How to celebrate the New Year in Japan, and 4 gift ideas for meeting 2026

The Japanese New Year is a time of tranquility, symbolic details and special warmth at home. Unlike the noisy European tradition with fireworks and crowded parties, in Japan these days are dedicated to family, gratitude and a gentle transition into a new cycle. The country is slowing down for a while to give people the opportunity to be with their loved ones. 

Traditions that create a Japanese New Year mood

Preparation begins in advance: houses are decorated with branches with colorful mochi — this is mochibana, a symbol of prosperity and good luck. Kagami-mochi appears next to it, a small pyramid of two rice cakes with a tangerine on top.

Kadomatsu — bunches of bamboo and pine - appear at the entrance to the houses at this time. They meet the deity of the New Year, who, according to tradition, looks into every house. Here you can also see kumade, a decorative rake that is believed to "rake" luck into the owner's life. And inside there will definitely be at least one bright daruma doll — a symbol of perseverance and fulfillment of desires.

How is New Year's Eve going in Japan?

On the very night, the Japanese stay at home, laugh together in the first seconds of the coming year (it is believed that this brings happiness), and then go to temples to listen to the sound of 108 bells — each stroke cleanses the soul of one of the earthly passions. 

In the morning, Japanese people go to temples, drink some sake, eat mochi, visit relatives and give gifts.

Japanese-style New Year Gift Ideas

It is the tradition of giving gifts that makes the holiday especially warm. Below are gift ideas with a Japanese mood for your loved ones.

Figurine Horse for good luck in the new year 2026

The Year of the Horse is always associated with energy, forward movement and renewal. Therefore, the horse figurine will become a touching souvenir for those to whom you want to wish strength and prosperity in the new year. It is made of ceramics in a traditional style and festive colors. These are the kind of gifts that Japanese people like to give as a symbol of happiness that can be placed at home or on their desktop.

Jill Stuart Guilty Parfait Time Collection Gift limited set of cosmetics "Berry parfait"

Japanese New Year's cosmetics sets are always sumptuous in design and generous in content. This charming case from Jill Stuart, like a jewelry box, holds a collection of the brand's most popular products. Inspired by juicy berries and airy parfait, the set gives the skin a delightful care and a subtle, captivating fragrance. 

Everything you need for makeup is inside.:

- a palette of shimmering shadows, 

- a stick for lips and cheeks in a wine-pink shade,

- tonal primer base with chiffon glow,

- Guilty Parfait Time berry Parfait fragrance — enveloping, bright, festive

KANEBO MILANO COLLECTION Face-Up Powder 2024 Premium powder-veil for face with rose scent

The legendary powder in the Milano collection is the brand's annual super hit in the most festive design. The powder packaging is like a piece of jewelry, and it's a pleasure to use it every day. Its tiny particles, enriched with hyaluronic acid and royal jelly, create a weightless, flowing coating on the skin. It photoshops imperfections and gives a porcelain glow. And the delicate fragrance of the rose turns every touch of the brush into an exquisite beauty ritual.

AXXZIA Special Eye Care Kit Sakura Limited range of eye care products

Give the most delicate care to the most fragile area with a limited set of AXXZIA, created in honor of the cherry blossom. This beauty capsule combines powerful Japanese formulas aimed at combating signs of fatigue, dark circles and wrinkles. The enveloping textures and floral essence gently take care of the skin around the eyes, giving it instant hydration, elasticity and freshness. 

In the set: 

- premium version of AXXZIA Beauty Eyes Day Care Cream, which is loved by many, 

- updated circular lifting eye patches, 

- a massager for the skin around the eyes, which can also be used for a full-fledged gouache facial massage.

All gift ideas not only reflect the Japanese spirit, but also create the very atmospheric mood that makes the 2025-2026 holidays truly special.