Tokyo's ethnic restaurants ease new year homesickness

For foreign residents in Tokyo as the new year starts, the city's cosmopolitan dining scene provides comforting tastes of home. Options from Indian to Italian cuisines help alleviate homesickness during this festive time.

Tokyo's cosmopolitan dining scene in 2026 makes it straightforward for foreign residents to discover almost any cuisine during the new year. The recent ethnic food boom has boosted the presence of Nepali and Mexican options alongside perennial Western favorites like Italian and French.

While osechi ryōri offers an authentic taste of Japanese new year customs, some may prefer the comforting flavors of home shared with friends and family. The Japan Times has selected six restaurants, ranging from Indian to Italian, to satisfy that nostalgia.

Such diversity highlights Tokyo's multicultural food landscape, providing solace during the holiday season.

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Tokyo shopkeepers cheerfully serve Japanese customers in a bustling store, shrugging off fewer Chinese tourists amid diplomatic tensions.
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Japanese businesses brush off worries over fewer Chinese tourists

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A diplomatic spat over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan prompted China to warn its citizens against traveling to Japan, leading to fewer Chinese tourists, but Tokyo business owners largely dismiss concerns about sales impacts. Managers report that increased Japanese shoppers have offset the drop. In China, group tour cancellations are surging.

In 2025, Japan featured a vibrant cultural landscape alongside a quiet tension between cosmopolitan ideals and resurgent conservatism. The Japan Times' 20 Questions column highlighted diverse views on creativity, tradition, and cultural hybridity through more than two dozen interviews this year.

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On January 4, 2026, many Japanese returned to major cities after spending year-end and New Year holidays in hometowns or tourist spots. This caused severe congestion on trains, highways, and other transport links. By 5:30 p.m., the Tohoku Expressway had 27 kilometers of backups, according to the Japan Road Traffic Information Center.

A popular tradition on December 31 is browsing memes on social media while awaiting New Year 2026. These satirical jokes address family situations and expectations for the new year, such as hoping 'God finds better warriors'. Various Mexican and global customs mark the transition to 2026.

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Roots tourism is gaining popularity in Japan as overseas descendants of Japanese seek to explore their family history and traditions. Lea-Anne Domae, a third-generation Japanese Canadian, grew up with little connection to Japan but is now tracing her heritage.

The Times of India has curated a list of Bollywood movies ideal for New Year's Eve, emphasizing themes of friendship, family bonds, and personal growth. These selections, available on various OTT platforms, offer a mix of adventure, comedy, and drama to inspire reflection and joy as the new year begins.

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As Christmas approaches, a new recipe incorporates the flavors of Japan's traditional New Year's drink o-toso into a matcha cake. This dessert blends medicinal herbs and spices reminiscent of both o-toso and classic yuletide treats. It offers health benefits alongside festive cheer.

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