# Tokyo in January

January in Tokyo starts with the biggest ritual of the year: shrines packed for the first visit, many shops shut for a few days and the whole city on holiday. After the first week it turns into one of the calmest months, cold and sunny, with a sumo tournament, a street market with more than 400 years of history and the last weeks of the winter lights. The list below is updated daily with the month's most notable events.

## What January feels like

January is cold, dry and mostly sunny. Japan Meteorological Agency normals put daytime highs at around 9 to 10°C and night lows at around 1 to 2°C, and it is one of the driest months of the year, with long spells of blue sky. Most winters bring a few days of snow, usually light, but even a thin layer delays trains, so give yourself extra time on those days. The sun sets early, around 4:40pm to 5pm.

Dress in layers rather than one heavy coat. Outdoors you want a warm jacket, a scarf and gloves, especially for queues at shrines or the palace, but trains, shops and museums are heated, sometimes strongly. Indoor air gets very dry, so lip balm and hand cream help. Clear mornings are also the best time of year to see Mount Fuji from high places in the city.

- Convenience stores sell disposable heat packs (kairo). A stick-on one inside your jacket makes a long outdoor wait much easier.
- Vending machine drinks with a red label are hot. They warm your hands as well as the rest of you.

- → [Winter in Tokyo: January and February](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/winter.md)
- → [Weather and events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/weather.md)

## The New Year days: closures, shrines and the Emperor's greeting

January 1 is New Year's Day and the start of the most important holiday of the year. From January 1 to 3 many small restaurants, family-run shops and museums close, and most offices stay shut until around January 4. Convenience stores, chain restaurants and shops inside big stations keep going. Department stores usually reopen on January 2 or 3 with their first sale of the year (hatsuuri), when fukubukuro lucky bags go on sale and the popular ones sell out within minutes.

These are also the days of hatsumode, the first shrine or temple visit of the year. [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), [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) and [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) draw enormous crowds through the first three days, and police let the queue forward in sections. On January 2 the imperial family appears several times during the day on a balcony of the palace to [greet the public](https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/en/visit/greeting/sanga01.html). Visitors enter through the [main gate](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%9A%87%E5%B1%85%E6%AD%A3%E9%96%80%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B01-1), entry is free and has not needed a ticket in recent years, but expect a long queue and a security check. The same two days bring the Hakone Ekiden, a university relay race that leaves Otemachi on January 2 and comes back on January 3, with huge crowds along the roadside.

On January 6 the Tokyo Fire Department holds its New Year review (dezomeshiki) on the waterfront in Ariake, where firefighters in Edo-style costume perform acrobatics on tall bamboo ladders. In recent years seats at the ceremony have gone by lottery to people who applied in October or November, so check the [fire department's page](https://www.tfd.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/inf/dezome/index.html) in the autumn.

- For a calmer hatsumode, go on January 4 or later, or early in the morning.
- Check opening days before you plan a museum or a particular restaurant for January 1 to 3.

- → [New Year in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/new-year.md)
- → [Shrine and temple etiquette for festivals and New Year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/shrine-etiquette.md)
- → [Running in Tokyo: marathons, races and the palace loop](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/running.md)
- → [Events in Shibuya](https://eventstokyo.com/en/shibuya.md)
- → [Events in Taito](https://eventstokyo.com/en/taito.md)
- → [Events in Chiyoda](https://eventstokyo.com/en/chiyoda.md)

## Mid-January: kimono, sumo and the Boroichi

Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi), a national holiday on the second Monday of January, is when each ward celebrates young people turning 20. The ceremonies are for residents, but around ward halls, big shrines and photo studios you will see young women in bright long-sleeved furisode and young men in suits or hakama. Meiji Jingu marks the day with a traditional archery ceremony.

The first sumo tournament of the year (Hatsu Basho) runs for 15 days 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), usually starting on the second Sunday of January. [Weekend tickets](https://www.sumo.or.jp/EnTicket/) sell out fastest, but even the cheap seats at the back give you the full ritual of the ring. On January 15 and 16 every year, Setagaya holds the Boroichi, a street market with roots in 1578. Hundreds of stalls selling antiques, old tools, kimono, plants and food line a street near [Kamimachi](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E6%80%A5%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E7%B7%9A%20%E4%B8%8A%E7%94%BA%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B73-4-3) and [Setagaya](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E6%80%A5%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E7%B7%9A%20%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B74-9-6) stations on the Tokyu Setagaya Line. Bring cash, and try the daikan mochi rice cakes made on the spot.

