Kadomatsu: The Pine and Bamboo Gate Decorations of New Year

Updated October 24, 2026 | By Tokyo Paul

In the weeks around the New Year, you may notice arrangements of pine and bamboo standing beside the entrances of homes, shops, and office buildings in Japan. These are kadomatsu, and they are among the most recognizable symbols of the season. This guide explains what Wikipedia says about them, what they are meant to do, and how to look at them respectfully when you travel. Customs differ by region and family, so take this as a general introduction.

What Kadomatsu Are

According to Wikipedia, kadomatsu are New Year decorations typically made of pine and bamboo, and sometimes ume sprigs. The article associates the ume sprigs with longevity, prosperity, and steadfastness. Looking closely, you can see how the materials are arranged: bamboo cut at an angle, bundled with pine, tied neatly with rope.

A Place for Spirits

The article describes kadomatsu as a type of yorishiro, a kind of object that welcomes ancestral spirits or the kami of the harvest. In this view, the decoration is not just ornamental. It serves as a place where a spirit can rest during the new year period. That helps explain why the placement at a gate or entrance matters.

When They Are Put Up and Taken Down

The Wikipedia article says that in modern times kadomatsu are placed after Christmas until January 7, and that in the Edo period the date was January 15. It adds that they are burned after January 15, often on the 19th, to release the kami. If you are visiting in late December, you will probably see many displays going up. In early January, you may see them being removed. Dates and customs vary by region, so do not assume they are universal.

Where You May See Them

You might see kadomatsu at shops, hotels, and shrines, as well as at private homes. Large displays sometimes appear at department stores or corporate offices. Look for them at entrances and along streets. If you want to photograph one, stay on public ground and avoid blocking doors. Ask permission if the arrangement is on private property.

How to Appreciate Them

A few simple practices can make your observation more rewarding.

Look at the materials: the pine needles, the cut of the bamboo, the way the rope is tied.
Notice the scale. Some are modest, and others are large and elaborate.
Observe how they are placed, often in pairs on either side of an entrance.
Compare displays at different buildings.
If you are unsure of the meaning, you can ask a shop owner, though they may be busy during the holidays. Choose a quiet moment and be polite.

The New Year Season

Kadomatsu belong to a package of customs. Mochi is made in the days before New Year in a ceremony called mochitsuki, according to Wikipedia. A decoration called kagami mochi, made of two stacked mochi spheres, is part of the season too. Osechi foods are served in boxes called jubako. And hatsumode, the first shrine or temple visit of the year, is typically done on the first, second, or third day of January. Seeing kadomatsu is like reading the opening lines of a longer story.

Respect and Safety

Because kadomatsu are made of natural materials and often placed outside, they can be damaged easily. Do not touch or move them, and do not take pieces as souvenirs. Keep children from pulling at them. If you see one burning at a shrine, keep a safe distance and follow staff instructions. Dried plant materials can burn quickly, so be careful around open flames.

Making a Simple Decoration at Home

If you would like to mark the season, you can make a simple arrangement from materials you can obtain responsibly. Use a sturdy container, add pine or evergreen branches, and bamboo if you can find it. Do not harvest plants from protected areas or private land without permission. Keep the arrangement away from heat sources, and dispose of it safely after the season. This is a general craft idea, not a traditional method from the reference page.

Reading the Streetscape

Walking through a neighborhood in late December or early January, try counting how many different styles of kadomatsu you see. Notice differences in size, in the way the bamboo is cut, and in how the pine is arranged. Not every building will have one, and designs can vary from place to place. Treat it as an observation game, and let the details lead you to questions you can ask a local guide or a shop owner when the time is right.

A Note on Timing and Travel

If decorations are on your list, plan to be in town in the days between Christmas and early January, when they are most likely to be displayed. Check local customs, because timing can vary, and keep in mind that many businesses are closed for part of the New Year period. Bring a camera, comfortable shoes, and warm layers for a relaxed morning of looking.

What They Are Made Of

Wikipedia says kadomatsu were historically made mostly from pine, but bamboo is now more common, and that the central part is formed from three large bamboos, with plastic versions also available. After the elements are bound, the kadomatsu is wrapped with a straw mat and newly woven straw rope, according to the page. Looking closely at a display, you can often see the cut of the bamboo, the binding, and the greenery.

A Pair at the Gate

The article says a pair is placed on either side of the gate, representing the male and female. It also says designs vary by region, typically using pine, bamboo, and sometimes ume sprigs, which are associated with longevity, prosperity, and steadfastness, respectively. If you travel between regions in late December, you may be able to notice differences, and the page shows styles from East and West Japan.

Why They Are There

According to Wikipedia, kadomatsu are considered temporary housing for kami. It says the main purpose of New Year ceremonies is to honor and receive the toshigami, who brings a bountiful harvest and passes on the ancestors' blessing. Seen this way, a kadomatsu is a sign of welcome as much as a decoration.

Up and Down Dates

The page says kadomatsu are displayed after Christmas until January 7, or until January 15 during the Edo period. After January 15, or in many instances the 19th, the kadomatsu is burned to appease and release the kami or toshigami. Because the page itself notes that the date varies, do not treat any one date as universal. If you are traveling in early January, you may see some displays already removed.

Appreciating Without Intruding

Many kadomatsu stand at private homes and businesses. Admire them from the sidewalk, avoid stepping onto private property, and ask before photographing people near them. Do not touch or take pieces of a decoration, since they may have meaning for the owners. If you want to buy something similar as a souvenir, look for small versions at shops and markets, and ask staff about how to care for it. Take care with any plant materials when traveling, and check customs rules for your destination before bringing natural items home.

Questions People Ask

What are kadomatsu made of? Typically pine, bamboo, and sometimes ume sprigs.

What are they for? According to the article, they are a type of yorishiro that welcome ancestral spirits or kami of the harvest.

How long are they displayed? In modern times, from after Christmas until January 7, according to the article.

What happens to them afterward? They are burned after January 15, often on the 19th, to release the kami.

Can I take one home? Do not take displays. If you want a souvenir, look for small decorations sold in shops.

Small Gates, Big Meaning

It is easy to walk past a decoration without noticing it. But a pine branch beside a door can say a lot about how people think of the year: as something to be welcomed, with care. Next time you see one, stop for a moment and look.

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