The traditional Japanese name for New Year's Eve is Ōmisoka.
Ōmisoka is observed on December 31, the final day of the Japanese calendar year. It is one of Japan's most important annual observances and is associated with preparing for the new year rather than with a single public countdown. Families may clean their homes, settle obligations, prepare special foods, and gather together.
A notable Ōmisoka custom is eating toshikoshi soba, or “year-crossing noodles.” The long noodles are linked symbolically with longevity and the wish to leave difficulties behind. Many Buddhist temples also perform Joya no kane, ringing a bell 108 times around midnight.
The following New Year period is called Shōgatsu, and the first shrine or temple visit is known as hatsumōde. These terms are related but not interchangeable: Ōmisoka is the last night of the old year, Shōgatsu is the New Year period, and hatsumōde describes a particular first visit. Japanese New Year customs therefore extend beyond midnight itself.