Japanese New Year
Although we celebrate new year with a loud countdown and elaborate fireworks, Japanese celebrate(?) it quietly by visiting their nearby shrine or temple. Towards midnight, the bells at those shrines and temples would ring and people would make their wishes for the new year, usually for health and happiness. I had never been to one when I was in Japan because it was always too cold~ XD But hey, I heard the bells! You can read more about how Japanese celebrate the new year at the Japan National Tourism Board webpage .