Toshikoshi soba: (New Year’s Eve Buckweat Noodles) People pray for longevity by eating long thin noodles, hoping for the health of the whole family in the coming year

Oosooji (Year-End Cleaning): The large-scale, year-end cleaning is conducted in order to welcome in the New Year with a clean house

Joya no kane (New Year’s eve Bells): Buddhist temples start ringing their bells late on New Year’s Eve and continue into the early hours of New Year’s Day - 108 times in all. 108 symbolizes the casting away of 108 earthly desires.