Hello, I’m Kodak.
The Japanese New Year is filled with words that learners often see only once a year:
明けましておめでとうございます
初詣 (hatsumōde)
お年玉 (otoshidama)
おせち料理 (osechi ryōri)
門松 (kadomatsu)
年賀状 (nengajō)
お正月 ⇒ the Japanese New Year
明けましておめでとうございます ⇒ Happy New Year
初詣 ⇒ the first shrine or temple visit of the year
お年玉 ⇒ New Year money given mainly to children
These four words give you the basic structure of the holiday.
The Japanese New Year is called お正月 (oshōgatsu).
People say 明けましておめでとうございます, visit a shrine or temple for 初詣, eat foods such as おせち料理 and お雑煮, and give children お年玉 in small envelopes.
Many traditions begin before January 1 and continue into the first half of January.
Japanese New Year Vocabulary: The 4 Most Important Words
the Japanese New Year and its celebration period
2. 明けましておめでとうございます
Happy New Year
3. 初詣 (hatsumōde)
the first shrine or temple visit of the new year
4. お年玉 (otoshidama)
New Year money given mainly by adults to children
A family may exchange the New Year greeting, eat special food, give children otoshidama, and then go to hatsumode—all during the same holiday period.
1. Oshougatsu Meaning: The Japanese New Year
お正月 (oshōgatsu) means the Japanese New Year, the New Year holiday, or the period of New Year celebrations.
Hiragana: おしょうがつ
Romaji: oshōgatsu / oshougatsu / oshogatsu
Meaning: the Japanese New Year; New Year celebrations
お正月は家族と過ごします。
Oshōgatsu wa kazoku to sugoshimasu.
I spend New Year with my family.
Use 元日 (ganjitsu) when you specifically mean the whole day of January 1.
Read the full guide: Oshougatsu Meaning and Japanese New Year Traditions
2. Akemashite Omedetou Meaning: Happy New Year in Japanese
明けましておめでとう！
Akemashite omedetou!
Happy New Year!
Polite:
明けましておめでとうございます。
Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu.
Happy New Year.
The polite form is the safest choice for teachers, supervisors, coworkers, clients, neighbors, and people you do not know well.
Before the new year begins: 良いお年を
After the new year begins: 明けましておめでとうございます
A common complete greeting is:
Happy New Year.
今年もよろしくお願いします。
I look forward to your continued friendship, support, or cooperation this year.
Read the full guide: Akemashite Omedetou Meaning, Kanji, and Usage
3. Hatsumode Meaning: The First Shrine or Temple Visit
初詣 (hatsumōde) is the first visit of the year to a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple.
Hiragana: はつもうで
Romaji: hatsumōde / hatsumoude / hatsumode
Meaning: the first shrine or temple visit of the new year
元日に家族で初詣に行きました。
Ganjitsu ni kazoku de hatsumōde ni ikimashita.
I went to hatsumode with my family on New Year’s Day.
Remember that the prayer etiquette differs: shrines often use bows and claps, while temples usually use quiet prayer without clapping.
Read the full guide: Hatsumode Meaning, Etiquette, and Tokyo Shrines
4. Otoshidama Meaning: Japanese New Year Money
お年玉 (otoshidama) is a New Year gift, now usually money given mainly by adults to children.
Envelope: お年玉袋 / ポチ袋
Natural English: New Year money; a New Year monetary gift
祖父母からお年玉をもらいました。
Sofu-bo kara otoshidama o moraimashita.
I received New Year money from my grandparents.
お年玉 is a seasonal New Year gift.
お小遣い (okodzukai) is regular allowance or spending money.
Read the full guide: Otoshidama Meaning and Envelope Etiquette
Japanese New Year Vocabulary by Time
大掃除 / 年賀状 / 門松 / しめ飾り / 鏡餅 / 忘年会
New Year’s Eve
大晦日 / 年越しそば / 除夜の鐘 / 良いお年を
January 1 and the first days of the year
お正月 / 元日 / 元旦 / 明けましておめでとう / 初日の出 / おせち / お雑煮 / 初詣 / お年玉
Later in January
七草粥 / 鏡開き / どんど焼き / 新年会
clean and prepare
↓
finish the old year
↓
welcome the new year
↓
pray, eat, visit family, and celebrate
Japanese New Year Words Before January 1
5. 大掃除 (Osoji): Major Housecleaning
Hiragana: おおそうじ
Romaji: ōsōji
Meaning: major cleaning; thorough housecleaning
People clean homes and workplaces before the year ends. Traditionally, this helps prepare a clean and purified space for the new year.
