(January 1st - 3rd)
This holiday is one of the most important to the Japanese culture. People travel home to spend the New Year with family and friends and visit Temples or Shrines. You will find that the majority of small businesses and stores around Misawa are closed for the holiday.
Osetchi-ryori or simply Osechi are different types of traditional Japanese foods prepared during the New Years holiday. These foods date back to pre-refrigeration years so many require little to no refrigeration at all. Many families also eat sushi and sashimi for family gatherings. Many beautiful platters can be seen and ordered at the local Misawa sushi restaurants.
Just as Americans exchange greeting cards for Christmas the Japanese exchange postcards. During this time the Post Office is extremely busy, but they guarantee delivery of the all your cards if you ship by the last available date. The postcards or Nengajo can be found in many places around Misawa, Shimoda Mall, Book Market, Seria and many small office supply stores on White Pole Road.
Money is also given to children on New Years. It is placed in a small envelope called a Otoshidama-bukuro. Say that five times :)
On top of all this games are played, traveling and relaxing is part of the daily schedule as well. Misawa can be under the weather (snowy) during this time but the locals are not just hibernating.
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