元日(がんじつ)

元日(がんじつ) specifically refers to January 1st, the first day of the year.

Related terms:

• 元旦(がんたん) (New Year's Day, particularly the morning)
• 正月(しょうがつ) (New Year, the New Year period)
• 大晦日(おおみそか) (New Year's Eve, December 31st)

Distinction:

• 元日(がんじつ) = January 1st (the day)
• 元旦(がんたん) = New Year's morning (strictly speaking)
• 正月(しょうがつ) = The New Year period (first few days)

New Year's traditions:

• 初詣(はつもうで) (first shrine visit)
• 年賀状(ねんがじょう) (New Year's cards)
• おせち料理(りょうり) (traditional New Year dishes)
• お雑煮(ぞうに) (New Year soup with mochi)