Celebrating Chinese New Year in Japan 2024: A Guide
Celebrating the Lunar New Year Across Japan
Forget January and welcome the Year of the Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, or Horse in style! That's right, we're talkin' about the Chinese New Year. Although traditionally celebrated in China, its influence extends to Japan, especially in areas with prominent Chinese communities. Here's a lowdown on how it's celebrated in various parts of Japan. 🇲🇴
Upcoming Chinese New Years and Their Zodiac Animals
🐰 2023 Year of the Rabbit🐲 2024 Year of the Dragon🐍 2025 Year of the Snake🐴 2026 Year of the Horse
Chinese New Year in Japan
Originally, Japan also followed the traditional lunar calendar for New Year's, but in the Meiji Period, they switched to the Gregorian calendar. However, the symbolic significance of zodiac animals remains pertinent. The large number of Chinese immigrants has ensured that Chinese New Year events continue to take place across Japan. 🏯
Chukagai Yokohama
As the largest and most famous Chinatown in Japan, Yokohama Chinatown buzzes with life during the Lunar New Year. Streets are adorned with red lanterns, paper-cuts, and firecrackers bring the night alive. Performances like lion and dragon dances are showcased, and streets are lined with eateries offering an array of Chinese cuisine. 🥢
How to get to Chukagai Yokohama
You can reach Chukagai Yokohama via a short walk from Motomachi Chukagai Station on Minatomirai Line or by hopping on the Akaikutsu Loop Bus from Sakuragicho Station and getting off at Chinatown for ¥220 per ride or ¥500 for a day pass. 🚇
Nankinmachi Kobe
Founded in 1868, Nankinmachi, or Chinatown, in Kobe is one of the major tourist attractions in the city. It's famous for Chinese restaurants and souvenir shops, and during the Lunar New Year festivities, the area is awash with red decorations, firecrackers, and lively performances. 🌟
How to get to Nankinmachi
Nankinmachi can be easily reached with a short walk from Motomachi Station or Kencho-mae Station. 🚶
Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown
With roots dating back to the 17th century, Nagasaki Chinatown holds the prestigious title of Japan's oldest Chinatown. Famous for the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, over 15,000 lanterns illuminate the city during the Lunar New Year, attracting visitors in a spectacle of light and color. Performances, parades, and music concerts add to the vibrant atmosphere and pay homage to Chinese culture. 🎠
How to get to Shinchi Chinatown
Shinchi Chinatown is just a 2-minute walk from Shinchi-chukagai Station. 🚲
Chinatown in Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro in central Tokyo is home to a newly established "Chinatown". While not as grandiose as the ones in Yokohama, Kobe, and Nagasaki, it offers an authentic Chinese atmosphere during the Lunar New Year with crowds gathering and restaurants serving special dishes. 🧅
Tokyo Tower
Ever since 2018, Tokyo Tower has paid tribute to the Lunar New Year by lighting up in red and displaying the characters '未来'(mirai), meaning 'future' on its observation deck. A special ceremony, open to the public, is held on Chinese New Year's Eve. 🏰
Join the festivities and immerse yourself in Japanese-Chinese cultural fusion during the Lunar New Year! 🥂 If you're in Japan and looking for more travel inspiration, check out our Instagram and Facebook for more ideas and experiences! 🌏
- The large number of Chinese immigrants in Japan ensures that Chinese New Year events continue to take place, such as the lion and dragon dances in Yokohama Chinatown, adorned with red lanterns and Chinese food stalls.
- Delve into the history and customs of the Japanese lifestyle by exploring the newly established Chinatown in Ikebukuro, where crowds gather and restaurants serve special dishes during the Lunar New Year.
- Travelling to Nagasaki during the Lunar New Year offers the unique experience of the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, where over 15,000 lanterns illuminate the city and performances, parades, and music concerts pay homage to Chinese culture.
- The Lunar New Year in Japan is a perfect opportunity to learn about superstitions and beliefs, as the symbolic significance of zodiac animals remains pertinent despite the switch to the Gregorian calendar.
- At Tokyo Tower, you can witness the fusion of Japanese and Chinese culture as the tower is lit up in red and displays the characters '未来' (mirai) in honor of the Lunar New Year, with a special ceremony held on Chinese New Year's Eve for the public to attend.
