|
|
Japan Opening Hours: Japan Oshogatsu
Japanese New Year is known as Oshogatsu. Japan has assumed the solar calendar since the year 1873 and the New Year celebration begins on January 1. However, in rural Japan, villagers continue to follow the lunar calendar and Oshogatsu is the Lunar New Year.
The New Year celebration lasts for 5 to 6 days. All pertaining to the New Year is emblematic of "firsts" of the New Year. Thus, the New Year offers a sense of renewal. On New Year's Eve, some minutes before of midnight, Buddhist temples ring bells 108 times to commemorate Japan's hardships. The ritual is a way to send out the old year and usher in the new.
Oshogatsu is a moment for peace and resolution. Japanese people don't work on New Year's Day. This day is for celebrating with the family. They visit the temples to implore for a prosperous and healthy new year. The first visit to the temple is known as "Hatsu Mohde," which means the first visit.
 Back to Japan Opening Hours
|
|
|
|
|
