It felt like just yesterday we were singing, “Only a few more sleeps until the New Year,” and suddenly, it’s all over.
Happy New Year!
I’m Kazu, your guide to the Yokocho Tours.
This year, I aim to further promote the unique culture of Japanese snack bars.
Today, I’d like to share how I spent my New Year’s holiday, still feeling a bit of that post-holiday daze.
How did you spend your New Year’s holiday? Before the pandemic, I used to travel during this time. Recently, however, I’ve been spending New Year’s Eve at my favorite snack bar.
While many snack bars close during the holidays, quite a few remain open, especially in local areas. Owners keep their doors open for patrons returning home who wish to reunite with familiar faces.
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Have you ever rung in the New Year at a snack bar?
Celebrating at a snack bar, watching the New Year’s Eve music show together, reflecting on the past year—it’s a truly enjoyable experience. You might even get to taste homemade toshikoshi soba or ozoni, traditional New Year’s dishes. If you’re spending the holidays alone, consider visiting a snack bar.
At my regular spot, we hold our own singing contest every year. We divide into teams and take turns singing, using a scoring system. The team with the highest total score wins.
Two years ago, despite a 100-point handicap for the men’s team, we lost badly to the women’s team, who consistently scored over 90 points. Last year, we split into two teams: the Mama’s team and the regulars. It was a close match, with the outcome uncertain until the final singer.
This year, we had a duet showdown. Mama and I attempted “Romance no Kamisama.”
I might have dragged down our score, but I gave it my all! Unfortunately, our opponents scored 97 points, and we had to concede defeat.
Why not find a favorite snack bar and spend your New Year’s Eve there?
Of course, the New Year’s celebrations continue with the snack bar community. In early January, I enjoyed visiting shrines, dining, and drinking with the Mama and regulars.
Snack bars are wonderful places to form friendships and familial bonds, regardless of age. As adults, our social circles may shrink, but local snack bars offer opportunities to connect deeply, even with families.
One of my New Year’s recommendations
It is “soba sushi,” a dish I enjoy annually at my favorite spot.
Tempura shrimp and cucumber are wrapped in soba noodles and then in seaweed—it’s truly delicious. Give it a try!
If you haven’t visited a snack bar yet, why not make this the year to experience this unique aspect of Japanese culture?
Why not start Your Year with a Taste of Japan’s Snack Bar Culture
When you hear “snack bar,” you might think it’s exclusive or unwelcoming to newcomers. However, snack bars are deeply rooted in Japanese daily life as places of interaction and relaxation. Even first-timers will find warm conversations and hospitality once they step inside.
Experiencing snack bar culture offers a special time beyond the usual izakaya outings. Through year-end parties, you can truly appreciate their charm.
Join our snack bar tour to discover a new world!
If you find yourself captivated by the atmosphere during this year’s-end party and wish to experience more, consider joining our snack bar tour. We’ll guide you through local favorites, offering encounters with warmth and humanity that you won’t find elsewhere.
For more insights into Japanese snack bar culture, you might find this article helpful:
