What date is Ōmisoka, the Japanese New Year's Eve observance?

Ōmisoka, the Japanese New Year's Eve observance, is held on December 31.

It is one of the most important annual occasions in Japan and traditionally emphasizes finishing the old year and preparing for the new one. Many people clean their homes, settle obligations, and take part in family or community customs before New Year's Day begins.

A well-known Ōmisoka practice is eating toshikoshi soba, or “year-crossing noodles.” Their long shape is associated with longevity, while the ease with which buckwheat noodles can be cut has been linked symbolically with leaving behind the difficulties of the previous year. Buddhist temples also ring bells 108 times in the joya no kane ceremony.

Ōmisoka should not be confused with Shōgatsu, the broader Japanese New Year period. Ōmisoka is specifically the final day of the old year; Shōgatsu refers to the New Year celebrations that follow.