年末に大掃除をします。
Nenmatsu ni ōsōji o shimasu.
We do a major cleaning at the end of the year.
6. 年賀状 (Nengajo): New Year Greeting Cards
Hiragana: ねんがじょう
Romaji: nengajō
Meaning: New Year greeting card
Nengajo are sent to relatives, friends, teachers, customers, and professional contacts. Modern people may also send New Year greetings through messaging apps or social media.
7. 門松 (Kadomatsu): New Year Entrance Decorations
Hiragana: かどまつ
Romaji: kadomatsu
Meaning: a New Year decoration placed near an entrance
Kadomatsu commonly use pine and bamboo. Traditionally, they mark the entrance as a place prepared to welcome Toshigami, the deity associated with the new year.
8. しめ飾り (Shimekazari): Sacred New Year Decorations
Romaji: shimekazari
Meaning: a decorative sacred rope displayed for New Year
Shimekazari are related to しめ縄 (shimenawa), sacred straw ropes that mark a purified or sacred area.
9. 鏡餅 (Kagami Mochi): Stacked New Year Rice Cakes
Hiragana: かがみもち
Romaji: kagami mochi
Meaning: stacked round rice cakes displayed as a New Year offering
The round shape is connected with ancient mirrors, and kagami mochi traditionally functions as an offering associated with welcoming the New Year deity.
10. 忘年会 (Bonenkai): Year-End Party
Hiragana: ぼうねんかい
Romaji: bōnenkai
Literal image: a gathering to “forget the year”
Meaning: a year-end party
Companies, groups, and friends may hold bonenkai in December to look back on the year and relax together.
Japanese New Year’s Eve Vocabulary
11. 大晦日 (Omisoka): New Year’s Eve
Hiragana: おおみそか
Romaji: ōmisoka
Meaning: December 31; New Year’s Eve
大晦日は家で過ごします。
Ōmisoka wa ie de sugoshimasu.
I spend New Year’s Eve at home.
12. 年越しそば (Toshikoshi Soba): Year-Crossing Noodles
Hiragana: としこしそば
Romaji: toshikoshi soba
Meaning: soba eaten on New Year’s Eve
The long noodles are commonly associated with longevity, while their ability to break can symbolize cutting away the difficulties of the old year.
13. 除夜の鐘 (Joya no Kane): 108 Temple Bell Rings
Hiragana: じょやのかね
Romaji: joya no kane
Meaning: Buddhist temple bells rung on New Year’s Eve
Many temples ring a bell 108 times, associated with the 108 worldly desires or mental afflictions in Buddhist thought.
14. 良いお年を (Yoi Otoshi o): Have a Good New Year
Hiragana: よいおとしを
Romaji: yoi otoshi o
Meaning: Have a good New Year
This is a year-end farewell used before the new year begins.
今年もありがとうございました。良いお年を。
Kotoshi mo arigatou gozaimashita. Yoi otoshi o.
Thank you for everything this year. Have a good New Year.
In normal conversation, 良いお年を is complete and natural.
Japanese Words for January 1
15. 元日 (Ganjitsu): New Year’s Day
Hiragana: がんじつ
Romaji: ganjitsu
Meaning: the whole day of January 1
16. 元旦 (Gantan): The Morning of January 1
Hiragana: がんたん
Romaji: gantan
Traditional meaning: the morning of January 1
In modern casual usage, 元旦 is sometimes used more broadly, but its traditional distinction from 元日 is useful for learners.
17. 初日の出 (Hatsuhinode): The First Sunrise
Hiragana: はつひので
Romaji: hatsuhinode
Meaning: the first sunrise of the new year
People may watch the first sunrise from beaches, mountains, observation decks, or other places with a clear eastern view.
