# New Year in Tokyo 2026/27

New Year (shogatsu) is the biggest holiday of the Japanese year, and Tokyo marks it in a quiet, traditional way: temple bells on New Year's Eve, long queues at shrines on January 1, lucky bags at department stores a day or two later. Offices close, many people go back to their hometowns, and away from the big shrines the city feels unusually calm. The list below is updated daily with countdowns, shrine visits and New Year shows.

## How New Year works in Tokyo

Most offices close from the last few days of December to about January 3. December 31 (omisoka) is a family evening: toshikoshi soba for a long life, the Kohaku song contest on TV, then a walk to a local temple or shrine around midnight. It is not a night of giant street parties. January 1 to 3 is the time for hatsumode, the first shrine or temple visit of the year. Daily life returns from around January 4, but shrines stay busy through the first week.

## New Year's Eve: temple bells and countdowns

The classic way to see the year out is joya no kane, a temple bell struck 108 times around midnight, one for each worldly desire in Buddhist tradition. [Zojoji](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%A2%97%E4%B8%8A%E5%AF%BA%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E8%8A%9D%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%924-7-35) in Shiba Park is the best known in central Tokyo: the bell rings with Tokyo Tower lit up right behind the gate, crowds build from around 10pm, and in some years balloons are released at midnight. At [Sensoji](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E5%AF%BA%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%892-3-1) in Asakusa the bell is rung by members of a temple association, so you listen rather than ring. A few temples, such as [Ikegami Honmonji](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B1%A0%E4%B8%8A%E6%9C%AC%E9%96%80%E5%AF%BA%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%A4%A7%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E6%B1%A0%E4%B8%8A1-1-1) in Ota ward, hand out numbered tickets so visitors can strike the bell themselves.

For a countdown, the [Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%BA%81%E7%AC%AC%E4%B8%80%E6%9C%AC%E5%BA%81%E8%88%8E%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA%E8%A5%BF%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF2-8-1) in Shinjuku has in recent years held one with projection mapping on the towers, with entry by advance lottery. Hotels and clubs in Roppongi and Shibuya run paid parties, and the [COUNTDOWN JAPAN](https://countdownjapan.jp/) rock festival fills [Makuhari Messe](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%B9%95%E5%BC%B5%E3%83%A1%E3%83%83%E3%82%BB%20%E5%8D%83%E8%91%89%E7%9C%8C%E5%8D%83%E8%91%89%E5%B8%82%E7%BE%8E%E6%B5%9C%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%AD%E7%80%AC2-1) in neighbouring Chiba at the end of December. Shibuya Crossing is a different story: the ward has not held an official countdown for several years, and in recent years it has banned drinking in public around the station from 6pm on December 31 to 5am on January 1 and fenced off the Hachiko statue. People still gather, but there is no show and police manage the crowd.

- Where visitors can ring the bell, it is first come, first served. Arrive well before the stated time.
- Zojoji and Meiji Jingu get packed near midnight. Decide where you want to be by about 11pm.
- Hotel and club countdown parties often sell out in December.

## Hatsumode: the first shrine visit

[Meiji Jingu](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%98%8E%E6%B2%BB%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A8%E7%A5%9E%E5%9C%92%E7%94%BA1-1) near Harajuku draws the biggest crowds in Japan, around three million people over the first three days. Its gates stay open through New Year's Eve night. [Sensoji](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E5%AF%BA%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%892-3-1) in Asakusa is the other giant: walk up Nakamise street, waft incense smoke over yourself at the big burner, then queue for the main hall. [Kanda Myojin](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%A5%9E%E7%94%B0%E6%98%8E%E7%A5%9E%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%A4%96%E7%A5%9E%E7%94%B02-16-2) near Akihabara is the shrine for business luck, and office workers arrive in groups on the first working days. [Hie Shrine](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%97%A5%E6%9E%9D%E7%A5%9E%E7%A4%BE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E6%B0%B8%E7%94%B0%E7%94%BA2-10-5) in Akasaka is a calmer choice.

At the biggest places, police and staff let the crowd forward in sections, and many people toss their coin from a few rows back. At a shrine you bow twice, clap twice and bow once; at a temple you put your hands together without clapping. Afterwards, buy an omikuji fortune: tie a bad one to the rack and leave the bad luck behind, keep a good one. Omamori charms are meant to last about a year, so bring last year's back and leave it in the box for old charms that most shrines and temples have.