- Boroichi is busiest at midday on weekends. A weekday morning is far easier.
- Coming of Age Day weekend is busy at big shrines and photo spots, so go early if you want quiet pictures.

- → [Sumo in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/sumo.md)
- → [Flea, antique and craft markets in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/flea-markets.md)
- → [Events in Sumida](https://eventstokyo.com/en/sumida.md)
- → [Events in Setagaya](https://eventstokyo.com/en/setagaya.md)
- → [Flea & Antique Markets events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/markets.md)

## Winter lights, sales and seasonal food

The illuminations do not stop at Christmas. Many of the big displays keep going through January and some into February, and after New Year they are far less crowded than in December. January is also sale season: the winter sales that start around the New Year keep marking things down through the month in department stores, fashion buildings and electronics chains.

It is a good month for warm food. Nabe hot pots, oden at convenience store counters and roasted sweet potatoes from street trucks are everywhere, and Japanese strawberries come into season, with hotel dessert buffets that book up early. On January 7 many people eat nanakusa-gayu, a rice porridge with seven spring herbs, and supermarkets sell ready-made herb packs that week.

- → [Winter illuminations in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/winter-illuminations.md)
- → [Food festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/food-festivals.md)
- → [Food & Drink events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/food-drink.md)
- → [Tonight in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/tonight.md)

## Holidays, crowds and prices

January has two national holidays: New Year's Day on January 1 and Coming of Age Day on the second Monday. January 2 and 3 are not official holidays, but banks and most offices close, so in practice the break runs until the 3rd. Long-distance trains and flights are packed at the start and end of the New Year holidays, when people travel to and from their hometowns.

Once that rush is over, January is one of the quieter months to visit. Hotels and sights are usually calmer than in spring or autumn, apart from the Lunar New Year holidays, which fall in late January or February and bring many visitors from elsewhere in Asia. If you are coming for the New Year itself, book early and plan around the closures.

- Shinkansen seats and flights for the first days of January fill up early. Book as soon as your dates are fixed.

- → [A year of events in Tokyo, month by month](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tokyo-year.md)
- → [Tokyo in February](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tokyo-in-february.md)