18. 三が日 (Sanganichi): The First Three Days
Hiragana: さんがにち
Romaji: sanganichi
Meaning: January 1 through January 3
Japanese New Year Food Vocabulary
19. おせち料理 (Osechi Ryori): Symbolic New Year Food
Hiragana: おせちりょうり
Romaji: osechi ryōri
Meaning: traditional Japanese New Year dishes
Osechi is often arranged in layered boxes called 重箱 (jūbako). Many ingredients carry wishes for health, prosperity, long life, happiness, or family growth.
数の子 (kazunoko) — herring roe; descendants and family prosperity
昆布巻き (kobumaki) — kelp rolls; wordplay with happiness
海老 (ebi) — shrimp; long life
栗きんとん (kuri kinton) — golden-colored sweet food; wealth
20. お雑煮 (Ozoni): New Year Mochi Soup
Hiragana: おぞうに
Romaji: ozōni
Meaning: New Year soup containing mochi
Ozoni varies greatly by region and household. Broth, mochi shape, preparation method, and ingredients are not the same across Japan.
21. 餅 (Mochi): Rice Cake
Hiragana: もち
Romaji: mochi
Meaning: rice cake made from glutinous rice
Mochi appears in kagami mochi, ozoni, sweet dishes, and other New Year customs.
Osechi refers to the special set of New Year dishes.
Ozoni is a separate mochi soup.
Toshikoshi soba is eaten on New Year’s Eve.
Hatsumode Vocabulary: Shrines, Temples, and Good Fortune
22. おみくじ (Omikuji): Paper Fortune
Romaji: omikuji
Meaning: a paper fortune drawn at a shrine or temple
初詣でおみくじを引きました。
Hatsumōde de omikuji o hikimashita.
I drew a fortune at hatsumode.
23. 大吉 (Daikichi): Excellent Luck
Hiragana: だいきち
Romaji: daikichi
Meaning: excellent luck; very good fortune
Omikuji fortune categories and their order may differ by shrine or temple.
24. お守り (Omamori): Protective Amulet
Hiragana: おまもり
Romaji: omamori
Meaning: a protective amulet
Omamori may be associated with health, study, traffic safety, childbirth, relationships, business, and other wishes.
25. 絵馬 (Ema): Wooden Wish Plaque
Hiragana: えま
Romaji: ema
Meaning: a wooden plaque on which people write prayers or wishes
26. 破魔矢 (Hamaya): Protective Arrow
Hiragana: はまや
Romaji: hamaya
Meaning: a decorative arrow associated with protection from evil or misfortune
Handle them respectfully and follow the shrine or temple’s instructions when returning or disposing of old items.
Japanese New Year Shopping and Social Vocabulary
27. 初売り (Hatsuuri): First Sales of the Year
Hiragana: はつうり
Romaji: hatsuuri
Meaning: the first store sales of the new year
28. 福袋 (Fukubukuro): Lucky Bag
Hiragana: ふくぶくろ
Romaji: fukubukuro
Literal meaning: lucky bag
Meaning: a discounted mystery bag sold around New Year
Stores place selected products inside sealed bags and sell them for a set price. The amount of information revealed before purchase varies.
29. 新年会 (Shinnenkai): New Year Party
Hiragana: しんねんかい
Romaji: shinnenkai
Meaning: a New Year gathering or party
year-end party held before the old year ends
新年会
New Year party held after the new year begins
30. 初夢 (Hatsuyume): The First Dream of the Year
Hiragana: はつゆめ
Romaji: hatsuyume
Meaning: the first dream of the new year
The exact night counted as the first dream has varied historically, but the word remains associated with interpreting the year’s first meaningful dream as an omen.
Japanese New Year Words After the Main Holiday
31. 七草粥 (Nanakusa Gayu): Seven-Herb Rice Porridge
Hiragana: ななくさがゆ
Romaji: nanakusa gayu
Meaning: rice porridge with seven spring herbs, commonly eaten on January 7
32. 鏡開き (Kagami Biraki): Opening the Kagami Mochi
Hiragana: かがみびらき
Romaji: kagami biraki
Meaning: the custom of opening and eating the displayed kagami mochi
January 11 is common, but the date and custom can vary.
