ONLINE Experience: Christmas & New Year in Japan (Oshogatsu)

While many of us are unable to safely travel to spend time with friends and family this holiday season, this virtual holiday in Japan makes a wonderful gift to experience with loved ones. Meet your guide online for this interactive virtual experience celebrating the winter holidays in Japan. During this experience (1 hour 15 minutes), you’ll learn about the unique traditions and food during Christmas and New Year in Japan with insights from a local living in Japan. Through stories, fun facts, and trivia games, you’ll get a sense of Japan’s history and culture, and get a chance to make a Japanese style origami decoration! This virtual experience is family-friendly and interactive, great for kids as well as adults to experience together. So get your friends and relatives in on the fun and experience the spirit of the Japanese winter holidays! How to prepare: -Let’s get into the HOLIDAY SPIRIT! -Put on something festive like a Santa hat or Christmas sweater and get cozy -Prepare a seasonal beverage (eggnog, hot chocolate, and mulled wine are all great) -Bring Christmas cookies or another seasonal treat -IMPORTANT: Please cut a square piece of wrapping paper (any size is fine but it shouldn’t be too large) or get origami paper for our activity! One side of the paper should be patterned and the other should be a solid color -Come with an open mind and heart, and be ready to ask questions about Christmas and New Year in Japan! The host for this experience is a Japanese food tourism expert who is looking forward to sharing their stories and expertise. To ensure an intimate experience where everyone is able to ask questions and connect to the guide, the groups are kept small. After the online experience, additional info and resources will be provided. Looking forward to making delicious memories and sharing Christmas and Japanese New Year customs!