Kagami Biraki
SeasonalKanto(Tokyo)
Annual eventDates
Venue
Nationwide (households and dojos)
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Low crowdKanto(Tokyo)
Annual eventDates
Venue
Nationwide (households and dojos)
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Low crowdJapanese festivals (matsuri) are incredible cultural experiences, but they come with their own rules and customs. Learn the etiquette, what to wear, and how to fully enjoy a matsuri.
Discover Tokyo's best festivals throughout the year. From Sanja Matsuri in spring to Kanda Matsuri and Sumidagawa Fireworks in summer, plan your Tokyo festival itinerary.
Discover the spectacular summer festivals of Tohoku. From Aomori Nebuta's giant illuminated floats to Sendai Tanabata's elegant decorations, experience northern Japan's most vibrant celebrations.
Breaking of New Year mochi decorations, symbolizing new beginnings.
Kagami Biraki is the traditional ceremony of breaking open the kagami mochi (round mirror-shaped rice cakes) that were offered to the gods during the New Year period. Held on January 11th, the hardened mochi is cracked open (never cut with a knife, as cutting is considered inauspicious) and eaten in ozoni soup or oshiruko sweet red bean soup. Martial arts dojos across Japan also observe Kagami Biraki with the year's first training session.
Kagami Biraki takes place from 2026-01-11 to 2026-01-11.
Kagami Biraki is held at Nationwide (households and dojos) in Tokyo, Japan.
Yes, Kagami Biraki is free to attend.
The admission fee for Kagami Biraki is ¥0.
The crowd level at Kagami Biraki is typically low.
Yes, Kagami Biraki is held annually.
Kagami Biraki is a seasonal festival in Japan.
Highlights of Kagami Biraki include: Breaking open kagami mochi with a wooden mallet; Eating the mochi in ozoni soup or oshiruko sweet bean soup; First martial arts training sessions of the year at dojos.
Tips for Kagami Biraki: If you have kagami mochi at home, use a wooden mallet or your hands to break it — never use a knife. The dried mochi can be deep-fried into arare crackers or added to soups. Visit a martial arts dojo to observe or participate in the first training of the year..
Kagami Biraki welcomes international visitors. It is a great way to experience Japanese culture.
Access information for Kagami Biraki: Observed at homes and dojos nationwide. For martial arts Kagami Biraki events, check local dojo schedules. The Nippon Budokan (near Kudanshita Station, Tokyo Metro) hosts notable events..
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Tips: If you have kagami mochi at home, use a wooden mallet or your hands to break it — never use a knife. The dried mochi can be deep-fried into arare crackers or added to soups. Visit a martial arts dojo to observe or participate in the first training of the year..
Photography is generally welcome at Kagami Biraki. Check specific rules at the venue.
Kagami Biraki is a family-friendly festival that visitors of all ages can enjoy.
Festival food stalls (yatai) at Kagami Biraki typically serve popular Japanese street food including yakisoba, takoyaki, and kakigori. Some festivals feature regional specialties.
Yes, wearing a yukata (casual kimono) is very common and encouraged at Kagami Biraki. Many visitors rent yukata nearby.
Parking can be limited during Kagami Biraki. Public transportation is recommended. Check access details: Observed at homes and dojos nationwide. For martial arts Kagami Biraki events, check local dojo schedules. The Nippon Budokan (near Kudanshita Station, Tokyo Metro) hosts notable events..
Breaking open kagami mochi with a wooden mallet; Eating the mochi in ozoni soup or oshiruko sweet bean soup; First martial arts training sessions of the year at dojos
Observed at homes and dojos nationwide. For martial arts Kagami Biraki events, check local dojo schedules. The Nippon Budokan (near Kudanshita Station, Tokyo Metro) hosts notable events.
If you have kagami mochi at home, use a wooden mallet or your hands to break it — never use a knife. The dried mochi can be deep-fried into arare crackers or added to soups. Visit a martial arts dojo to observe or participate in the first training of the year.
📍 Nationwide (households and dojos)