What to do in Japan in January ?

January is one of the most culturally important months in Japan.
It’s the start of the year, a quieter travel period after New Year’s week, and the heart of winter in many regions.
You’ll see strong traditions, seasonal food, snow landscapes, and fewer crowds in cities.

Here’s everything happening across Japan in January 👇

❄️ Where to Go in January

TOKYO
Meiji Jingu
Senso-ji
Shinjuku Gyoen (winter scenery)
Tokyo Midtown winter illuminations
Mount Takao (clear winter views)

KYOTO
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Kinkaku-ji
Arashiyama
Nanzen-ji
Gion streets early morning

OSAKA
Sumiyoshi Taisha
Osaka Castle Park
Shitenno-ji
Minoo Park (winter trails)

HOKKAIDŌ
Sapporo city
Otaru Canal
Niseko
Asahikawa area
Jozankei Onsen

TŌHOKU
Ginzan Onsen
Yamadera
Zao Onsen
Lake Towada winter area

HOKURIKU / CHŪBU
Kanazawa
Shirakawa-go
Takayama old town
Nagano snow areas

KYŪSHŪ
Beppu Onsen
Yufuin
Kagoshima city
Takachiho Gorge winter views

🎎 Main festivals & events

Jan 1–3 Hatsumode New Year shrine and temple visits, nationwide

Jan 1 First sunrise viewing Hatsuhinode, coastal areas and mountains

Jan 7 Nanakusa no Sekku Seven herbs rice porridge tradition

Jan 10 Toka Ebisu business prosperity festival, Osaka and western Japan

Jan 15 Sagicho and Dondo-yaki fire festivals, nationwide

Mid January Coming of Age Day Seijin no Hi ceremonies, nationwide

Mid to late January Winter sumo tournament Hatsu Basho, Tokyo

Throughout January New Year performances and rituals at major shrines and temples

All January events in Tokyo here.
All Japan january event here.

🌅 New Year Traditions Explained

Hatsuhinode First Sunrise
Hatsuhinode is the first sunrise of the year, usually watched on January 1.
People go to the coast, mountains, observation decks, or high viewpoints early in the morning.
Seeing the first sunrise is believed to bring good luck, health, and success for the year ahead.
Popular locations include seaside areas, Mount Takao near Tokyo, coastal viewpoints, and high-rise observation decks.

Hatsumode First Shrine or Temple Visit
Hatsumode is the first visit of the year to a shrine or temple, usually between January 1 and January 3.
People pray for health, safety, work success, studies, and family well-being.
The ritual usually includes washing hands, offering a coin, bowing, clapping twice at shrines, and making a silent wish.
Many people also buy omamori charms, draw omikuji fortunes, and return last year’s charms to be burned.

Joya no Kane Temple Bell Ringing
Joya no Kane takes place on the night of December 31, just before midnight.
Buddhist temples ring their bell 108 times to symbolize the removal of human desires and negative feelings before the new year.
Some temples allow visitors to participate and ring the bell themselves.
The final bell is rung at midnight to welcome the new year calmly.

🍵 What to eat this month

• Osechi ryori New Year food sets

• Ozoni mochi soup

• Toshikoshi soba leftovers and regional styles

• Buri yellowtail winter fish

• Mikan mandarins

• Amazake warm rice drink

• Daikon dishes and winter vegetables

💡 Travel tips

• New Year week Jan 1–3 is busy at shrines and transport hubs

• After Jan 4 cities become much quieter

• Many shops close temporarily during New Year holidays

• Snow affects transport in northern and mountain regions

• Winter daylight is short plan outdoor visits earlier

• Onsen towns are at peak comfort in January