33. どんど焼き (Dondoyaki): Ceremonial Burning of Decorations
Romaji: dondoyaki
Meaning: a regional event in which approved New Year decorations and sacred items are ceremonially burned
Follow local instructions and do not bring ordinary household trash, plastic, metal, or unrelated objects.
Japanese New Year Vocabulary by Category
明けましておめでとうございます / 良いお年を / 今年もよろしくお願いします
Dates and periods
お正月 / 大晦日 / 元日 / 元旦 / 三が日 / 年末年始
Decorations
門松 / しめ飾り / しめ縄 / 鏡餅
Food
年越しそば / おせち料理 / お雑煮 / 餅 / 七草粥
Shrines and temples
初詣 / おみくじ / お守り / 絵馬 / 破魔矢
Gifts and messages
お年玉 / ポチ袋 / 年賀状
Shopping and gatherings
初売り / 福袋 / 忘年会 / 新年会
Seasonal customs
初日の出 / 初夢 / 除夜の鐘 / 鏡開き / どんど焼き
A Beginner’s Japanese New Year Conversation
Oshōgatsu wa dō sugoshimasu ka?
How will you spend New Year?
B：家族とおせち料理を食べて、初詣に行きます。
Kazoku to osechi ryōri o tabete, hatsumōde ni ikimasu.
I will eat osechi with my family and go to hatsumode.
A：いいですね。良いお年を！
Ii desu ne. Yoi otoshi o!
That sounds nice. Have a good New Year!
B：ありがとうございます。良いお年を！
Arigatou gozaimasu. Yoi otoshi o!
Thank you. Have a good New Year!
After the New Year Begins
Happy New Year.
B：明けましておめでとうございます。今年もよろしくお願いします。
Happy New Year. I look forward to another good year with you.
A：初詣に行きましたか？
Did you go to hatsumode?
B：はい。おみくじは大吉でした。
Yes. My fortune was excellent luck.
良いお年を。
明けましておめでとうございます。
今年もよろしくお願いします。
お正月はどう過ごしますか？
初詣に行きましたか？
Natural Example Sentences
日本のお正月には、たくさんの伝統があります。
Nihon no oshōgatsu ni wa, takusan no dentō ga arimasu.
There are many traditions associated with the Japanese New Year.
年末に大掃除をして、門松を飾りました。
Nenmatsu ni ōsōji o shite, kadomatsu o kazarimashita.
We cleaned the house at the end of the year and displayed kadomatsu.
大晦日に年越しそばを食べました。
Ōmisoka ni toshikoshi soba o tabemashita.
I ate year-crossing soba on New Year’s Eve.
元日の朝に初日の出を見ました。
Ganjitsu no asa ni hatsuhinode o mimashita.
I watched the first sunrise on the morning of New Year’s Day.
明けましておめでとうございます。今年もよろしくお願いします。
Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu. Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Happy New Year. I look forward to another good year with you.
家族でおせち料理とお雑煮を食べました。
Kazoku de osechi ryōri to ozōni o tabemashita.
My family ate osechi and ozoni together.
子どもたちはお年玉を楽しみにしています。
Kodomotachi wa otoshidama o tanoshimi ni shite imasu.
The children are looking forward to receiving New Year money.
初詣でお守りを受けました。
Hatsumōde de omamori o ukemashita.
I received an amulet at hatsumode.
おみくじを引いたら、大吉でした。
Omikuji o hiitara, daikichi deshita.
I drew a fortune, and it was excellent luck.
初売りで福袋を買いました。
Hatsuuri de fukubukuro o kaimashita.
I bought a lucky bag at the first sale of the year.
七日に七草粥を食べました。
Nanoka ni nanakusa gayu o tabemashita.
I ate seven-herb rice porridge on January 7.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using Akemashite Omedetou Before January 1
After the year begins: 明けましておめでとうございます
Mistake 2: Thinking Hatsumode Is Shrine-Only
Hatsumode can be done at either a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple.
