New Year’s eve can be a very long night of excitement for some, but it can also be a lowkey evening spent at home. Either way, if you have the energy to get out and enjoy the 1st day of the year, there are plenty of things you’ll be able to enjoy! whether its things as early as waking up (or staying awake) to see the first sunrise of the year, or going out later on for some drinks to celebrate, there will be something for you! Keep in mind however that there are many stores that will be closed this day, so be sure to do your research and have somewhat of a plan! Anyways, read along to start planning out your New Year’s Day in Japan!
If you want to read more about Japanese customs and tradition for the New Year’s holiday read our blog: How to spend the New Year’s holiday in Japan
Best Spots for Visitors on New Year’s Day
Popular attractions in Tokyo hold special events that are only enjoyable during the New Year’s holiday season. Joining those events allows you to discover new aspects of famous spots and do as local Japanese do at the arrival of the New Year! Here are our recommendations:
Tokyo SkyTree
Tokyo Skytree is a new landmark in Tokyo that stands 634 meters while offering a range of exciting experiences. It fascinates visitors on New Year’s Day with the stunning view of the first sunrise of the year from the two observation decks. Night is also a perfect time to enjoy the beautiful tower brightly lit up in special colors to celebrate the arrival of the new year! Solamachi (ソラマチ) is a giant shopping complex located on the same ground of the tower. It offers an exciting shopping experience with a number of shops holding special sales!
Mt. Takao
Mt. Takao is the most accessible mountain from the central part of Tokyo. As a new year’s tradition in Japan, watching the first sunrise of the year is a very popular thing to do and Mt. Takao is the best place for it. It gets crowded on the top of the mountain before sunrise (likely around 3am entrances to the top of the mountain will begin to be limited) every year. Time of sunrise is around 6:45am, and if you want to watch the sunrise on the top of the mountain, you’ll need to get there early. From 6:30am, Geiko-sai, the traditional ritual will be performed by the monk at Yakuo-In temple on the top of the mountain.
Please note that you had better be prepared for cold weather while waiting for the sunrise on the mountain if you decide to spend the early morning on the mountain!
You can visit Yakuo-in temple where many people visit to pray on New Year’s Day. Keio Line will be running all night from New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day which allows visitors to visit the mountain in and out of Tokyo. There will be even fire-ritual practicing from midnight to 5:00pm.
“Hatsu-uri” and “Fukubukuro” Shopping
Another fun thing to do on New Year’s Day or week is going shopping! Hatsu-uri is the first opening day of the year and New Year’s sales are everywhere and lucky bags (Fukubukuro in Japanese) are in the shops only available during New Year’s. Lucky bags are special packages that you can’t see what you get until you open it.
The opening hours and the first opening day are varied and different from the usual operation on New Year’s holidays for most of the shopping malls and department stores. Here are our recommended shopping malls and department stores that open during New Year’s Day and holidays!
| Name | Opening hours | First opening day |
| Laforet Harajuku | 11am-8pm | January 1st |
| Sunshine City | 10am-6pm | January 1st |
| Matsuya Asakusa | 10am-7pm | January 1st |
| Solamachi | 10am-9pm | January 1st |
| Daimaru Tokyo | 10am-8pm | January 2nd |
| Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi | 10am-7pm | January 2nd |
| Tokyu Plaza Ginza | 10:30am-8pm | January 2nd |
| Ginza SIX | 10:30am-8:30pm | January 2nd |
| Ginza Mitsukoshi | 10am-7pm | January 2nd |
| Shibuya Hikarie | 11am-9pm | January 2nd |
| Shibuya Scramble Square | 10am-8pm | January 2nd |
| Seibu Ikebukuro | 10am-8pm | January 2nd |
| Shibuya 109 | 10am-9pm | January 2nd |
| Lumine Shinjuku | 10:30am-8:30pm | January 2nd |
| Ueno Marui | 11am-8pm | January 2nd |
| Shinjuku Isetan | 10am-6pm | January 2nd |
| Shibuya PARCO | 10am-9pm | January 3rd |
| Matsuzakaya Ueno | 10am-8pm | January 4th |
Shibuya Yokocho
Shibuya Yokocho at Rayard Miyashita Park in Shibuya is an indoor and outdoor alleyway system where many restaurants and izakaya (Japanese bar/restaurant) are located. There are a variety of 19 restaurants in total and you can try local soul foods from each region of Japan! It’s almost like a theme park recreating a retro vibe to the old days in Japan, you can also visit the kissa-snack style cafe/pub on the second floor. If you think this is cool, you can also check out Kabukicho Tower!
