Epiphany (12th night)
Epiphany on 6 January marks the arrival of the Magi, the wise men, with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the baby Jesus.
Ethopian Christmas
Ethopian Christians celebrate Christmas on 7 January.
New Year
January 1 to 3 are shougatsu, New Year holidays, the most elaborate celebrations in Japan's calendar.
The first day is usually spent with family, though people also visit Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines. The second and third days are spent visiting other family and friends. The public can also enter the grounds of the imperial palace on 2 January, one of only two days a year in which they are allowed access.
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