If you are spending New Year’s Eve in Tokyo, you can enjoy not only countdown events but also traditional Japanese New Year customs. There are many ways to celebrate, such as listening to temple bells on New Year’s Eve, making the first shrine or temple visit of the year, or watching the first sunrise on New Year’s Day. The lively atmosphere of Tokyo at the end of the year is another part of the experience.
This article introduces countdown events in and around Tokyo, as well as places where visitors can experience traditional Japanese New Year customs. It also covers useful information to know before your trip, including regulations in Shibuya, train services on New Year’s Eve, and business hours during the New Year holiday period.
1. How Do People Spend New Year’s Eve in Tokyo?
In Japan, many people spend December 31, known as “Omisoka,” or New Year’s Eve, with their families before welcoming the New Year. Typical year-end traditions include eating “toshikoshi soba,” or year-crossing soba noodles, and watching NHK’s annual year-end music program “Kohaku Uta Gassen.” After the New Year begins, people may enjoy “osechi,” traditional New Year dishes served in layered boxes, or go on “hatsumode,” the first visit of the year to a shrine or temple.
Visitors to Tokyo can also experience traditional Japanese New Year customs. You can listen to “joya no kane,” temple bells traditionally rung 108 times around the arrival of the New Year, or visit a shrine or temple for hatsumode. Countdown events may also be held in central Tokyo, allowing visitors to enjoy both Japanese New Year traditions and the lively year-end atmosphere of the city.
2. Countdown Events in and Around Tokyo
Tokyo and the surrounding area also host countdown events where large crowds can welcome the New Year together. Choose an event based on what you enjoy, from music to visual performances.
■ Happy New Year Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building)
This event is held at locations including Tomin Hiroba, the Citizens’ Plaza at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. At the end of 2025, visitors welcomed the New Year with projection mapping, a live performance by Hatsune Miku, and a show featuring Hello Kitty and other characters.
■ ZEROTOKYO New Year’s Eve Party (ZEROTOKYO)
This New Year’s Eve party is held at ZEROTOKYO in Kabukicho, Shinjuku. At the end of 2025, DJs from Japan and overseas, including SKREAM, performed as guests counted down to the New Year with house, EDM, and other styles of music.
■ COUNTDOWN JAPAN (Makuhari Messe)
COUNTDOWN JAPAN is a large music festival held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture. Numerous artists perform across several stages, and on December 31, visitors can enjoy live music while welcoming the New Year.
3. Places in Tokyo Where You Can Experience a Traditional Japanese New Year
Tokyo has many places where visitors can experience traditional Japanese New Year customs, including joya no kane, hatsumode, and watching the first sunrise of the year. Here are some recommended spots for international visitors.
3-1. Temples Where You Can Hear Joya no Kane
Joya no kane refers to temple bells rung from New Year’s Eve into the New Year. One explanation for the tradition of ringing them 108 times is that the bells are intended to remove the 108 worldly desires recognized in Buddhism. In Tokyo, each temple offers a different atmosphere for welcoming the New Year. Participation methods and schedules may change from year to year, so check the latest information in advance.
■ Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
The temple is known for its stone main hall, which was inspired by ancient Buddhist architecture from India and other regions. Its annual “Joya no Tsudoi” gathering is usually held around New Year’s Eve, and in some years members of the public can take part in ringing the bell.
■ Zojoji Temple
Located near Tokyo Tower, Zojoji is home to a large temple bell cast in 1673 and said to be one of the largest in the Kanto region. The bell rings as the New Year begins. In some years, a ticket is required for members of the public to participate in bell ringing.
■ Sensoji Temple
One of Asakusa’s best-known temples, Sensoji has the “Toki no Kane,” or Bell of Time, on Bentenyama Hill, which begins ringing at midnight. After the monks, 108 members of the “Hyakuhachikai” group ring the bell, while general visitors can listen from within the temple grounds.
3-2. Recommended Shrines and Temples for Hatsumode
Hatsumode is the Japanese custom of making the first visit of the New Year to a shrine or temple to pray for health and happiness in the year ahead. In Tokyo, you can experience hatsumode at shrines and temples with different histories and atmospheres. The first three days of January, known as “sanganichi,” are especially busy.
■ Meiji Jingu
Located in the Harajuku and Omotesando area, Meiji Jingu is a shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Its spacious grounds are surrounded by forest, offering a peaceful atmosphere despite its central Tokyo location.
