Welcome the New Year in Kyoto: A quiet setting for the beginning
New Year's in Kyoto
— A place of beginnings, dwelling in tranquility —
The signs of a new year always come quietly.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of December, a dignified atmosphere suddenly emerges.
Shimenawa ropes hanging from the eaves of townhouses, the smell of white miso, and the sound of New Year's Eve bells ringing in the distance.
All of these are preparations to welcome the New Year.
The end of the year is a time of silence, yet amidst it all, there is a sense of certain change.
Today, we will introduce you to the New Year's scenery in Kyoto and the philosophy of "Shitsurae" that is embodied in it.
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1. Shimenawa and Kadomatsu: Beauty as a barrier
At the end of December, shimenawa ropes and kadomatsu pine decorations are quietly displayed at the entrances of townhouses.
Shimenawa is a "barrier" that separates sacred space from everyday life.
It is decorated with plants that have symbolized "prosperity" and "purity" since ancient times, such as ears of rice, urajiro (white-skinned plants), and daidai (mandarin oranges).
Kadomatsu are shaped like "sogi," with the cut ends of the bamboo trimmed at an angle so that they face the sky.
It is filled with hopes for the new year and prayers to heaven.
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2. White miso soup and Kyoto vegetables: Memories passed down through flavor
When you think of New Year's Day in Kyoto, you think of zoni made with white miso.
Round rice cakes, Kyoto carrots, taro, and zoni daikon radish.
The soft sweetness of the white miso gently envelops your mind and body.
At the beginning of the year, people gather around this zoni with their family and close friends,
With the greeting "Thank you for your continued support this year,"
A time to talk about your aspirations and gratitude for the year.
Taste is also a vessel that carries memories.
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3. New Year's visit to the shrine and memories of "sound"
On New Year's Eve, the bells ring out from Yasaka Shrine and Chion-in Temple.
The sound is a "sound arrangement" that exorcises 108 earthly desires and welcomes the new year.
The sound echoing in the silence calms the mind and encourages deep breathing.
When the wind chimes in the garden sway in the winter breeze and make a soft sound,
We are reminded that even in the midst of hustle and bustle, there is still silence.
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4. Calligraphy and word selection
At the beginning of the new year, I pick up my brush and write some words.
What is contained in a single character or a short poem?
Rather than goals or wishes, it's more about the mental direction of "how you want to feel as you go through this year."
For example, "Sumi" (clear), "En" (connection), "Tomo" (light), and "Tsugu" (connection).
The words are quiet and powerful, and are a part of everyday life.
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5. Shitsurae is a form of prayer
"Shitsurae" is not just decoration,
To organize with all one's heart.
It extends beyond what can be seen with the naked eye, to the air, the atmosphere, sounds, scents, words, and the flow of time.
Prepare the space, burn incense, listen carefully to the sounds, and choose your words.
And so we prepare to welcome the new year.
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6. What does your New Year's celebration look like?
The year 2026 has begun.
What kind of decorations did you have to welcome the New Year this year?
What scents did you burn, what sounds did you listen to, and what words did you choose?
Each New Year brings its own form of silence and prayer.
I hope that this year too, our days will continue to be peaceful and poetic.
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