Fukubukuro: luck to start the year

In Japan, there is a much-anticipated custom at the beginning of each year, where people go to stores early in the morning to buy "lucky bags" known as "Fukubukuro" (福袋). This tradition combines surprise, fun, and a touch of good fortune, and has become one of the most representative practices of the Japanese New Year.

But what are Fukubukuro? They are sealed bags containing a selection of surprise products that can include food, drinks, traditional items, cosmetics, clothing, gadgets, or exclusive merchandise from the stores themselves. The premise is that you don't know what's inside, but you always get items worth more than the price you pay for the Fukubukuro.

This custom emerged at the beginning of the 20th century, when some Japanese stores began selling these surprise bags with the intention of clearing their inventory, unaware that over time they would become part of the New Year rituals in Japan, "Shōgatsu" (正月); They came to symbolize good luck "Engi" (縁起) and prosperity to start the year, renewal "Kōshin" (更新) to leave the old behind and welcome the new, and shared joy "Yorokobi" (喜び) as opening the bags with family or friends is part of the experience.

That's why it's common to see long lines of people eagerly waiting to get their Fukubukuro from their favorite stores and department stores on January 1 and 2 in Japan—Ganjitsu (元日) and Gantan (元旦)—as quantities are limited and exclusive to this season.

And in order to bring this fun tradition to all our guests and visitors at FUJITAYA, we will also celebrate the start of the year with a special Fukubukuro sale. These will be available in our MINISHOP, located next to the reception desk, from January 1 to 4, or while supplies last. You can purchase yours for only $350 MXN (VAT included) to test your luck for the new year. Inside, you will find Japanese food and drinks, novelty items from FUJITAYA, and other exclusive surprises that we have prepared especially for this occasion.

But if you want to celebrate the New Year Japanese style, then the best option would be to book our 2026 New Year Package, which allows you to book with a discount on accommodation + 1 Fukubukuro (1 per room) with an approximate value of $750 MXN because it includes 350 ml Japanese sake, original FUJITAYA items, snacks, a coupon for Minishop, among other things + access to the New Year's breakfast buffet, to enjoy traditional Japanese dishes of this season, while supplies last.

Learn about this Japanese tradition with us and start the year with a touch of good fortune.