## All events, soonest first

- **[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
- **[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
- **[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
- **[NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 21](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-21-7690)** — Mon, Jan 4, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo) · price on the official site
- **[Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi) 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/coming-of-age-day-seijin-no-hi-2027-7923)** — Mon, Jan 11, 2027 (JST) · Meiji Jingu Shrine (Shibuya) · price on the official site
- **[Hakone Ekiden (103rd)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hakone-ekiden-103rd-7714)** — Sat, Jan 2, 2027 08:00 – Sun, Jan 3, 2027 (JST) · In Front of Yomiuri Shimbun Tokyo Headquarters (Otemachi) Start & Finish (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[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
- **[Furusato Matsuri Tokyo 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/furusato-matsuri-tokyo-2027-7942)** — Fri, Jan 8, 2027 – Sun, Jan 17, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo) · price on the official site
- **[GUNDAM-Con 2027 Makuhari Edition](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/gundam-con2027-side-makuhari)** — Sat, Jan 9, 2027 09:00 – Mon, Jan 11, 2027 (JST) · Makuhari Messe Halls 1-3 (Mihama, Chiba) · ¥5,000
- **[Grand Sumo New Year Tournament (Hatsu Basho)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/grand-sumo-new-year-tournament-hatsu-basho-7702)** — Sun, Jan 10, 2027 – Sun, Jan 24, 2027 (JST) · Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumida) · ¥3,500〜
- **[Tokyo Auto Salon 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-auto-salon-2027-7935)** — Fri, Jan 15, 2027 – Sun, Jan 17, 2027 (JST) · Makuhari Messe (美浜区) · ¥3,000〜
- **[Setagaya Boro-ichi](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/setagaya-boro-ichi-2)** — Fri, Jan 15, 2027 09:00 – Sat, Jan 16, 2027 (JST) · Boroichi Street (Setagaya Daikan Residence Area) (Setagaya) · Free entry
- **[Emperor's Cup 106th Final](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/emperor-s-cup-106th-final-7724)** — Fri, Jan 1, 2027 (JST) · Japan National Stadium (Shinjuku) · price on the official site
- **[Emperor's Cup JFA 106th All Japan Soccer Championship Final](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/jfa-106)** — Fri, Jan 1, 2027 (JST) · MUFG Stadium (Japan National Stadium) (Shinjuku) · price on the official site
- **[Haikyu!! × Japanet Cup: 79th All Japan High School Volleyball Championship](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/jva79)** — Mon, Jan 4, 2027 – Sun, Jan 10, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium (Shibuya) · price on the official site
- **[=LOVE in Tokyo Dome](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/love-in-tokyo-dome-7960)** — Tue, Jan 19, 2027 – Wed, Jan 20, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo) · price on the official site
- **[Super Hero Festival: All Heroes Live & Show 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/allheroeslive-show-2027)** — Wed, Jan 20, 2027 18:30 – Thu, Jan 21, 2027 (JST) · Yokohama Arena (神奈川県) · ¥12,000〜
- **[Tokyo eSports Festa 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tokyo-esports-festa-2027)** — Fri, Jan 22, 2027 – Sun, Jan 24, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center) (Koto) · Free entry
- **[Bruno Mars](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/bruno-mars-tokyo-2027)** — Wed, Jan 27, 2027 17:00 – Thu, Jan 28, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo) · ¥11,800
- **[Endo Retirement and Hokujin Name Succession Grand Sumo Event](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/endo-retirement-and-hokujin-name-succession-grand-sumo-event)** — Sat, Jan 30, 2027 11:30 (JST) · Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumida) · ¥4,000–¥60,000
- **[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
- **[TOMORROW X TOGETHER World Tour <STEAL THE WIND> in Japan](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/tomorrow-x-together-world-tour-steal-the-wind-in-japan)** — Thu, Jan 7, 2027 18:00 – Fri, Jan 8, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo) · ¥11,500〜
- **[BE:FIRST 5th Anniversary DOME TOUR (Tokyo Dome)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/be-first-5th-anniversary-dome-tour-tokyo-dome-7959)** — Mon, Jan 11, 2027 17:00 – Tue, Jan 12, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo) · ¥16,500
- **[Bruno Mars - The Romantic Tour in Japan](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/bruno-mars-the-romantic-tour-in-japan)** — Fri, Jan 15, 2027 – Sat, Jan 16, 2027 (JST) · Belluna Dome · ¥11,800〜
- **[M!LK Arena Tour 2026-2027 'Shakariki Revolution'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/mlk-arena-tour-2026-2027-2)** — Fri, Jan 15, 2027 18:00 – Sun, Jan 17, 2027 (JST) · Yokohama Arena (神奈川県) · ¥11,500〜
- **[Oedo Antique Market](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/oedo-antique-market-7)** — Sun, Jan 17, 2027 09:00 (JST) · Tokyo International Forum Ground Plaza (Chiyoda) · Free entry
- **[The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Concert](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/the-legend-of-zelda-40th-anniversary-concert)** — Sat, Jan 23, 2027 13:00 (JST) · Tokyo Garden Theater (Koto) · ¥11,000–¥16,500
- **[Seal Japan Tour 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/seal-japan-tour-2027)** — Wed, Jan 27, 2027 19:00 (JST) · Tokyo Garden Theater (Koto) · ¥18,000〜
- **[Maroon 5 Asia Tour 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/maroon-5-asia-2027)** — Sat, Jan 30, 2027 18:00 – Tue, Feb 2, 2027 (JST) · Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo) · ¥9,800–¥128,000
- **[Jimmy Carr Laughs Funny - Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/jimmy-carr-laughs-funny-tokyo)** — Wed, Jan 6, 2027 19:00 (JST) · TOKYO DOME CITY HALL (Bunkyo) · ¥9,000

Showing 30 of 43.

## Questions people ask

**Is everything closed in Tokyo on New Year's Day?**
No. Many small shops, restaurants and museums close from January 1 to 3, but convenience stores, chain restaurants, shops in big stations and the main shrines and temples are open.

**How cold is Tokyo in January?**
Daytime highs are usually around 9 to 10°C and nights drop to about 1 to 2°C. It is mostly dry and sunny, with a few days of light snow in some years.

**When is the Emperor's New Year greeting?**
On January 2. The imperial family appears several times during the day on a palace balcony. Entry is free and has not needed a ticket in recent years, but expect a queue and a security check.

**When is Coming of Age Day in Japan?**
On the second Monday of January. It is a national holiday, and you will see young people in kimono and suits around ward halls and big shrines.

**Is there sumo in Tokyo in January?**
Yes. The January tournament is held at Ryogoku Kokugikan for 15 days, usually starting on the second Sunday of the month. Buy tickets early, as weekends sell out first.

**Is January a good time to visit Tokyo?**
Yes, especially after the first week. It is cold but bright, calmer than spring, and there are still illuminations, sales and sumo.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tokyo-in-january