525.jpeg\" alt=\"Taiyuji Temple in Osaka\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15091\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"anchor4\" style=\"color:#b1933b;\">All Night Trains<\/h2>\n<p>So you may be wondering, how do people get to all of these late night activities with most train lines ending their service around midnight? Well, this is where the all-night trains come in. Most train lines run infrequently, but they normally* run all night long from Dec. 31\u2013Jan. 1. Special schedules are posted by the train companies on official websites and train stations leading up to the New Year holiday.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/-e1671526775503.jpg\" alt=\"keihan express train\" width=\"800\" height=\"567\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15020\" \/><br \/>\n*Please check with each train company for the most up-to-date information, however the following trains are expected to run late on New Year&#8217;s Eve into the following morning:<\/p>\n<div style=\"padding: 10px; border-radius: 0px; background: #f7f7f7;\">\n\u30fb<a href=\"https:\/\/www.keihan.co.jp\/travel\/en\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Keihan Railway<\/a> will be running with intervals of 5\u201330 minutes between trains.<br \/>\n\u30fbMost <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kintetsu.co.jp\/foreign\/english\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kintetsu<\/a> trains including the Osaka Line, Nara Line, Kyoto Line, Tenri Line, Keihanna Line, etc.<br \/>\n\u30fbNankai will be running trains late into the night stopping at Namba, Sumiyoshi Taisha, and Suminoe\u3000Stations. See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nankai.co.jp\/news\/241128_2.html\">here<\/a> for more details in Japanese.<br \/>\n\u30fbMany<a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/global\/en\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> JR<\/a> lines including the Osaka Loop Line will run until approximately 3am.\u3000Details for 2025 can be found in Japanese <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/press\/article\/items\/241129_00_press_Omisokarinjiunten.pdf\">here<\/a>.<br \/>\n*Please note: Hanshin and Osaka Metro will not be running all night trains so please be careful when you plan your route.\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"anchor5\" style=\"color:#b1933b;>Activities at Home<\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"color:#b1933b;\">New Year\u2019s Eve TV<\/h3>\n<p>Admittedly, not the first choice for non-Japanese speakers, but any New Year guide would be amiss without mentioning the ever-popular TV specials that draw millions of spectators every year. <\/p>\n<p>Since 1959 NHK has been broadcasting a year-end singing special called <em>K\u014dhaku Uta Gassen<\/em>. The almost 5-hour long special features popular artists who compete against each other in teams (red and white).<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color:#b1933b;\">Hyakunin Isshu Poetry Game<\/h3>\n<p>This also, may only be fun if you are a serious student of the Japanese language, but nevertheless it deserves a mention. 100 poems by 100 poets are written onto cards that are then scattered before players. As the poem is read aloud, the first player to grab the correct card gets a point. This is the origin of the popular card game <em>karuta<\/em> and it is a traditional game for families gathered together during the holiday.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/hyakuninisshu-e1671759818285.jpg\" alt=\"karuta card game for Japanese New Years\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15109\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"anchor6\"  style=\"color:#b1933b;\">Hatsuhinode, the First Sunrise<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019ve stayed up late to ring in the New Year or make your first visit to a shrine, this may not be an activity for you, but viewing the first sunset is a big deal on January 1. Watching the first rays of sunshine for the year (<em>hatsuhinode<\/em>) is said to bring good luck and happiness in the new year.<br \/>\nThe first sunrise of 2025 in Osaka will be between 6:57\u20137:05am depending on exactly where you are standing. <\/p>\n<p>Of course, you can do this from anywhere with a view of the horizon, but many of Osaka\u2019s observation decks open early for spectators to catch the first sunrise in a special place:<\/p>\n<p>Mount Kongo, located in the southeast part of Osaka Prefecture near the border of Nara, this is the tallest peak in Osaka. Measuring in at 1125 meters, you\u2019ll have a spectacular view of the sun\u2019s first rays. Admission to Chihaya-enchi park is free.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/210227\u91d1\u525b\u5c71-scaled-e1671699663731.jpg\" alt=\"mt kongo in snow\" width=\"800\" height=\"1000\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15097\" \/><br \/>\nIf you\u2019re looking for something more&#8230; indoors, try <a href=\"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/spot\/sakishima-cosmo-tower-observatory\/\" title=\"\u3055\u304d\u3057\u307e\u30b3\u30b9\u30e2\u30bf\u30ef\u30fc\u5c55\u671b\u53f0\uff08\u5927\u962a\u54b2\u5dde\u5e81\u820e\u5c55\u671b\u53f0\uff09\">Cosmotower<\/a>, located on the edge of Osaka Bay. Panoramic views from the 55th floor are absolutely beautiful. Admission is by pre-reservation only and tickets can be purchased <a href=\"http:\/\/(https:\/\/www.asoview.com\/channel\/ticket\/GUMpWVfPNf\/ticket0000017211\/)\">here<\/a> for \u00a53,000\/person. The observation deck opens early, at 5:30am, so you have plenty of time to see the city lights before dawn paints color over the surroundings.