December 31st is called Omisoka (大晦日), which means New year’s eve – is one of the most important days for the Japanese people. It is also the day for many Japanese people to eat traditional soba noodle- “toshikoshi soba”
Eating toshikoshi soba at the end of a year is a popular custom in Japan. It must be eaten before midnight and it is also believed to bring bad luck if you eat it after the start of the new year.
At midnight, many people visit shrines and temples near their house and make wishes for new year. We say “Hatsumode” about visiting shrines or temples during the first 3 days of the starting year. The shrine which locates near NILS is “Dazaifu Tenmangu” – where is the MOST famous shrine in Japan. More than two million people visit Dazaifu Tenmangu on January 1st to 3rd every year. Just check how famous this shrine is- amazing! https://www.dazaifutenmangu.or.jp/en
You can visit there when you come to NILS, we are sure it will be unforgettable experience for you.
January 1st- is called “Ganjitsu” (元日)　We cook “Osechi” as a special meal for new year. It looks colorful and so beautiful, you should taste it. Visiting “Dazaifu tenmangu” and tasting “Osechi” will be a big chance for you to learn Japanese culture and tradition.
You will have a great interest in learning Japanese more than now!