It’s open on New Year’s Eve and Day, so if you want to celebrate the New Years in a central part city like Shibuya, go to Shibuya Yokocho and enjoy delicious meals and drinks in the vibrant atmosphere!
teamLab Planets Tokyo
teamLab offers digital art museums in several locations throughout Tokyo, and teamLab Planets Tokyo is located in Toyosu. The concept of the museum is “Body Immersion,” and the incredible artworks include walking through water and flower gardens bare foot! It’s definitely one of the best insta-worthy spots in Tokyo, and you can be a part of artworks in a picture.
▶Book e-ticket for teamLab Planets Tokyo
Amusement Parks
If you are looking for somewhere to spend a memorable New Year’s Day with your children, check out popular amusement parks in Tokyo! Each spot features unique attractions and activities, which let your children choose what to do from a variety of options. Some of them also include facilities for adults such as shopping areas and restaurants!
Tokyo Disney Parks
Tokyo Disney Parks are without a doubt the most popular theme parks in Japan. It will open on New Year’s Day with special events and traditional Japanese decorations. Visitors will be welcomed by Disney characters dressed in traditional Japanese clothing such as a Kimono. A special parade is also scheduled giving visitors a memorable time with other Disney fans. Enjoy special cuisines and find some souvenir items related to the new year’s zodiac sign during this New Year’s season!
New Year’s Celebration at Tokyo Disney Resorts
Monday, January 1, 2024 – Monday, January 8, 2025
Yomiuri Land
Yomiuri Land is a huge amusement park located on the border between Inagi City in Tokyo and Kawasaki City in Kanagawa. It offers a variety of experiences including exciting rides, entertaining performances by popular characters, a BBQ area for families, and even Sea lion shows! Jewellumination is one of the highlights among other special events that is scheduled to be held from the middle of October through April each year. 6.5 million lights brightly decorate the entire park divided into 12 areas based on different themes! If you want a thrilling experience, bungee jumping is also popular on New Year’s Eve or Day at the park; you can bungee jump from 22 meters above the ground! It might make a good start to the new year!
Grandberry Park Minami-Machida
As many companies offer a New Years bonus, the New Year holiday is a popular time for shopping. Traditionally many shops hold a large sale and another popular New Year’s custom is the Fukubukuro, Japanese lucky bags. Grandberry Park Minami-Machida is a giant complex that opened in 2019. It mainly consists of three areas: a shopping area called Grandberry Park, Park-Life Site including a museum and café that features the world-famous character Snoopy, and the peaceful park Tsuruma Park. Grandberry park is the main shopping hub that boasts 230 shops and restaurants including famous fashion brands both domestic and overseas. It also features other convenient facilities such as a movie theater and pet friendly cafes where you can enjoy lunch with your pets!
Tokyo Dome City
Tokyo Dome City is home to a range of facilities and enjoyable attractions. It includes Tokyo Dome, the main stadium of a popular baseball team known as Tokyo Giants. Tokyo Dome City Attractions is a free-to-enter amusement park that offers exciting rides and attractions for everyone. LaQua is a refreshing facility that offers relaxing services such as spa, body massage, and more. Enjoy a 100% pure hot spring bath and satisfy your stomach with great dishes. Located in the center of the city and close to major JR stations, The Tokyo Dome Hotel gives you an advantage to get around Tokyo smoothly while staying in the luxurious room!
Special New Year’s Day Events
New Year’s Day is the perfect time to join seasonal events held at popular tourist spots. The special atmosphere of the new year also makes it easier for everyone to try visiting new places that they have never been to.
