The New Year holiday, or Shōgatsu in Japan, is a time for quiet reflection. Many people return to their hometowns to be with family, adhere to tradition, and make preparations for the New Year. As more and more Western-style celebrations pop up, Tokyoites are left with more things to do than they can handle. So whether you feel like making the hatsumode pilgrimage or counting down to midnight, these are the places to be on New Year’s Eve in Tokyo.
Shibuya has one of the most active nightlife scenes in all of Tokyo, so it makes sense that people would come out in droves to soak up the energy and bring in the New Year together. Crowds gather at Shibuya Crossing on New Year’s Eve for the countdown. When it’s all over, the neighborhood has no shortage of bars and clubs to help keep the party going.
