Japanese New Year Decoration, Kagami-mochi

Besides the shimekazari and kadomatsu, a third type of Japanese New Year decoration is kagami-mochi, usually placed inside the house, traditionally in the tokonoma alcove, or in the kamidana. Being displayed inside, it may be harder to find, but you may see it displayed in stores or even in the hotel lobby.

The simplest kagami-mochi is made of two mochi rice cakes placed on top of each other, with a daidai Japanese bitter orange on top. Since it is made of food, the kagami-mochi is an offering for Toshigami, the kami of the New Year, and it is considered to bring good luck and prosperity in the New Year.