New Year Noodles Japan
On new year s eve or ōmisoka 大晦日 it is a custom for japanese to reflect on the past year and usher in the coming year all while enjoying a bowl of hot soba noodles called toshikoshi soba 年越し蕎麦 or year crossing noodle.
New year noodles japan. It is said that this tradition was established during the edo period 1603 1868 although there are differing views as to its origins. Soba noodles or year crossing noodle is a japanese tradition dating back to the edo period 1603 1867. Soba noodles symbolize letting go of the hardships of the current year and starting fresh in the new year because soba noodles are resilient yet break easily while eating.
Toshikoshi soba is one of japan s unique new year s customs and the delicious buckwheat noodles are enjoyed directly on new year s eve. It is also said that eating long soba noodles symbolize a long life.