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Writer's pictureMaxwell Ho

New Year's Eve in Tokyo!

Updated: Dec 4, 2023


It's almost that time again - New Year's Eve!

I have been traveling to Tokyo for New Year's Eve for over 10 years now to celebrate with my friends from Germany and Japan. Normally, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day in Japan is celebrated in close family circles. That's why I really appreciate my local friends for taking the time for me on exactly those days so that we can all celebrate an incredible start to the new year.

Our process has been the same for years, but we never get bored. That's why I'm taking you with me today and showing you what a perfect end to the year can look like! First of all, it should be said that fireworks are banned in Japan - so don't expect fireworks like in Germany. The so-called "Countdown Party" takes place in Shibuya. instead of. The world's largest intersection, which you also see in pictures, is closed and full of people. Tourists, to be more precise. Definitely not a place I would recommend for your New Year's Eve party if you have already come to Tokyo specifically for New Year's Eve.

Our evening always goes like this:


6:00 p.m. Meeting point in Shibuya at Hatchiko:One of the most popular meeting places in the city is the Hatchiko statue in Shibuya. It's easy to get to and it's usually pretty clear. When the sun sets behind the skyscrapers, it's time to hit the road.


6:30 p.m. Eating and drinking at the Izakaya:As soon as everyone has gathered, we go to one of the many izakayas in Shibuya. Our absolute favorite here was Maruhachi, which unfortunately had to close last year because the building was demolished. Good alternatives are Gocchi Shibuya and the Kichiri. Izakayas not only offer good food that you can share with friends, but also the Japanese famous Nomihodai offer (All you can drink alcohol). Here you can have as many drinks as you want for the entire stay. Since Japanese people can often tolerate less than Europeans, the offer is also comparatively cheap.


Around 9:00 p.m. Karaoke:After our stay at the Izakaya, it's finally time: karaoke time! You can find karaoke bars on every corner in Shibuya. It's best to look for one that has a large glass front and ask the receptionist for a cabin with a view. Most of the time you'll be successful and, in addition to having the time of your life, you'll also be able to enjoy a great view. You can also book another Nomihodai round at the reception and then you no longer have to worry about your physical well-being during your celebration. Also good to know: If there are Japanese people in front of you or behind you who obviously want to party too, you can always ask if you all want to take a karaoke box together. Not only is it cheaper, you also get to meet really cool people and maximize the fun!


11:00 p.m. time for the countdown location:

If you don't want to spend the countdown among tourists but would like to celebrate the New Year with locals from Tokyo, you should go to one of the smaller bars in the side streets. Our favorite spot is a small, very narrow building that is filled with bars from the basement to the fourth floor. You can find it here. The countdown parties here are legendary and there is a large selection of board games that the owners like to convert into drinking games.


02:00 a.m. The city's clubs:Tokyo has incredibly great clubs. But these are not always easy to find! In Shibuya and Roppongi most of the clubs are for tourists. Nevertheless, there are also a few insider tips here, which I will give you in the article Tokyo's nightlife listed. Have fun!


6:00 a.m. or later:Eat ramen and go to bed :)

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