In
Japan, where tradition lives strong, New Year is one of the most important
occasions. The holiday was originally observed according to the Chinese lunar
calendar, celebrated in time with countries such as China, Korea and Vietnam. Shortly
after the Meiji Restoration, Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar, celebrating
the arrival of New Year on January 1 from 1873 onwards.
Despite
the changed date of celebration, many of the original customs and rituals are
still observed today. January 1 is regarded as a very auspicious day, believed
to be representative of the whole year to come. Japanese households are
typically cleaned prior to New Year, quite literally allowing for a fresh start
while the day itself is spent work-free with family and friends.
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| Mallet-beaten mochi making at Hilton Niseko Village |
Here
at Niseko Village, we uphold a range of traditional New Year activities. Hilton
Niseko Village prepares for the day with creation of rice cakes known as mochi. Boiled sticky rice is
mallet-beaten with water in a large bowl to form a white dumpling. Mochi is also typically made into
decorations called kagami mochi
formed with two round cakes of the sticky substance and topped with a daidai (tangerine). This year, on
December 31st, enjoy a taiko
(Japanese percussion group) show put on from 11.15pm in Flame. Celebrate in
style at the Countdown Party at Ezo Pub from 10pm to 1am. On offer will be a
tapas buffet and two drinks for ￥3,500.
Food
plays an important role in these celebrations, with culinary traditions that
date back to a time before the existence of refrigerators. Dishes were
therefore usually sweet, sour or dried to preserve them. This special selection
of dishes known as osechi varies from
region to region. At The Green Leaf Niseko Village, soba (buckwheat noodle) is served on New Year’s Eve, meant to
symbolise longevity.
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| Taiko Drum Show at Hilton Niseko Village |
No
Japanese celebration would be complete without a vibrant display of hanabi (fireworks). Typically, fireworks do not feature in
Japanese New Year events, as it is usually reserved for summer festivals to
ward off evil spirits. However, as a nod to a more international style turning
of the year, Niseko Village offers two spectacular hanabi viewings.
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| Fireworks on NYE at The Green Leaf Niseko Village |
Immediately
before the fireworks, guests can join or watch the New Year’s Eve torch light run.
Led by our Niseko Village Snow School instructors, it is a brilliant show of
colour and light; truly unique to the resort.
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| Torch Light Run at Niseko Village |
True
to Japanese tradition, Niseko Village offers a unique viewing of the first
sunrise of the year. Join the early risers for the Sunrise Gondola and be the
first to greet the New Year.
We
invite you to join in on our celebrations for an unforgettable holiday!
Please visit our Events page for more information:www.niseko-village.com/en/events/index.html