Mistake 3: Calling the Otoshidama Envelope “Otoshidama”
Envelope: お年玉袋 / ポチ袋
Mistake 4: Believing Oshougatsu Means Only January 1
Oshougatsu can refer to the wider celebration period. 元日 specifically means January 1.
Mistake 5: Treating Every Tradition as Universal
Practices vary by region, household, religion, generation, work schedule, and personal preference.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Long Japanese Vowels
はつもうで — ha-tsu-mo-u-de
おめでとう — o-me-de-to-u
Mistake 7: Assuming Holiday Schedules Never Change
Transport, shops, museums, shrines, temples, and restaurants may change their hours each year. Check official information before traveling.
FAQ About Japanese New Year Words and Traditions
What is New Year called in Japanese?
The Japanese New Year is commonly called お正月 (oshōgatsu). 新年 (shinnen) means “the new year” and appears in more formal expressions.
How do you say Happy New Year in Japanese?
Say 明けましておめでとうございます politely or 明けましておめでとう casually.
What do Japanese people say before New Year?
They commonly say 良いお年を, meaning “Have a good New Year.”
What is hatsumode?
Hatsumode is the first shrine or temple visit of the new year.
What is otoshidama?
Otoshidama is a New Year gift, now usually money given mainly by adults to children.
What food is eaten at Japanese New Year?
Common foods include toshikoshi soba on New Year’s Eve, osechi ryori, ozoni soup, mochi, and regional New Year dishes.
What are Japanese New Year decorations called?
Common decorations include kadomatsu, shimekazari, and kagami mochi.
What is the difference between omisoka and oshougatsu?
Omisoka is New Year’s Eve, December 31. Oshougatsu is the New Year celebration period.
What is the difference between ganjitsu and gantan?
Ganjitsu means the whole day of January 1. Gantan traditionally means the morning of January 1.
What is a fukubukuro?
A fukubukuro is a discounted mystery bag sold by many Japanese stores around New Year.
Do all Japanese families follow these traditions?
No. Customs vary widely by family, region, religion, age, and lifestyle.
Can tourists participate in Japanese New Year traditions?
Yes. Visitors can enjoy decorations, food, hatsumode, first-sunrise events, and seasonal shopping while respecting local rules and worshippers.
Related Articles
Learn what the Japanese New Year is and how its main traditions connect.
Akemashite Omedetou Meaning and Kanji
Learn how to say Happy New Year, when to use it, and how to reply.
Hatsumode Meaning and Tokyo Shrines
Learn shrine and temple etiquette and how to choose a Tokyo hatsumode location.
Otoshidama Meaning and Envelope
Learn about Japanese New Year money, pochibukuro envelopes, and giving etiquette.
Summary: Japanese New Year Words
お正月 = the Japanese New Year and celebration period
● The greeting
明けましておめでとうございます = Happy New Year
良いお年を = Have a good New Year, used before January 1
● The main religious visit
初詣 = the first shrine or temple visit of the year
● The gift for children
お年玉 = Japanese New Year money
● Major food words
年越しそば / おせち料理 / お雑煮 / 餅
● Major decoration words
門松 / しめ飾り / 鏡餅
● Major shrine and temple words
おみくじ / お守り / 絵馬 / 破魔矢
● Major shopping and social words
福袋 / 初売り / 忘年会 / 新年会
お正月
明けましておめでとうございます
良いお年を
初詣
お年玉
おせち料理
お雑煮
Those words will help you understand most beginner conversations about the Japanese New Year.
References
- Kotobank: 正月
- The Government of Japan: The Origins and Significance of Japan’s New Year’s Culture
- The Government of Japan: New Year’s O-sechi Cuisine
- The Government of Japan: The Significance and Spirit of New Year Shitsurai
- The Japan Foundation: Annual Events — Oshougatsu
- The Japan Foundation: Annual Events — Omisoka
- Japan National Tourism Organization: Japan in December
- Japan National Tourism Organization: Japan in January
- Japan National Tourism Organization: Shrine and Temple Traditions
- National Diet Library: Railways and the Development of Modern Hatsumode
- Kotobank: 年玉
- Kotobank: ぽち袋