You don’t have to dash across the world to indulge in wonderful holiday traditions from Asia. Beneath the roof of The Kitano boutique hotel on Park Avenue in New York City, guests can take full advantage of the insider knowledge of the hotel’s Japanese owners with the Traditional Tea Gathering Ceremony. Usucha, or “thin tea” is served in delicate ceramic and pottery cups in a space replete with tatami mats and shoji screens. The ceremony is accompanied by a light meal prepared at Hakubai, The Kitano’s Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant.

To herald the arrival of the New Year, both the entrance to the hotel and the restaurant are decorated with Kadomatsu, displayed on either side of the doors. Each Kadomatsu arrangement is comprised of a trio of bamboo shoots of differing heights that represent earth, humanity and heaven. The shoots are wrapped at the base in straw and decorated with small pine or ume tree branches, creating a temporary dwelling for spirits to honor and thank them for blessings for the brand new year. On New Year’s Day, a traditional Osechi meal — believed to be an important launch to a healthy year — will be served in Hakubai at both lunch and dinner seatings. Also on New Year’s Day, complimentary sake will be served in the lobby to further promote health, happiness and longevity.

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