What To Do In Tokyo On New Year’s Day?

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is an exciting and vibrant city with lots of things to do and see all year round. But if you’re in Tokyo on New Year’s Day, you’re in for a unique experience. Japanese New Year or shogatsu, as the Japanese call it, is Japan’s most important holiday. This day is a time for quiet reflection, family togetherness, and traditional activities.

In this blog post, we’ll take you through some of the best things to do in Tokyo on New Year’s Day.

Visit A Shrine or Temple

Visiting a shrine or temple on New Year’s Day is a traditional activity in Japan known as hatsumode. Several shrines and temples in Tokyo, such as Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, attract large crowds of visitors. People flock to the shrines and temples to offer prayers for the new year, get their fortunes told, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Watch The First Sunrise of The Year

In Japan, watching the first sunrise, called hatsuhinode, is considered to be a sacred experience. You can join the locals, who gather at various vantage points and beaches around Tokyo to witness the first sunrise of the new year.

Odaiba is one of the popular spots to see the sunrise. From the Odaiba Seaside Park, you can watch as the sun rises over the Tokyo Bay. You can also join the first New Year’s prayer ceremony and participate in the traditional Japanese drumming at the park.

Experience The Osechi Ryori

Osechi Ryori is a traditional Japanese New Year’s dish, which is served in stacked lacquer boxes called jubako. This dish consists of colorful, carefully arranged portions of food that symbolize good fortune and health for the new year.

Many Japanese families, including those in Tokyo, prepare osechi ryori at home or buy it from department stores before New Year’s Day. If you’re curious about this traditional Japanese cuisine, try sampling it at a restaurant, or pick up a box of osechi from one of the local stores.

Shop At The New Year Sales

New Year’s sales or fukubukuro are a big deal in Japan, and department stores in Tokyo slash their prices heavily. The sale offers customers the chance to purchase mystery bags filled with a range of items at a discounted price. Other shops also hold sales on various items such as clothes, electronics, and souvenirs.

For example, Ginza, Omotesando, and Shibuya, the prime districts in Tokyo, hold large-scale sales during the New Year. This is an excellent opportunity to grab bargains on popular items and souvenir shopping.

Final Thoughts

Tokyo offers plenty of unique and exciting ways to celebrate New Year’s Day. We hope that with these suggestions, you can have a fantastic experience in Tokyo and bring in the new year in the best way possible.

Remember, New Year’s Day is a significant celebration in Japan, so some stores and tourist attractions may be closed either on the day or for several days afterward. Be sure to check their schedules before making any plans.

Enjoy your New Year’s Day in Tokyo, and Kotoshimo omukae wo omachi shite imasu! (We are waiting for the new year to come).

Insider’s Guide: What To Do In Tokyo on New Year’s Day?

Tokyo, the thriving capital city of Japan, is a fantastic destination for anyone interested in exploring Japanese culture and traditions. New Year’s Day in Tokyo is a public holiday, and the city is buzzing with festivities and activities. Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, delicious dining spots, historical sites, or off-the-beaten-path adventures, there’s something for everyone in Tokyo. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take you through some of the best things to see and do in Tokyo on New Year’s Day.

Local Attractions

On New Year’s Day in Tokyo, many attractions such as temples, shrines, and museums are open to visitors, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s cultural offerings. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Tokyo:

– Sensoji Temple: Visit Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, located in the Asakusa district. On New Year’s Day, the temple is crowded with locals who come to pray, make offerings, and purchase lucky charms for the year ahead.

– Meiji Shrine: Located in the Shibuya district, Meiji Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. On New Year’s Day, the shrine hosts a traditional ceremony called Hatsumode, where visitors can make their first shrine visit of the year and pray for good luck.

– Tokyo Tower: For breathtaking views of the city, head to Tokyo Tower, a 333-meter-high observation tower, located in the Minato district. On New Year’s Day, visitors can enjoy special events, such as a traditional Japanese drum performance.

Dining Spots

Tokyo is known for its diverse and delicious dining scene, where you can find anything from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are some of the best dining spots to try in Tokyo on New Year’s Day:

– Osechi: Osechi is a traditional Japanese New Year’s dish that consists of various foods packed in a bento box. Many restaurants throughout Tokyo offer special Osechi sets for the holiday season, so it’s an excellent opportunity to try this festive cuisine.

– Tsukiji Fish Market: For seafood lovers, a trip to Tokyo’s famous fish market is a must. Many of the market’s sushi restaurants are open on New Year’s Day, offering the freshest sushi and sashimi in the city.

– Soba Noodles: On New Year’s Day, many locals eat soba noodles, which are believed to bring good luck for the year ahead. Head to one of Tokyo’s numerous soba noodle shops, such as Yabu Soba in Akasaka, to try this traditional dish.

Cultural Experiences

Tokyo is home to a myriad of cultural experiences, offering visitors the chance to learn about Japanese traditions and customs. Here are some cultural experiences to try on New Year’s Day in Tokyo:

– Kimono Rentals: Rent a traditional kimono and stroll through Tokyo’s historic districts, such as Asakusa or Kyoto Gaien, for an unforgettable cultural experience.

– Japanese Calligraphy: Learn the art of Japanese calligraphy, or shodo, which is the artistic writing of Japanese characters. Many calligraphy classes are available throughout Tokyo and are an excellent opportunity to learn about Japanese art and culture.

Local History

Tokyo has a rich and fascinating history, and on New Year’s Day, you can explore the city’s historical sites, offering insight into its past. Here are some historical sites to discover in Tokyo:

– Imperial Palace: The Imperial Palace is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Although the palace is not open to the public, visitors can tour the surrounding gardens, which offer plenty of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.

– Edo-Tokyo Museum: Learn about Tokyo’s past at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which showcases exhibits on the city’s history and culture, including models of old Tokyo streets.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For a unique and unforgettable experience, consider venturing off the beaten path and discovering some of Tokyo’s lesser-known attractions. Here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

– Yanaka: Yanaka is a charming old town district located in the Taito ward, offering authentic Japanese architecture, quiet streets, and a peaceful atmosphere. On New Year’s Day, you can see traditional Japanese kite flying.

– Shosenkyo Gorge: For nature lovers, head to Shosenkyo Gorge, located in Kofu City, about an hour’s drive from Tokyo. The gorge is known for its spectacular scenery, hiking trails, and waterfalls, making it an ideal day trip destination.

In conclusion, Tokyo is an exciting and vibrant city, even on New Year’s Day. From exploring local attractions, trying delicious dining spots, experiencing Japanese culture, and discovering hidden gems, there’s something for everyone in Tokyo. So book your flight to Tokyo and get ready for an unforgettable New Year’s Day adventure.