As we all know Chinese New Year is a cherished annual tradition across many Asian cultures, marked by house visits, wearing new clothes, and celebrating new beginnings. But did you know that in Japan, Chinese New Year is not an official cultural practice? Unlike its neighbours, Japan follows a different approach to New Year celebrations. Let’s explore why Japan doesn’t traditionally celebrate Chinese New Year and whether it’s a good time to spend your festive season in the Land of the Rising Sun. This CNY travel guide in Japan will help you make the most of your trip.
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Does Japan Celebrate Chinese New Year?
Wondering if Japan joins in on the Chinese New Year festivities? The short answer is no—Japan doesn’t officially celebrate Chinese New Year. Instead, the country follows the Gregorian calendar for its own New Year traditions, called shōgatsu, which kicks off on January 1st.
That said, Lunar New Year isn’t entirely absent in Japan! In areas with vibrant Chinese and Korean communities, like Yokohama, Kobe, and Nagasaki’s Chinatowns, you’ll find exciting events such as lantern festivals, parades, and traditional celebrations. While it’s not a nationwide holiday, the influence of Chinese culture and the shared similarities with shōgatsu traditions, such as pre-New Year cleaning and zodiac symbolism, reflect the deep cultural connections between these traditions.
Is It a Good Time to Visit Japan During Chinese New Year?
Planning a trip to Japan during the Lunar New Year? This CNY travel guide in Japan reveals that while the festive season is widely celebrated in neighboring countries, it’s just another regular day for most Japanese people. However, areas like Yokohama’s Chinatown can get lively and crowded with Chinese tourists and travelers from across Asia, though it’s still less busy than Japan’s New Year celebrations.
January offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a quieter and more authentic experience. With the peak holiday season over, many tourist spots, such as Kyoto’s serene temples and Tokyo’s popular attractions, see fewer visitors, making it easier to explore at your own pace. That said, ski resorts in Hokkaido and Nagano may be bustling, as this is the prime season for winter sports. Here’s a look at what the weather will be like and the pros and cons of traveling to Japan during Lunar New Year.
Weather Overview During Lunar New Year:
- Tokyo: Temperatures typically range from 2°C to 10°C
- Kyoto: Slightly colder conditions, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 9°C
- Hokkaido: Japan’s northernmost island, temperatures often drop to -10°C to -1°C
Pros:
- Unique cultural events
- Fewer tourists in many regions
- Potential hotel and restaurant deals
Cons:
- Some businesses may close for the holiday
- Certain areas, like Yokohama’s Chinatown, might be crowded
Ultimately, visiting Japan during Chinese New Year can offer a mix of vibrant celebrations and peaceful escapes, depending on your destination.
Places to Visit During Lunar New Year in Japan
1. Yokohama Chinatown (Yokohama Chukagai)
Yokohama Chinatown is a must-visit destination for experiencing vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations in Japan. Conveniently located about 40 minutes from Shibuya via the Tokyu Toyoko Line, it comes alive with traditional festivities.
Expect lion and dragon dances, thrilling musical performances, acrobatics, parades featuring stunning traditional attire, and mesmerizing fireworks displays. The streets burst with the sounds of firecrackers, cymbals, drums, and Chinese gongs, creating an electric festive atmosphere. Chinese lions and dragons perform their iconic dances, while live performances of songs, dances, and traditional acts further enrich the celebration.
To top it off, the Spring Festival Illumination lights up the streets with an array of vibrant lanterns, casting a magical glow over the bustling Chinatown.
2. Kobe Chinatown (Nankin-machi)
Kobe’s Chinatown, known as “Nankin-machi,” offers its own unique Lunar New Year experience. The district hosts lively events, including captivating live performances, tai chi demonstrations, and the thrilling sound of firecrackers.
Food stalls and shops line the streets, serving mouthwatering Chinese delicacies and offering a variety of goods, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the festive energy while indulging in authentic treats.
3. Nagasaki Chinatown (Shinchi Chukagai)
Shinchi Chukagai in Nagasaki is Japan’s oldest Chinatown, established in the 17th century, and it hosts one of the country’s most spectacular Lunar New Year events. The area’s massive Lantern Festival features over 15,000 intricately designed lanterns, ranging from delicate creations to enormous installations shaped like Chinese zodiac animals.
Visitors can wander the illuminated streets, soaking in the enchanting atmosphere, and marvel at the artistry behind the lanterns while enjoying the rich history and cultural charm of Nagasaki’s Chinatown.
4 Festive Food Experiences Every Traveling Foodie Must Try
1. Wagashi 和菓子
Forget just Chinese New Year cakes—Japan brings its own flair with wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) crafted into the shape of the year’s zodiac animal. These delicate treats, alongside tiny Western-style cakes shaped like the New Year’s animal, are as tasty as they are adorable.
2. Kagami Mochi
While mochi is enjoyed year-round in Japan, it takes center stage during New Year celebrations. The iconic kagami mochi—two stacked, round mochi topped with a bitter orange (daidai)—is not only decorative but deeply symbolic as an offering for the household’s Shinto altar.
For hands-on fun, check out a mochitsuki taikai (mochi-pounding tournament). Witness the traditional rice-pounding process and enjoy freshly made mochi—plus, who knows, maybe you’ll snag some good luck too!
3. Kuri Kinton
Say hello to wealth and success with kuri kinton, which translates to “chestnut gold mash.” This golden-hued dish combines candied chestnuts (kuri) and mashed Japanese sweet potatoes (satsumaimo), creating a dessert that’s as rich in symbolism as it is in flavor. Its sunny color represents prosperity, making it the perfect treat to kick off the year.
4. Toshikoshi Soba
Toshikoshi soba is a savory New Year’s noodle bowl dish. Typically eaten on New Year’s Eve, toshikoshi soba can be dated back to the Edo Period (1603-1867).
Soba noodles are made from buckwheat, which is what gives them their warm brownish color. Toshikoshi soba, also called “year-crossing noodle,” is symbolic. The long length of the buckwheat noodles represents longevity, while the ease of cutting the noodles signifies cutting off any negativity or hardship from the prior year. These soba noodles are prepared simply with hot dashi broth and green onion for a simple meal.
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a Japanese Twist
We hope this CNY travel guide in Japan has provided you with valuable insights for planning your visit. While Japan may not officially celebrate the occasion, you can still enjoy the spirit of renewal and new beginnings by indulging in a rejuvenating experience inspired by Japanese traditions.
Pamper yourself this Chinese New Year with our Ikeda Spa Signature Geisha Organic Facial, a treatment voted Singapore’s Best Traditional Facial. This luxurious facial combines authentic Japanese skincare techniques and 100% natural ingredients, including the exclusive uguisu no fun (nightingale droppings, aka bird poop), a centuries-old beauty secret once used by geishas and kabuki actors.
Renowned for its ability to soothe, hydrate, and revitalize, this treatment leaves your skin glowing and refreshed—perfect for starting the new year with confidence and radiance.
