Many businesses remain closed until at least January 3. The only other day that the public is allowed inside the gates is on December 23 for the Emperor's Birthday celebration. On January 2, the public gets a rare treat only granted twice per year: access to the inner palace grounds in Tokyo. The general sentiment is about new beginnings and setting the stage for prosperity. Reunited families spend time together and play games. Much like Chinese New Year, special food is prepared and money is given to children in small envelopes. At midnight, Buddhist temples ring bells 108 times (the estimated number of worldly sins/desires). Unlike in the West where the celebration revolves around New Year's Eve revelry and short-lived resolutions, Shogatsu focuses on bringing prosperity in the upcoming year - beyond just hangover recovery. At dawn, the Emperor of Japan prays for the nation. Many people start the new year by eating soba (buckwheat) noodles at midnight for good health. Shogatsu is observed by enjoying many traditional foods that vary between regions in Japan. It's considered one of the biggest festivals in Japan.
Shogatsu, the Japanese New Year celebration, falls on the familiar date of January 1 per the Gregorian calendar, but the celebration in Japan is stretched out days before and after.
Bringing in the new year is taken very seriously in Japan.
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