- Early morning on January 1, or any day from January 4, is much calmer than midnight.
- Carry coins for the offering and cash for food stalls on the approach. Many stalls do not take cards.
- Coin lockers at Harajuku and Asakusa stations fill fast in the first days of January. Travel light.

## First sunrise, the Emperor's greeting and New Year shows

Many people go out to see hatsuhinode, the first sunrise of the year, which in Tokyo comes a little before 7am. [Tokyo Skytree](https://en.tokyo-skytree.jp/) usually opens early on January 1 for a limited number of advance tickets, and in some years the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has opened its observatory to lottery winners. On Mount Takao, [Yakuoin](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%AB%98%E5%B0%BE%E5%B1%B1%E8%96%AC%E7%8E%8B%E9%99%A2%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%85%AB%E7%8E%8B%E5%AD%90%E5%B8%82%E9%AB%98%E5%B0%BE%E7%94%BA2177) temple holds fire rituals from midnight and hikers wait for dawn at the summit.

On January 2 the imperial family appears on a palace balcony several times through the day [to greet the public](https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/en/visit/greeting/sanga01.html). It is free, with a security check and long queues. In early January the Tokyo Fire Department holds its New Year review (dezomeshiki), with acrobatics on tall bamboo ladders. For an evening out, January brings New Year concerts (often Viennese waltzes), a festive programme at [Kabukiza](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%AD%8C%E8%88%9E%E4%BC%8E%E5%BA%A7%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA%E9%8A%80%E5%BA%A74-12-15), and special first-of-the-year bills (hatsuseki) at the rakugo theatres. The January sumo tournament is held at [Ryogoku Kokugikan](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%A1%E5%9B%BD%E5%9B%BD%E6%8A%80%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%A2%A8%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E6%A8%AA%E7%B6%B21-3-28) around mid-month.

## What's open, trains and what to bring

From January 1 to 3 many small restaurants, family-run shops and museums close. Convenience stores, chain restaurants and shops inside big stations stay open. Department stores usually close on January 1 and start their New Year sale on January 2, though some big names have recently moved it to January 3. That is when fukubukuro go on sale: sealed lucky bags at a fixed price with contents worth more. Popular ones sell out within minutes, and some are now sold online or by lottery.

In recent years JR East has run all-night trains on New Year's Eve on several major lines, including the Yamanote Line, while Tokyo Metro has not run all night since 2020. Plans are announced in December, so check before counting on a train home at 3am. Nights are cold, often near freezing, and you will stand still in queues for a long time: wear layers, a hat and gloves.

- Buy what you need before January 1. Supermarkets often run shorter hours over the holiday.
- Restaurants that open on January 1 to 3 sometimes add a holiday surcharge or serve a set menu only.
- Hotel prices rise over New Year. Book early if you are coming from abroad.

## New Year's Eve and countdowns

- **[COUNTDOWN JAPAN 26/27 supported by au](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/countdown-japan-2627-supported-by-au)** — Sat, Dec 26, 2026 12:00 – Thu, Dec 31, 2026 (JST) · Makuhari Messe (美浜区) · ¥15,000–¥53,000
- **[COUNTDOWN JAPAN 26/27](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/countdown-japan-26-27-7958)** — Mon, Dec 28, 2026 – Thu, Dec 31, 2026 (JST) · Makuhari Messe (美浜区) · price on the official site
- **[New Year's Eve Beginner-Friendly Yamanote Line Loop Run (Approx. 10–42 km, 7–8 min/km Pace)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/new-years-eve-beginner-friendly-yamanote-line-loop-run)** — Thu, Dec 31, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit Ticket Gate (Meeting Point) (Chiyoda) · price on the official site
- **[Countdown Musical Concert 2026-2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/countdown-musical-concert-2026-2027)** — Thu, Dec 31, 2026 (JST) · Tokyo International Forum Hall A (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[Tokyo New Year's Eve Countdown (TMG projection mapping)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-new-year-s-eve-countdown-tmg-projection-mapping-7916)** — Thu, Dec 31, 2026 (JST) · Shinjuku Southern Terrace (Shibuya) · Free entry
- **[Zojoji Temple New Year's Eve (Joya no Kane & Balloon Release)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/zojoji-temple-new-year-s-eve-joya-no-kane-balloon-release-7917)** — Thu, Dec 31, 2026 – Fri, Jan 1, 2027 (JST) · Zojoji Temple (Minato) · Free entry
- **[Airi Suzuki Live Party: No Live, No Life New Year's Eve Special – The Temple Bells Will Ring Soon!](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/live-party-no-live-no-life-sp)** — Thu, Dec 31, 2026 18:00 (JST) · Zepp DiverCity Tokyo (Koto) · ¥8,900〜
- **[Masashi Sada Countdown Concert at Ryogoku Sumo Hall](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/masashi-sada-countdown-concert-at-ryogoku-sumo-hall)** — Thu, Dec 31, 2026 20:00 – Fri, Jan 1, 2027 (JST) · Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumida) · ¥11,000–¥55,000
- **[Tokyo City Philharmonic Presents: Dragon Quest New Year's Eve Concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/presents-4)** — Thu, Dec 31, 2026 22:00 (JST) · Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall (Shinjuku) · ¥5,000〜¥9,000
- **[0.1g no Gosan Countdown Solo Concert: Year-End Free-for-All 2026–2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/01g-no-gosan-countdown-solo-concert-year-end-free-for-all)** — Thu, Dec 31, 2026 22:00 (JST) · Shin-Yokohama NEW SIDE BEACH!! (Yokohama) · price on the official site