■ Yasukuni Shrine
Located in Kudan-kita, Chiyoda Ward, Yasukuni Shrine was founded during the Meiji period. Its large torii gate is particularly striking, and visitors can walk through its spacious grounds despite being in central Tokyo. During the New Year period, many people visit for hatsumode and pray for peace, good health, and other wishes for the year ahead.
■ Kanda Myojin Shrine
Conveniently accessible from Ochanomizu and Akihabara, Kanda Myojin is known for blessings related to business prosperity, matchmaking, and protection from misfortune. Many worshippers visit during the hatsumode period, and food stalls may also be set up.
3-3. Places to Watch the First Sunrise of the Year in Tokyo
“Hatsuhinode” refers to the first sunrise of the year on the morning of January 1. In Japan, people traditionally watch the first sunrise while wishing for happiness in the year ahead. In Tokyo, it can be enjoyed from mountains, waterfront areas, and high-rise observation decks, each offering a different view.
■ Mount Takao
Mount Takao is a popular hiking destination with an elevation of approximately 599 meters. Visitors can watch the first sunrise from the summit, and Mount Fuji may also be visible. In some years, the cable car operates on a special New Year schedule.
■ Shibaura Minami Futo Park
Located at the foot of Rainbow Bridge, this park offers views of Tokyo Bay and Odaiba. In some years, it opens early on New Year’s Day, allowing visitors to enjoy the sunrise together with Tokyo’s urban waterfront scenery.
■ Tokyo Skytree
The observation decks offer views of the first sunrise of the year over the Tokyo cityscape. A limited-capacity “First Sunrise Special Opening” is generally held, so check ticket information in advance.
4. What to Know When Spending New Year’s Eve in Tokyo
When spending New Year’s Eve in Tokyo, it is important to check crowd conditions, public transportation schedules, and business hours in advance. Here are three points to keep in mind.
4-1. Crowds and Countdown Restrictions in Shibuya
The official countdown event around Shibuya Station was canceled again at the end of 2025 for safety reasons and to prevent accidents caused by large crowds. Large numbers of people are still expected around Shibuya Scramble Crossing from New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day, and security measures are strengthened. Temporary barriers were also installed around the Hachiko statue from 6:00 a.m. on December 31 until 1:00 a.m. on January 1.
In addition, drinking alcohol on the street at night is prohibited year-round in the area around Shibuya Station under local regulations. Rather than going to Shibuya solely for the countdown,it is safer to attend an official event such as “Happy New Year Tokyo” at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building or a club or live music event that requires advance reservations. Regulations and event schedules can change from year to year, so check the latest information before visiting.
4-2. Overnight Train Services and New Year’s Eve Schedules
In Tokyo, some railway lines operate overnight services or additional trains from New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day. From the end of 2025 into January 1, 2026, JR East operated overnight services on six lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area, including the Yamanote Line and the Chuo-Sobu Line local service.
However, operating arrangements differ by railway company and line. Some services do not run throughout the night but instead extend the final train time or operate additional trains early on New Year’s Day. The lines and operating hours may change each year, so if you plan to go out on New Year’s Eve, check the latest schedule for the relevant railway company on its official website or app.
4-3. New Year Business Hours and Travel Tips
During the New Year holiday period in Tokyo, shopping facilities, restaurants, and tourist attractions may operate on different schedules from usual. Some places close earlier on New Year’s Eve or remain closed on New Year’s Day, so check the opening dates and hours of places you plan to visit in advance. Tourist attractions may also follow special schedules only during the New Year period.
Popular shrines and temples for hatsumode, as well as shopping facilities holding New Year sales, can become crowded, and travel or entry may take longer than usual. It is also a good idea to carry some cash rather than relying entirely on cashless payments. Food stalls at hatsumode locations and some shops may accept cash only. Plan your trip with extra time, taking possible crowds and closures into account.
Summary
New Year’s Eve in Tokyo offers more than countdown events. Visitors can also experience traditional Japanese New Year customs such as joya no kane, hatsumode, and watching the first sunrise of the year. Each shrine and temple has a different atmosphere, so choose a place that suits the way you would like to spend the holiday. You can also enjoy scenery and experiences unique to Tokyo during the New Year period.
At the same time, conditions from New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day may differ from normal, including restrictions around Shibuya, special railway schedules, and shortened business hours or closures. Expect crowds, check transportation schedules, business hours, and event information in advance, and allow plenty of extra time in your travel plans.
This article is based on information available as of August 2026.