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/17sakishima-e1671527830385.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"473\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15022\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/spot\/umeda-sky-building-kuchuteien-observatory\/\" title=\"\u6885\u7530\u30b9\u30ab\u30a4\u30d3\u30eb \u7a7a\u4e2d\u5ead\u5712\u5c55\u671b\u53f0\">Umeda Sky Building <\/a>opens early, at 5:30am, for a special sunrise viewing, but this also requires special tickets. Visitors get a gift to take home and admission to the 40th floor observatory for \u00a54,500\/person. Additional dining plans are available as well, so you can view the sunset and head to the 39th floor for an elegant Chinese breakfast or bowl of ramen to warm you up.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/MG_2976-scaled-e1671527576432.jpg\" alt=\"sky building observation deck\" width=\"800\" height=\"630\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15021\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/MG_2976-scaled-e1671527576432.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/MG_2976-scaled-e1671527576432-768x605.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"anchor7\" style=\"color:#b1933b;\">New Year Foods<\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"color:#b1933b;\">Toshikoshi soba<\/h3>\n<p>Notably the first New Year food you may encounter. Soba is eaten on the Eve. It is long and thin and easily cut, much like time as it stretches into the New Year. <\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color:#b1933b;\">Osechi<\/h3>\n<p>Osechi is not one thing. It is a whole arrangement of small dishes that are considered lucky and eaten with family in the first few days of the new year. Many are symbolic, like the herring roe, which is said to bring fertility, or the <em>kurikinton<\/em> (sweet chestnuts), which are said to bring wealth. <em>Kuromame<\/em> (sweet black beans) are said to bring health. There are too many to explain here, but it is fun to learn the meaning behind the each one.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/osechi.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese new year food, osechi ryori in boxes\" width=\"1478\" height=\"1108\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15008\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Also, please note that this traditional food involves so many dishes and preparation that people often purchase it as a set or at least parts of the meal. Osechi is often ordered ahead, but one can also purchase dishes at department stores, some supermarkets, and of course, Kuromon Market.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color:#b1933b;\">Oz\u014dni<\/h3>\n<p>This light soup features pieces of mochi and is a big New Year\u2019s favorite. There are countless regional variations to this traditional soup, but the one constant is the mochi. Osaka&#8217;s traditional oz\u014dni is made from <em>kombu<\/em> (kelp) and bonito broth that is flavored with white miso. It&#8217;s absolutely delicious!<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/ozoni.jpg\" alt=\"Osaka style ozoni soup with mochi and white miso\" width=\"1478\" height=\"1108\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15007\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"anchor8\"  style=\"color:#b1933b;\">Countdown Parties<\/h2>\n<p>Bars, restaurants, cruise boats, and more, lots of places hold fun New Year events where you can count down the seconds to ring in the new year. Here are a few suggestions, but this does not, by any means, cover them all:<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color:#b1933b;\">Universal Studios Japan<\/h3>\n<p>This is always one of the biggest days at Osaka\u2019s major theme park, USJ. Party till it gets dark, light, and dark again! A ticket to this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usj.co.jp\/web\/en\/us\/events\/countdown-2025\/no-limit-countdown-2025\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">New Year party<\/a> gets you into the theme park at 7pm Dec. 31 and you can stay until the park closes the next day, 10pm Jan. 1. The Minions will be there! Hello Kitty will be there! You\u2019ll see fireworks at the stroke of 12. It will be a night to remember!<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/09\/universal-ball-e1662967174814.jpg\" alt=\"Universal Studios Japan globe\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13744\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color:#b1933b;\">Umeda Sky Building<\/h3>\n<p>From 40 floors above, you can look out over the whole city as this year turns into next. The panorama night views of the city\u2019s glistening lights below in Umeda and beyond is uniquely romantic. \u2028\u2028Toast your company with sparkling wine or over 40 varieties of imported beer at the cafe SKY 40 during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skybldg.co.jp\/new\/2363.