## Shrine visits and New Year's Day

- **[Okunitama Shrine Misokaichi Year-End Market](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/okunitama-shrine-misokaichi-year-end-market)** — Wed, Dec 30, 2026 10:00 – Thu, Dec 31, 2026 (JST) · Okunitama Shrine · Free entry
- **[New Year's Visit at Torigoe Shrine](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/new-years-visit-at-torigoe-shrine)** — Fri, Jan 1, 2027 – Fri, Jan 15, 2027 (JST) · Torikoe Shrine (Taito) · Free entry
- **[Hatsumode at Meiji Jingu 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hatsumode-at-meiji-jingu-2027-7918)** — Fri, Jan 1, 2027 – Sun, Jan 3, 2027 (JST) · Meiji Jingu Shrine (Shibuya) · Free entry
- **[Hatsumode at Sensoji 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hatsumode-at-sensoji-2027-7919)** — Fri, Jan 1, 2027 – Sun, Jan 3, 2027 (JST) · Sensoji Temple (Taito) · Free entry
- **[Emperor's New Year Public Greeting (Ippan Sanga) 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/emperor-s-new-year-public-greeting-ippan-sanga-2027-7921)** — Sat, Jan 2, 2027 09:30 (JST) · Imperial Palace (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[Shinjuku Shinnonkai Itaya Yu vs. Naotaka Machida Two-Man Live: La Mama for New Year's Prayers in 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/shinjuku-shinnonkai-itaya-yu-vs-naotaka-machida-two-man)** — Sun, Jan 3, 2027 12:00 (JST) · Shibuya La.mama (Shibuya) · price on the official site
- **[Torikoe Shrine New Year's Bonfire Festival](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/torikoe-shrine-new-years-bonfire-festival)** — Fri, Jan 8, 2027 13:00 (JST) · Torigoe Shrine Grounds (Taito) · Free entry

