Asia · Japan
Omisoka
Omisoka, observed on December 31, is Japan’s New Year’s Eve, marked by rituals to cleanse the past year and welcome the new one. Families clean their homes (osoji), eat toshikoshi soba (year-crossing noodles), and listen to temple bells ringing 108 times to dispel sins. This culturally significant event blends Shinto and Buddhist practices with family traditions.
December
