Winter Solstice in Japan: Celebrating Tōji with Traditions and Crafts

Japanese Tradition
Written By Japan Suite

The winter solstice, or Tōji, is a cherished seasonal marker in Japanese culture. Falling on the shortest day and longest night of the year, Tōji symbolizes a turning point as the days begin to grow longer. In Japan, this day is steeped in traditions meant to promote health, vitality, and good fortune for the colder months ahead.

JapanSuite_blog_Tohji1

One of the most iconic Tōji customs is the yuzuyu, a hot bath infused with fragrant yuzu citrus fruits. This ritual is believed to ward off colds, improve circulation, and rejuvenate the spirit. The bright yellow yuzu floating in steaming water creates a sensory experience that is both invigorating and deeply soothing, making it a perfect way to connect with the season.

Another tradition involves eating kabocha, or Japanese winter squash. Rich in vitamins and nutrients, kabocha is enjoyed in various forms, such as simmered dishes or soups. It’s thought to provide strength and warmth during the chilly winter season, aligning with Tōji’s themes of renewal and preparation for the months ahead.

Beyond these customs, Tōji serves as a time for reflection and renewal. It encourages people to embrace the natural rhythms of the seasons, taking a moment to pause and reset before the busy New Year festivities. Whether soaking in a yuzuyu or savoring a comforting kabocha dish, Tōji is a celebration of health, hope, and harmony with nature.

In modern times, Tōji continues to inspire people not only in Japan but around the world. Its emphasis on balance and renewal resonates universally, offering a moment to slow down and embrace simple, meaningful traditions as winter deepens.

This article is part of an ongoing series exploring seasonal rituals in Japan, where everyday customs quietly mark the passage of time throughout the year. #JapaneseTradition

Hibi Kohiki Small Yobachi Hibi Kohiki Small Yobachi
Quick View
Hibi Kohiki Small Yobachi
$88.00
Hekikaihaku Mug by Kodo Kiyooka Hekikaihaku Mug by Kodo Kiyooka
Quick View
Hekikaihaku Mug by Kodo Kiyooka
$95.00
Japan Suite
Showcasing traditional Japanese crafts and the artisans who create them — their stories and their art in words and visions. Japan’s hand-made crafts have played an integral role in the lives of Japanese for centuries. They are created in response to basic, everyday needs and have long been used in the daily rhythms of life. They come from the earth and from nature, and they are prized for their simplicity and long life. Craftspeople pour their passion, pride and energy into their handiwork, creating objects that can far outlive their creators, but in doing so, they carry on the artist’s legacy. The artisans know their objects can live hundreds of years, and they want to be just as proud of it in 100 years as they are today. So, everyday household items take on a life of their own, their own spirit and their own story. They are unique, one-of-a-kind creations with a character and spirit that grows stronger with regular use. The artist creates the object, but that is just the beginning of the journey. In the hands of its owner, a relationship is created, one that is nurtured across time. Just as we do, these creations will change over time developing new imperfections and new character. Each region and each artisan have their own character. In Japan, this is known as meibutsu. The legacy has been passed down by Japanese artists across time down to today’s craftspeople who are advancing and redefining this tradition. We applaud these artisans, and we strive to support them as they re-interpret the heritage of their predecessors — and we are proud to introduce their work, their stories and the passion they put into their creation here at Japan Suite.
www.japan-suite.com
Previous

How the Year Ends in Japan — Preparing for a New Beginning
Next

Tsukimi: Japan’s Timeless Moon-Viewing Tradition