## New Year concerts and shows

- **[Shigeru Izumiya 3-Hour Full-Throttle Live! - Year-End Party for the Guys 2](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/shigeru-izumiya-3-hour-full-throttle-live-year-end-party)** — Sat, Dec 26, 2026 17:00 (JST) · Kichijoji Star Pine's Cafe (Musashino) · ¥8,500〜
- **[Yuji Nakata Year-End Concert 2026: 'Castle in the Sand FINAL' [Full Band Performance]](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/2026-final)** — Sat, Dec 26, 2026 18:00 (JST) · Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall (Chuo) · ¥8,800
- **[Kazuhiko Fujii (THE GROOVERS) Solo Acoustic Concert: 'The Hikigatari Journey 2026 Year-End Special'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/the-groovers-the-hikigatari-journey-2026)** — Sat, Dec 26, 2026 18:00 (JST) · Shimokitazawa 440 (four forty) (Setagaya) · ¥4,500〜
- **[Nakano Medical Association Year-End Grand Thanksgiving Festival 2026: Doctors Rock Never Die! Major Debut Celebration Special](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/nakano-medical-association-year-end-grand-thanksgiving-festival-2026)** — Sun, Dec 27, 2026 17:00 (JST) · CLUB CITTA’ (崎市川崎区) · ¥7,700–¥16,500
- **[heidi. Year-End Party 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/heidi-year-end-party-2026-heidi)** — Sun, Dec 27, 2026 17:30 (JST) · Hatsudai The DOORS (Shibuya) · price on the official site
- **[MariKuri Year-End Party (Tokyo Edition)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/marikuri-year-end-party-tokyo-edition)** — Mon, Dec 28, 2026 18:30 (JST) · Shimokitazawa SHELTER (Tokyo) · ¥3,000〜¥4,000
- **[Kiyoshi Ryujin & Friends: Year-End Solo Concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/friends)** — Tue, Dec 29, 2026 18:00 (JST) · Yokohama Bay Hall (Yokohama) · ¥8,000〜
- **[Various Crosses: Year-End Feverish Heater Fair (Tsuma Series Event)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/various-crosses-year-end-feverish-heater-fair-tsuma-series-event)** — Tue, Dec 29, 2026 18:30 (JST) · Spotify O-WEST · ¥6,500〜
- **[Year-End Festival 2026–2027: A Wild Romantic Adventure!](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/year-end-festival2026-2027)** — Thu, Dec 31, 2026 12:30 (JST) · Shibuya DESEO (Shibuya) · price on the official site
- **[MUZA Silvester Concert 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/muza-2026)** — Thu, Dec 31, 2026 15:00 (JST) · Muza Kawasaki Symphony Hall (Kawasaki) · ¥4,000–¥7,000
- **[Kewpie Special Suntory Hall New Year Concert 2027: Vienna Volksoper Symphony Orchestra](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/kewpie-special-suntory-hall-new-year-concert-2027)** — Fri, Jan 1, 2027 14:00 (JST) · Suntory Hall, Main Hall (Minato) · ¥12,000–¥16,000
- **[Airi Suzuki LIVE PARTY No Live, No Life New Year's Special: About the Ambitious Plan for the 25th Anniversary](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/live-party-no-live-no-life-cnysp25)** — Fri, Jan 1, 2027 16:00 (JST) · Zepp DiverCity Tokyo (Koto) · ¥8,900〜
- **[Tokyo Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra New Year Concert 2027: Melodies You've Heard Somewhere Before](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-philharmonic-symphony-orchestra-new-year-concert-2027)** — Sat, Jan 2, 2027 15:00 – Sun, Jan 3, 2027 (JST) · Bunkamura Orchard Hall (Shibuya) · ¥3,800–¥6,900
- **[2027 New Year's Celebration: Solo Concert 'Our Best Ten - Back Then vs. Year 21'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/2027-new-years-celebration-solo-concert-our-best)** — Sat, Jan 2, 2027 17:30 (JST) · Akabane ReNY alpha (Kita) · ¥4,500–¥5,000
- **[NAOKI (SA) Acoustic Live! 2027 New Year's Party – Let's Grab a Drink from the Afternoon!](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/naokisa-2027)** — Sun, Jan 3, 2027 12:30 (JST) · Shinjuku LOFT BAR (Shinjuku) · ¥4,000〜
- **[Vienna Johann Strauss Orchestra Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall 2027 Opening Concert: Viennese Waltz New Year Concert 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/vienna-johann-strauss-orchestra-yokohama-minato-mirai-hall)** — Sun, Jan 3, 2027 15:00 (JST) · Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall, Main Hall · ¥6,000〜¥11,000
- **[Owada Rainbow Project Sakura Hall New Year Jazz Concert 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/owada-rainbow-project-sakura-hall-new-year-jazz)** — Sun, Jan 3, 2027 15:00 (JST) · Sakura Hall, Shibuya Cultural Center Owada (Shibuya) · ¥1,500–¥4,000
- **[U-zhaan × Tamaki Roy × Chinza DOPENESS SR_BLUE Presents New Year's Live Concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/u-zhaan-roy-dopeness-sr-blue-presents-new-years-live)** — Sun, Jan 3, 2027 16:00 (JST) · BLUE Enoshima · price on the official site
