New Year’s Eve in Tokyo: What to Do and How to Welcome the New Year Like a Local
Spending New Year’s Eve in Tokyo can feel like a sparkling dream for many visitors, but with so many options, from dazzling illuminations and lively parties to countdown events and the first shrine visits for prosperity and good fortune, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
In this blog, we’ll introduce local ways to spend New Year’s Eve in Tokyo, whether you’re hoping to escape the crowds or join in the celebrations the way locals do.
Tips for Planning Your New Year’s Eve in Tokyo
- Book Early: Tokyo fills up quickly with both locals and visitors during the New Year period. Be sure to make reservations well in advance, especially for restaurants, to avoid limited options or relying on chain eateries at the last minute.
- Check Opening Hours in Advance: Many shops, restaurants, and shopping malls operate on reduced or special hours during the New Year holidays, so it’s best to confirm schedules before heading out.
- Dress Warmly: If you plan to enjoy outdoor activities or countdown events, be prepared for cold nighttime temperatures. Warm layers, scarves, and gloves will make a big difference in the winter wind.
Eating Toshikoshi Soba on New Year’s Eve in Japan
One of the most meaningful New Year's Eve traditions in Japan is eating Toshikoshi Soba, or year-end buckwheat noodles. This custom has been passed down for generations and is still shared by the majority of Japanese locals. It is deeply connected to wishes for good health, good fortune, and a fresh start in the new year.
The timing of eating Toshikoshi Soba varies by region, but it is most commonly enjoyed before midnight on New Year’s Eve. This tradition symbolizes cutting away bad luck from the past year and welcoming the New Year with renewed fortune. Eating Toshikoshi Soba after the New Year begins is sometimes avoided, as it is believed to symbolically “cut off” good luck for the year ahead.
Spending New Year’s Eve in a Warm Kotatsu with Family and Friends
The combination of a kotatsu and television on New Year’s Eve is one of the most iconic winter scenes in Japan. As temperatures drop, families gather around the warm kotatsu, enjoying comfort, food, and familiar TV programs together. This cozy indoor style of celebrating perfectly captures the relaxed spirit of the Japanese year-end.
One of the most popular traditions in the New Year's Eve is watching NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, a nationally broadcast music show featuring top artists of the year. Commercial TV stations also air special variety shows and countdown programs, making television the center of family gatherings.
New Year’s Eve Countdown in Japan: How Locals Welcome the New Year
Countdown activities in Japan are similar to those in many other countries, often taking place at bars, hotels, live music venues, theme parks, and outdoor event spaces.
The style of celebration largely depends on personal preference, whether you’re looking for a lively party with DJs and champagne, a casual countdown at a neighborhood bar, fireworks displays, or a more relaxed evening at a hotel lounge with friends.
Listening to the 108 Temple Bells (Joya no Kane) on New Year’s Eve
On New Year’s Eve, many locals listen to the 108 temple bells, enjoying the tranquil sound as they reflect on the past year and step into the new one.
The number 108 is most commonly associated with Joya no Kane, the traditional ringing of temple bells. According to Buddhist belief, humans are said to have 108 earthly desires (bonnō), and each strike of the bell symbolizes the removal of one desire, allowing people to welcome the new year with a cleansed and peaceful mind.
This custom was introduced to Japan from China and spread through Zen Buddhism during the Kamakura period. Over time, especially during the Edo period, it became a widely practiced year-end tradition. Today, the sound of the 108 temple bells remains a powerful symbol of reflection, purification, and new beginnings in Japan.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Japan with Hotel Events and Activities
On New Year’s Eve, if you prefer to avoid large crowds or cold outdoor celebrations, we highly recommend checking the special hotel activities organized at the place where you’ll be staying.
Many hotels in Japan host exclusive New Year’s Eve programs for their guests, including countdown parties, special New Year’s Eve dinners, New Year concerts and performances, cultural experiences (such as ninja dojo activities and hands-on workshops for traditional Japanese crafts), as well as limited overnight stay packages. These events make hotels a popular and comfortable choice for both locals and international travelers.
Be sure to check directly with your hotel and book early, as New Year’s Eve events and accommodation packages often sell out well in advance due to high demand.
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