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">New Year celebration<\/a>.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2022\/12\/16472706390853-e1671528311911.jpg\" alt=\"umeda sky building\" width=\"800\" height=\"1066\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15026\" \/><br \/>\nAccording to normal business hours, the observatory would close at 10pm, but New Year&#8217;s Eve is special!<br \/>\nBoth the observation deck and cafe SKY 40 are open for an extended period on this unique occasion.<br \/>\nOpen: 9:30am Dec. 31\u20141am Jan. 1 <\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color:#b1933b;\">Santa Maria New Year Cruise<\/h3>\n<p>Sail the high seas&#8230; or at least Osaka Bay! This fun <a href=\"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/spot\/cruise-ship-santa-maria\/\" title=\"\u5e06\u8239\u578b\u89b3\u5149\u8239\u30b5\u30f3\u30bf\u30de\u30ea\u30a2\">replica boat<\/a> might make you feel like you\u2019ve stepped back in time, and take you across the threshold to the new year. The 1 hour cruise departs from Osaka Port at 11:30pm and will have you back on dry land at 12:30. Details <a href=\"https:\/\/suijo-bus.osaka\/cruiselist\/detail.php?seq=192\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2021\/01\/20210127Cruise-Ship-Santa-Maria1.jpg\" alt=\"santa maria replica cruise boat on Osaka Bay\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2021\/01\/20210127Cruise-Ship-Santa-Maria1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/maido-storage.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com\/maido\/uploads\/2021\/01\/20210127Cruise-Ship-Santa-Maria1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Live entertainment for the 2025-2026 cruise will feature jazz and soul numbers.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color:#b1933b;\">Osaka Clubs<\/h3>\n<p>Osaka has a ton of clubs if you want to dance and drink the night away. Try <a href=\"https:\/\/club-pure.com\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pure<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/club-joule.com\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Joule<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/giraffe-japan.com\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Giraffe<\/a> near Dotonbori. Or if you\u2019re in the northern part of the city near Umeda see if you can get into <a href=\"https:\/\/clubpiccadilly.jp\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Club Piccadilly<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>Plus the city has bar after bar after small izakaya, so if you like to bar-hop, pick a neighborhood and the rest is up to you! My recommendations include Dotonbori, <a href=\"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/tips\/trivia\/trivia05\/\" title=\"\u65b0\u305f\u306a\u30cf\u30b7\u30b4\u9152\u30b9\u30dd\u30c3\u30c8 \u30a6\u30e9\u306a\u3093\u3070\">Ura-Namba<\/a>, Taisho, <a href=\"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/2022\/09\/02\/uratennoji-izakaya\/\" title=\"\u671d\u30c9\u30e9\u300c\u3061\u3080\u3069\u3093\u3069\u3093\u300d\u306e\u6c96\u7e04\u6599\u7406\u3082\uff01\u88cf\u5929\u738b\u5bfa\u3067\u5c45\u9152\u5c4b\u5de1\u308a\u3092\u697d\u3057\u3082\u3046\">Ura-Tennoji<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/2022\/11\/18\/temma-izakaya\/\" title=\"\u30102022\u6700\u65b0\u3011\u5c45\u9152\u5c4b\u5929\u56fd\uff01\u6fc0\u6226\uff15\u5e97\u3002\u5929\u6e80\u306a\u3089\u3067\u306f\u306e\u30c7\u30a3\u30fc\u30d7\u306a\u591c\">Tenma<\/a>, and the list goes on. <\/p>\n<p>So that\u2019s it! I hope you learned something about Japanese New Year and how to enjoy the holiday in Osaka! Happy New Year!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New Years, or Sh\u014dgatsu in Japanese, is an all-important festival throughout the entire country. Official celebrations start on New Year&#8217;s Eve and the holiday period lasts through January 3. It&#8217;s a time for families to gather, some of whom may see each other only once a year. It is a time where children look forward [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":14218,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[119,232,108,90,128,233],"tags":[],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"author_id":"","author_name":"","author_image":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14999"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/28"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14999"}],"version-history":[{"count":53,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14999\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23125,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14999\/revisions\/23125"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14218"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14999"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14999"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/maido-bob.osaka\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14999"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}