- **[TASOGARE BUDDY 'New Year's Party Tour 2027'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tasogare-buddytour-2027)** — Sun, Jan 3, 2027 17:00 (JST) · TOP BEAT CLUB (Tokyo) · price on the official site
- **[Rakugo Performance by Kyotaro Yanagiya, Sanza Yanagiya, and Ichika Shunpūtei - Early Spring Nishi-Arai Yose](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/rakugo-performance-by-kyotaro-yanagiya-sanza-yanagiya-and-ichika-shunputei)** — Mon, Jan 4, 2027 13:00 (JST) · Galaxcity Nishiarai Cultural Hall (Adachi) · ¥4,000
- **[Hollywood Festival Orchestra New Year Concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hollywood-festival-orchestra-new-year-concert)** — Mon, Jan 4, 2027 14:00 (JST) · Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall, Main Hall · ¥6,800–¥10,800
- **[Shunpūtei Koasa, Yanagiya Kyotaro, and Yanagiya Sansan: New Year’s Special Rakugo Performance](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/shunputei-koasa-yanagiya-kyotaro-and-yanagiya-sansan-new-years-special)** — Tue, Jan 5, 2027 13:00 (JST) · Kita Topia Sakura Hall (Kita) · ¥4,000
- **[Siena Wind Orchestra: Super Fun! New Year Concert 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/siena-wind-orchestra-super-fun-new-year-concert)** — Tue, Jan 5, 2027 19:00 (JST) · Suntory Hall (Minato) · ¥5,000–¥8,000
- **[Dezomeshiki — Tokyo Fire Brigade New Year Review 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/dezomeshiki-tokyo-fire-brigade-new-year-review-2027-7922)** — Wed, Jan 6, 2027 09:00 (JST) · Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park (Koto) · Free entry
- **[Shunputei Shota & Yanagiya Sansan with Tablet Jun New Year Special Performance [Daytime]](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/with-9)** — Wed, Jan 6, 2027 13:00 (JST) · Nakano ZERO Main Hall (Nakano) · ¥4,000
- **[Shunpūtei Ichinosuke, Ichizō, and Ikka Sibling Showcase: New Year Special Evening Performance](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/shunputei-ichinosuke-ichizo-and-ikka-sibling-showcase-new-year-special)** — Wed, Jan 6, 2027 18:30 (JST) · Nakano ZERO Main Hall (Nakano) · ¥4,000
- **[New Year's Rakugo Performance by Sansa Yanagiya and Kenko Sanyutei](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/new-years-rakugo-performance-by-sansa-yanagiya-and-kenko-sanyutei)** — Thu, Jan 7, 2027 13:30 (JST) · Nakano ZERO Small Hall (Nakano) · ¥3,500
- **[Vienna Ring Ensemble New Year Concert 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/vienna-ring-ensemble-new-year-concert-2027)** — Thu, Jan 7, 2027 19:00 (JST) · Suntory Hall, Main Hall (Minato) · ¥5,000–¥9,000
- **[MUSIC LIST Plus: What Are Korean Drama OSTs? Start 2027 with Korean Drama Talk!](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/music-list-plus-ost-2027show)** — Fri, Jan 8, 2027 (JST) · Kameari Lirio Hall (Katsushika) · price on the official site
- **[Rika Miyatani Piano Recital: New Year's Gift on a Bösendorfer](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/rika-miyatani-piano-recital-new-years-gift-on)** — Fri, Jan 8, 2027 18:30 (JST) · Yamaha Ginza Concert Salon · price on the official site

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## Questions people ask

**Is there a big New Year's Eve countdown in Tokyo?**
There is no single central street party. Most people go to a temple for the bells, enter the lottery for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building countdown, or book a hotel, club or concert countdown.

**Do trains run all night on New Year's Eve in Tokyo?**
In recent years JR East has run all-night trains on several major lines, including the Yamanote Line, while Tokyo Metro has not. Check each operator's December announcement.

**When is the best time for hatsumode?**
Midnight and the daytime of January 1 are the busiest. Early morning on January 1 or any day from January 4 is much calmer, and a visit in the first week of January still counts.

**Are shops and restaurants open on New Year's Day?**
Convenience stores, chain restaurants and station shops stay open. Many small restaurants close from January 1 to 3, and department stores usually reopen on January 2 or 3.

**Can I see the Emperor at New Year?**
Yes. On January 2 the imperial family appears on a palace balcony several times for the [New Year greeting](https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/en/visit/greeting/sanga01.html). It is free, with a security check.

**What is a fukubukuro?**
A sealed lucky bag sold at a fixed price, with contents usually worth more than you pay. They go on sale with the New Year sales and popular ones sell out fast.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/new-year