What you could do in Tokyo on New Year days

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 special. A lot of public facilities will be closed from December 29 or 30 to January 3 or 4. A lot of shops are closed on January 1. 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 4

Tokyo Tower: open at 6am on Jan 1 / other days from 9am - 11pm
*No countdown event. The lights will be off at 11pm on New Year's Eve and will turn on at 1am.

Tokyo Sky Tree: open 7am - 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 Dec 29, 30, 31, Jan 2, and 3
*No special sunrise admission this year.

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 29 -Jan 3 *Some special offices may open

Banks (in general): closed Dec 29 -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... then what can you enjoy in Tokyo on New Year's Day!??

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


I would recommend Sakuramamon area.


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

SEIBU IKEBUKURO
SEIBU SHIBUYA
https://www.sogo-seibu.jp.e.ld.hp.transer.com/shibuya/open_info/

Laforet HARAJUKU
https://www.laforet.ne.jp/en/

Omotesando Hills
http://www.omotesandohills.com/en/

And, of course, you can visit temples and shrines to enjoy what it's like to spend a New Year in Japan.

If you are staying at a hotel, your consierge may have a lot of information about what's available around your area.

Have a wonderful holiday in Tokyo!!!

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