Celebrate New Year in Osaka: The Ultimate Guide to Traditions & Events

When we think of celebrating the New Year in Osaka, we might think of vibrant streets, fireworks, and parties that carry on well into the night, but in Japan, the new year is also a spiritual reset. It is a sacred period known as Oshogatsu.

Oshogatsu consists of ancient rituals and traditions, taking a step back from modern celebration and creating a one-of-a-kind, moving experience for locals and travellers alike. This guide is going to delve into all aspects of the New Year in Osaka, from the magnificent energy of the Midosuji and Namba Parks Illuminations (Hikari Tabi) to the immersive, calming experience of tranquil chimes and temple bells.

This is how you make the most of your New Year in Osaka.

What is “Oshogatsu’? (And What Opens During New Year?)

Traditionally, Oshogatsu is the period between January 1stt and 7th. This period is divided into two, January 1st to 3rd is called Sanganichi, and the 4th until the 7th is Matsunouchi. It’s a time when families come together to visit shrines and enjoy traditional cuisine. Compared to the fast-paced life of Osaka, Oshogatsu is a time when everything steadies, and much of the city closes, and people spend time with their loved ones.

However, in areas such as Namba, Osaka, some things still remain lively during this period, but it is worth taking the time to see what will be available in advance.

Allowing everyone to enjoy a mixture of modern celebration and cultural tradition. If you plan to spend New Year’s Eve in Osaka, we recommend staying in Namba, as you’ll remain close to the action while still getting to observe and partake in Oshogatsu traditions.

Though many small shops and businesses close during Oshogatsu, you will still be able to enjoy hotel and major chain restaurants and bars, shrines and temples, and onsens. In areas like Namba, you may also find a few cafés, restaurants, bars, department stores, and other major attractions open for limited hours, but it is best to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

One of the must-try meals people enjoy during Oshogatsu is Osechi Ryori. This is a beautifully arranged selection of dishes that represent happiness, longevity, and prosperity. However, this meal usually needs to be booked far in advance. If you can’t find anywhere taking last-minute bookings, the best alternative is Hana-Goyomi.

If you stay at Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, situated at Nankai’s Namba train station for absolute convenience, you’ll get to enjoy an array of seasonal Kaiseki at Hana-Goyomi, or interactive dining at Minami teppanyaki. You can also feast on Toshikoshi Soba, which can be delivered straight to your room. At Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, you’ll get to experience the very best of authentic Japanese cuisine.

New Year’s Eve in Osaka: Where to Celebrate on Dec 31st

If you want a truly unforgettable experience when you spend New Year’s Eve in Osaka, there are two paths you can explore.

The Party Vibe

To experience full-on energy and excitement, the most famous spots in the city are Dotonbori Bridge and Ebisubashi. You can also immerse yourself in a full-on party atmosphere at Table36 or NAMBAR10, which are famous for some of Osaka’s biggest celebrations. You can expect neon lights, street performances, and an immensely fun-packed night.

The Spiritual Vibe – Joya no Kane

You can also explore the traditional, reflective approach to the New Year in Osaka. The soul-cleansing ringing of 108 temple bells at Shitennoji Temple is not to be missed. You can also visit Hozenji Temple for the Mizukake-Fudo statue tradition if you don’t want to stray too far from Namba. Many Japanese choose to go to a temple on New Year’s Day to pay their respects and wish for a good year. Some locals spend NYE enjoying a family meal and retiring early, so they can travel to the mountains for the first sunrise of the year.

Hatsumode: The Most Important Tradition of January 1st

If you’re curious about Hatsumode in Osaka, it is a truly spiritual experience. Hatsumode is the first shrine or temple visit of the year. A time of renewal, gratitude, and prayer.

Sumiyoshi Taisha

Sumiyoshi Taisha is Osaka’s most important shrine for New Year prayers, attracting two million people every year. Home to the famous Sorihashi Bridge, it also presents a unique photo opportunity for travellers. You can access Sumiyoshi Taisha directly from Swissôtel Nankai Osaka by taking the Nankai Line from the station below.

Namba Yasaka Shrine

This shrine is famous for its gigantic lion-head structure, making it one of the most photogenic landmarks in Osaka. Minutes away from your room at Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, it makes for a truly memorable Hatsumode in Osaka.

New Year Shopping: Fukubukuro & Winter Sales

One of the most exciting times during the New Year in Osaka is Fukubukuro. These are lucky bags containing mystery items and can be purchased at extraordinarily low prices. They can contain anything from fashion items and beauty products to luxury goods.

Prime locations for Fukubukuro excitement are Ebisubashi-suji Shopping Street, directly beneath Swissôtel Nankai Osaka, and Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, a few minutes away from Ebisubashi-suji.

Make Your New Year Special With Us

If you want to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Osaka the right way, there is no better place than the Swissôtel Nankai Osaka. Situated atop Nankai’s Namba Station, it is the perfect location to experience the entire city. Guests can also enjoy a range of festive, artisanal treats across our six restaurants, two bars, and a café for cakes and goodies.

To recover from the Namba celebrations, we also have an extensive wellness centre, featuring a sauna, Japanese bath, gym, and pool, perfect for relaxing after New Year’s Eve in Osaka.

We are also renowned for being one of the most inclusive hotels in Asia, and we want everyone to join us for New Year celebrations. In fact, we are Asia’s first hotel to become IGLTA-accredited. We have over twenty years of experience in delivering Swiss excellence, and all our staff speak English, ensuring a seamless stay. So, if you have any concerns about visiting during Oshogatsu, we are here to help.

Conclusion 

From neon-lit cityscapes and vibrant celebrations to sacred traditions, the New Year in Osaka offers a unique and exciting experience for everyone. Check out our festive offers page to learn where your Osaka experience begins and book your New Year stay at Swissôtel Nankai Osaka today.