SUNSHINE 60 OBSERVATORY TENBOU-PARK
Sky Circus Sunshine 60 observation deck is situated in Sunshine City, a symbolic commercial complex in Ikebukuro area. The 239.7 meter skyscraper offers an incredible view of the city with unique technology including VR experiences and optic illusions. On New Year’s Day, they organize a special event for people to see the first sunrise of the year from 251 meters above sea level. Limited space is available, and tickets can be purchased only online.
Time: 6am – 8am
Admission: 5,000 yen (you have to book the ticket online beforehand)
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo’s iconic tower hosts a fun event watching the first sunrise on New Year’s Day. It’s limited to 333 people, it opens before the opening hours for the first sunrise of the year. Shishimai, a Japanese lion dance, will be performed to invite good luck and ward off evil spirits and cheerful chindonya, a traditional marching band, will be walking around playing instruments. You can also do hatsumode, a tradition visiting a shrine to pray for good health or good luck on New Year’s Day, at Tower Daijingu. It is located at the observation deck which is 150 meters above the ground.
Times: 6 am – 8:30 am
Admission: Top deck (16 people only) 38,000 yen
Main deck 2F seated, front row (26 people only) 16,000 yen
Main deck 1F seated, front row (24 people only) 16,000 yen
Main deck 1F seated, back row (14 people only) 15,000 yen
Main deck 2F standing (60 people only) 10,000 yen
Main deck 1F standing (40 people only) 10,000 yen
Celebrate the New Year in a Traditional way
You can also spend New Year’s Day in the traditional Japanese way. It may sound challenging at first, especially for those who are not familiar with Japanese culture and manners, but most of them are easy to try just by following some simple steps! Here are our two recommendations to spend New Year’s Day through traditional Japanese experiences!
Hatsumode
Hatsumode (初詣) is the first visit to a shrine or temple of the new year. It is one of the most important customs for Japanese people and has a long history. People pay a visit to shrines or temples to pray and make wishes for the coming year. Some popular temples and shrines such as Senso-ji temple in Asakusa and Meiji Jingu in Shibuya attract thousands of visitors! Hatsumode also gives you a great opportunity to learn Japanese traditions including omikuji, a fortune-telling paper slip sold at shrines and temples!
Pilgrimage New Year’s holiday
Shichifukujin Meguri (七福神巡り) refers to a traditional Japanese custom that has an origin back in the Edo period (1603-1868). People visit shrines that worship 7 different lucky gods, including Ebisu (恵比寿), a deity that symbolizes prosperity and success full business. The Nihonbashi area offers a popular Shichifukujin Meguri course where you’ll visit 7 shrines in a short time. Enjoy this traditional Japanese custom while strolling around the lively area with a nostalgic atmosphere back in the old days!
Mochitsuki
Mochitsuki (pounding rice to make mochi) is a traditional event on New Year’s Day. It’s meaning has significance to family prosperity, and is performed not only on New Year’s, but also to celebrate weddings and when moving in a new house.
There are some mochitsuki events in Tokyo in January, at Shokoji temple they offer a family mochitsuki event where local people gather every year.
Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Tokyo
Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.
From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are traveling in, our knowledgeable and friendly guides will happily take you to the best spots!
In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help!
▶Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour
Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo, where you will have the chance to try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake along with your friendly English-speaking guide!
▶Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours)
There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.
▶Shinjuku Bar Hopping Tour: Experience Tokyo’s Nightlife in Izakaya
Check out the best spots in Shinjuku while bar hopping through the lively and vibrant area. Try some delicious local food and drink as you explore the narrow yet photogenic alleys that the town has to offer. Experience Japanese izakaya culture and drink in Shinjuku like the locals!
▶Kimono Experience in Tokyo
Step into the charm of the kimono, a beloved icon of Japanese tradition, ideal for festivals and wandering quaint streets. Asakusa offers the perfect setting to don your kimono and create cherished memories with picturesque backdrops. Let Kimono Rental Wargo dress you up for a day of delightful exploration in timeless style!
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