The Art of the Home Countdown
In many cultures, New Year is a loud public party. But for those wondering what to do on 31st December at home, the Japanese tradition of 'Ōmisoka' offers a peaceful, spiritual alternative.
This 3-day Kyoto itinerary blends home-style traditions with visits to ancient temples. You'll learn how to 'cleanse' your space, eat 'year-crossing' noodles, and hear the 108 bells of the new year.
Purity and Preparation
In Kyoto, the final day of the year is about 'Susuharai' (year-end cleaning). It's the belief that by purifying your home, you welcome the 'Toshigami' (New Year Deity) who brings good luck.
The food of Ōmisoka is equally symbolic—'Toshikoshi Soba' (buckwheat noodles) are long and easy to break, symbolizing a long life and the 'cutting away' of the year's hardships.
This focus on the domestic sphere provides a perfect answer for what to do on 31st December at home; it's about making your environment a reflection of the luck you want to attract. The bells of the local temples ringing throughout the night serve as a reminder that the home is part of a larger, sacred cycle.
Your 3-Day Kyoto Reflection
Discover what to do on 31st December at home through Japanese eyes.
Day 1: Dec 30: Market Prep
Gathering the symbols of luck.
Nishiki Market
Kyoto's Kitchen
A narrow, five-block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants.
Why You Should Visit:
See the locals buying 'Osechi Ryori' ingredients. This informs what to do on 31st December at home.
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Subway (Shijo)
2 hours
How to Reach:
5-minute walk from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Line.
Insider Tip:
Look for 'Kadomatsu' (pine and bamboo decorations) that people place at their front doors.
Gion District
Old World Echoes
Kyoto's most famous geisha district, filled with teahouses and traditional wooden buildings.
Why You Should Visit:
Walk through the historic streets as the lantern-lit evening begins.
Evening
Bus
2 hours
How to Reach:
Bus 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station to Gion.
Insider Tip:
Please be respectful and don't take photos of Geiko/Maiko without permission.
Day 1 Dining: Kaiseki Dinner
The pinnacle of Japanese cuisine.
Gion Karyo
Modern Kyoto kaiseki.
Izuju
Famous Kyoto-style 'pressed' sushi.
Day 2: Dec 31: The Pure Home
Noodles and Temple Bells.
Chion-in Temple
The Great Bell
Home to one of the largest temple bells in Japan, requiring 17 monks to ring it.
Why You Should Visit:
Experience the 'Joya No Kane' (ringing out of the old year). It's the spiritual soul of Ōmisoka.
Late Night
Walk / Taxi
1.5 hours
How to Reach:
Short walk from Yasaka Shrine.
Insider Tip:
The bell starts ringing around 10:40 PM. Arrive early to get near the viewing area.
Yasaka Shrine
Fire & Light
The 'Okera Mairi' tradition involves lighting a sacred rope and taking the fire home.
Why You Should Visit:
This is a literal answer for what to do on 31st December at home: taking sacred fire back to cook your first meal.
All Night
Bus (Gion)
1 hour
How to Reach:
Centrally located at the end of Shijo-dori.
Insider Tip:
The 'Okera' fire is said to prevent illness in the coming year.
Day 2 Dining: Toshikoshi Soba
The ritual year-end meal.
Honke Owariya
Established in 1465, former purveyor to the Imperial Palace.
Misoka-an Kawamichi-ya
Rustic and historic soba shop.
Day 3: Jan 1: The First Sunrise
Hatsumode at Fushimi Inari.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Thousand Torii Gates
An iconic shrine with thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up the mountain.
Why You Should Visit:
Perform 'Hatsumode'—the first shrine visit of the year—to pray for good luck in 2026.
Open 24/7
JR Train
3 hours
How to Reach:
5-minute train ride from Kyoto Station on the JR Nara Line.
Insider Tip:
The lower paths will be extremely crowded; hike 20-30 minutes up for a quieter experience.
Day 3 Dining: Osechi Ryori
Traditional New Year foods.
Hotel Breakfast
Most Kyoto hotels serve a traditional Osechi breakfast.
Kichi Kichi Omurice
A fun, modern alternative.