Osechi Ryori is the traditional food enjoyed on New Year’s day in Japan. Many Japanese Americans also practice the custom as well. When I was a kid, my family had the luxury of being invited to my grandparent’s home, where my step-grandmother had an impressive spread of food. Every dish of these traditional foods has a special meaning in welcoming the New Year. If you don’t want to make it yourself, here are some ways to celebrate Japanese New Year in LA.
Restaurants
Tamon
If you want to impress, make a reservation at Tamon in the Miyako Hotel in Little Tokyo. Our family joined our Aunt and Uncle’s family one year and were wowed by the selection of AYCE sushi and traditional osechi fare. Hours 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 2-hour slots. Adults $80++, Kids under 12 $40++
Tamon in the Miyako Hotel, 328 1st St, Los Angeles, 90012; Tamon
Ise Shima
Tucked inside the Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Gardena, Ise Shima is not well known. Their New Year’s Buffet returns this year and features traditional dishes such as Kazunoko (herring roe), Chikuzenni, Date Maki, and Kuri Kinton (chestnuts). Adults $95.00++, children (5-11 years old) $40++. Seats are extremely limited; for reservations, please call 310.320.6700.
Ise Shima, 21381 S Western Ave, Torrance, 90501 iseshima.us
Celebrations and Festivals
In addition to the tradition of enjoying Osechi Ryori with friends and family, you may want to experience the cultural side of the Japanese New Year. Known as Oshogatsu, the Japanese New Year is one of the most significant holidays in Japanese culture. Celebrate the first weekend of the new year by indulging in the sights, cultural performances, crafts, and activities for families and guests of all ages.
Japanese New Year Celebration
Sunday, January 1, 2023, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Japanese Village Plaza
Experience all the magic of a traditional Japanese New Year with a full day of cultural events presented by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California. Bring the whole family to enjoy an energetic day in Little Tokyo filled with live entertainment and cultural activities, including Mochitsuki, a Shamisen Show, and a Kimono Fashion Show! For more information, visit littletokyola.org/calendar.
Oshogatsu Family Festival – Year of the Rabbit
Sunday, January 8, 2023, 11 a.m.—5 p.m. | Japanese American National Museum
Ring in the new year at the Japanese American National Museum’s annual Oshogatsu Family Festival with Year of the Rabbit-inspired crafts, origami, scavenger hunt, and candy sculpture demonstrations by Shan Ichiyanagi. Join in person to experience cultural activities and live outdoor musical performances by Kodama Taiko. RSVPs are strongly recommended. Those who RSVP and scan their ticket at the JANM membership table at the Oshogatsu Family Festival will be entered into a drawing for an exclusive JANM gift bag. For more information, visit janm.org/events.