New Year Days in Tokyo

Hello, travelers. This is Kumi. Picturesque Japan Blog tells you about New Year days in Tokyo.


For Japanese people, welcoming a New Year is something very special. In America, everything goes back to normal on January 2, but in Japan, a lot of public facilities will be closed from December 29 or 30 to January 3 or 4. Some popular temples and shrines will be super crowded. Also, a lot of people wish to see the first sunrise of the year.

Here is some information about popular spots.

Hamarikyu Gardens: closed Dec 29 - Jan 1

Imperial Palace East Gardens: closed Dec 28 -Jan 3

Tokyo Tower: open at 6am on Jan 1 / other days from 9am - 11pm

Tokyo Sky Tree: open 8am - 10pm on Jan 1 / 7am - 10pm on Jan 2 and 3
*only the people who won the special tickets can go up from 5:30am - 7:30am on Jan 1 for sunrise

Tokyo Government Building: open 7:30am - 5:30pm on Jan 1 / closed on Jan 2 and 3
*only the people who won the special tickets can go up from 5:30am - 7:30am on Jan 1 for sunrise

Meiji Shrine: More than 3 million people visit during the first three days of the year

Senso-ji Temple: Approx 2.8 million people visit during the first three days of the year

Post Office: closed Dec 30 -Jan 3 *Some special offices may open

Banks (in general): closed Dec 30 -Jan 3

Tourist Information Center in Yurakucho: closed Dec 30 -Jan 3

JNTO TIC (Tourist Information Center): closed on Jan 1

Ginza Mitsukoshi: closed on Jan 1 and 2

Matsuya Ginza: closed on Jan 1

Hmm... Okay, then what's available??

If you love walking, you could enjoy walking around the moat of the Imperial Palace. The view is lovely.


If you wish to go shopping, the following department stores will be open on New Year's Day.

Shinjuku MYLOAD

SEIBU IKEBUKURO
SEIBU SHIBUYA

Have a wonderful holiday in Tokyo!!!

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