In Japan, bell-ringing ceremonies occur across the country as people flock to temples and pagodas to pray for New Year's blessings. At Tsukiji Temple in Tokyo, guests were offered hot milk and corn soup, giving them a warm welcome the New Year.

People gather at Senso-ji temple in Taito Ward, Tokyo to celebrate New Year. Photo: SkyNews

If you're looking for a traditional way to experience New Year's in Japan, Zojo-ji Temple is located right under the bright lights of Tokyo Tower. Here, you can experience the monks ringing the "Joya no Kane," a bell rung 108 times around midnight to usher in the New Year. Each hit of the bell marks the removal of 108 temptations so that those at the temple can start the New Year pure. Other temples will have slightly different traditions but some other great temples include Sensoji Temple, Gohyakyrakan-ji Temple, and Araiyakushi Baishoin.

If you're looking for a unique countdown experience, scenic countdown cruises are the way to go. These cruises typically depart around 10:50 pm for a two-and-a-half-hour journey around Tokyo Bay. These cruises feature bands, a 20-dish buffet, and a drink bar. However, these tickets do come at a high cost of 18,000 yen per seat.

In South Korea, more than 100,000 people gathered to watch the bell-ringing ceremony in the capital Seoul, a unique cultural feature of the land. The bell in the city center, more than 3 meters high, was rung exactly 33 times to celebrate the new year. The number 33 symbolizes luck for Korean people.

In South Korea, more than 100,000 people gathered to watch the bell-ringing ceremony in the capital Seoul, a unique cultural feature of the land. Photo: Trazy Blog

After this is the appearance of the "Midnight Sun" - a sphere with a radius of 12 meters symbolizing the New Year - on nearby Sejong-aero Avenue. The New Year's music program took place at Sejong-aero, with the participation of famous K-pop groups such as Enhypen, The Boyz, and Oh My Girl.

The Seoul city government deployed about 1,100 traffic safety officers and 2,490 police to maintain order for the event.

Tteokguk is a traditional Korean food that is customarily eaten for the New Year. The dish is a soup with thinly sliced rice cakes. According to tradition, the Korean New Year is similar to a birthday for Koreans, and having Tteokguk is part of the birthday celebration. Once you finish eating your Tteokguk, you are one year older.

Along with Japanese and South Korean cities, Manila (Philippines), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and many Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, all welcomed the New Year with brilliant fireworks displays.

People release balloons in front of the Tokyo Tower during a countdown event. People in Tokyo celebrated the arrival of the Year of the Dragon, the zodiac sign of 2024. Photo: Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images

In his message to congratulate the new year 2024, General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping affirmed that China will strengthen reform and open up on a large scale in the new year 2024. He also emphasized that the goal is to China's ultimate goal is to bring better lives to people.

In Singapore, people gathered in large numbers at Marina Bay to watch fireworks. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong gave a New Year's speech, stating that 2023 is a challenging year with a potentially dangerous international environment in 2024.

Fireworks at Marina Bay, Singapore. Photo: SkyNews

However, he also said that there is no shortage of reasons for hope and confidence in rapid technological progress, especially artificial intelligence and robotics. He expressed confidence in Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's future executive capacity in his new position.

"Let us face 2024 with vigor and confidence, as one united people. The future may be uncertain, but our path is clear. I call on all Singaporeans to come together realize our aspirations and ensure a bright future for the country!", Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed.

Hong Kong (China) also celebrates the new year 2024 with a 12-minute fireworks display at Victoria Harbor. The program with the theme "New Year, New Legend" depicts the change of seasons and natural beauty, attracting thousands of people.

Taiwan was welcomed in 2024 with fireworks and a countdown from the Taipei 101 building.

And fireworks, set against illuminated tower blocks, lit up the night sky in the Philippines capital of Manila at the stroke of midnight.

Fireworks explode over Rockwell Center in Manila, Philippines. Photo: SkyNews

In addition to Asian countries, some overseas territories of the US, France, Australia, and the Russian Far East also entered the new year.

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