From the countdown, to the cheering, to the singing of Auld Lang Syne, New Year’s Eve is an important night for people all over the world. In Japan, it is arguably the most important holiday of the year, rivalled only by Obon. But does that mean it’s celebrated in the same way? Well, in some ways yes, in others, no. Let’s explore how to celebrate New Year’s in our beloved capital, Tokyo!
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The Importance of New Year in Japan
As we mentioned, New Year’s is one of the biggest holidays in Japan. Although there is one one New Year’s day, the first three days of the year are national holidays. Once upon a time, even ATMs at the post office would be turned off to give them a rest (trust me, it was not especially convenient).
As in many countries in Asia, and comparable with Christmas in the west, it is a time to visit families, which means that many people leave the city and return to the towns or villages that they grew up in. But for those who, for whatever reason, remain in Tokyo, what are the options?
How Tokyo Celebrates New Years Eve
On the eve of the New Year itself, things can be much like a typical New Year’s eve in any other country. People get together, drink, eat, and laugh, and cheer at the stroke of midnight. For many people, this involves staying in and watching TV, as Japanese television is known for putting on interesting and funny shows in the build up to and aftermath of the anticipated 12:00am ringing of the bells.
However, one thing people don’t do is sing Auld Lang Syne. This Scottish song, which began as a call to remember old friends and the good times that were had with them, is better known in Japan as a song for graduation ceremonies and to signal the closing of stores.
If you don’t want to stay in, though… where should you go in Tokyo?
The Most Iconic Places to Ring in 2026
As of 2025, the Shibuya Scramble, which was previously the prime place for people to be merry as they awaited the calendar to change over, has been more heavily regulated, with public alcohol drinking forbidden, and tightly controlled pedestrian spaces on New Year’s Eve. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options! Here are three different ways to welcome the next twelve months.
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Shinjuku/Roppongi
These two entertainment districts are known for their wealth of bars, clubs and izakaya. While it is not always the case that every place will stay open to celebrate, many bars and clubs will stay open until the early hours (especially in Shinjuku’s Nichome gay district). On New Year’s, the drinks are flowing, the floors are packed, and cheers erupt when the clock strikes twelve. Cheers!
- Shinjuku New Year Tokyo 2026: Event link
Meiji Jingu
One of the most important and famous shrines in Tokyo, and in Shinto faith, people gather in the night on New Year’s Eve for something a little more traditional. At midnight, taiko drums are played, and religious ceremonies are performed. More crowded than usual, people are more happy to talk and laugh with strangers than on a typical shrine visit. This also counts as hatsumode, which we will explain in more detail below.
Oji Fox Parade
Another tradition, but this one is unique to Oji, a small neighborhood in Kita ward. On December 31, from 11pm, people of all ages dress as foxes, to celebrate a legend that on New Year’s Eve, foxes would disguise themselves as humans (being adept shapeshifters in Japanese mythology) to have their own Hatsumode at Oji Inari-jinja Shrine. Anyone can watch the procession of fox-costumed locals take part — or, if you’re feeling bold, you can join in!
Other Important New Years Rituals
Celebrating the New Year is very fun in and of itself, but there are a few things unique to Japan — and even Tokyo!
Hatsumode
source: Wikipedia
This is the first visit to a Shinto shrine of the year. As mentioned above, many will visit shrines to countdown to midnight to make sure that they don’t miss it! However, if you can’t be at a shrine at the instant of the New Year, don’t worry: you can go any time for your first visit, though it is typically done during the first three days of the New Year.
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Visiting the Imperial Palace
Though the Imperial Palace Gardens are a popular tourist spot, the Palace grounds themselves are almost always closed to the public. One exception, however, is January 2nd, when the gates open to well-wishers of the Imperial Family. During this time, the Emperor will greet those assembled, and give them an address in the hopes of a successful forthcoming New Year. It can be likened to the King’s Christmas message in the UK.
Osechi
Because New Year’s is a time of rest, since antiquity it was tradition that no cooking would be done, in order to have no labor performed whatsoever. However, in the times before refrigerators, and when stores and restaurants were closed, this meant that food that would not quickly expire, and needed little more than a little heating, would be prepared for days in advance. This became known as osechi-ryori (お節料理), often shortened to just osechi. Such foods include candied sardines, herring roe, and black soybeans,
With that, you have a little over a month (at time of writing!) to get yourself ready for your Tokyo New Year. Whether you’re partying in Roppongi, or waiting for the drums to echo through Meiji Jingu. Tokyo has a way of making the night feel bigger, brighter, and strangely intimate all at once. However you choose to spend it, you’ll step into the year ahead with a story worth telling.
