What is the traditional New Year's Eve meal of soba noodles in Japan called?

Japan's traditional New Year's Eve meal of soba noodles is called toshikoshi soba.

Toshikoshi soba literally means “year-crossing soba.” People commonly eat the buckwheat noodles on December 31, often at home or shortly before visiting a shrine or temple. The long noodles are associated with longevity, while their easy-to-cut texture can symbolize leaving behind the hardships of the old year.

The custom became widespread during the Edo period, although explanations of its exact origin vary. One historical association connects soba with year-end household practices involving buckwheat flour. Regional versions differ in broth, toppings, and serving style, so there is no single national recipe.

Toshikoshi soba is a food tradition, not the name of a temple ceremony. It is also different from zaru soba, which is cold soba served on a bamboo tray, and from udon, which is made from wheat flour. The important year-end combination is soba eaten as the calendar year changes.