Japan Info Swap Blog

New Year (Shogatsu) is a time for big celebration in Japan. Seen as a period of cleansing and renewal as well as an opportunity to welcome in the New Year, festivities tend to last from January 1-3, with many people taking this period off work.

There are various ways to commemorate the new year in Kansai – from partying with friends to more intimate family celebrations.

New Year’s Eve Parties

Although reveling the night away isn’t the big New Year’s …