What to do in Tokyo on New Years Eve??!?

There are places that are open on New Year's eve for the hatsumode warm-up. In Asakusa you should be able to find some akachochin-type place to have some sake or oyuwari-it is a profitable evening for even the most modest places in that neighborhood. Read Kawabata's "The Scarlet Gang of Asakusa" if you really want to get in the Shitamachi mood.

New Years in Japan is a lot like Thanksgiving in the U.S.. That is to say it is a big day to be with your family and go to Temple. As for things to do;

1) For an American Style New Years,go to Ropongi, there you will find a lot of New Years Party at the clubs and bars.


2) Go to the IMPERIAL Palace. The Palace is normally close to the public EXCEPTED for the Emperor's Birthday and the New Years. The EMPIRE give a short speech and you can tour the grounds of the Palace.

3) Go to a Shrine or a Temple. Many Japanese go to Shrine or Temple to pray for a good year and they are dressed in Kimonos and their best cloths. The temple are nicely decorated and the people are very friendly.


4) Go to the Ginza, this is the Time Square of Tokyo and on holidays and the weekend the street is closed to traffic and the pedestrians can walk around freely.

5) Check Ueno Park, it is like a county fair. Lot of food venders and games. Plus there are many museums and even a zoo.


Hope this helps,

Philly Guy

Celebrate the New Year's Day's Countdown in Downtown Tokyo.