New Year Eve noodles
Eating extra long, thin soba noodles on New Year’s eve is a common custom in Japan. Known as toshikoshi soba, or year-crossing noodles, the long noodles are said to symbolise a long life and are traditionally eaten with family at some time on the night before the New Year. For the best luck and protection, all the noodles in your bowl should be eaten before midnight. Don’t leave any behind!