~January 1st and 11th~ In Japan New Years (正月 shōgatsu) is a major holiday full of traditions. “Firsts” of the year are very important. Watching the first sun rise (Hatsuhinode 初日の出), the first temple visit of the year (Hatsumoude 初詣), first tea ceremony, work day, shopping day, etc, etc. Food is also, of course, very important during New Years. People eat specific dishes that vary by region called osechi-ryouri (お節料理) to bring in the New Year. Also it is customary for everyone to send friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances New Years cards(年賀状 nengajou). A similar custom to Christmas cards in the west, but taken much more seriously. Considering that this would probably be the only New Years I experienced in Japan I wanted to soak up as much of the cultural experience as possible. On New
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