Tokyo, a city known for its all-night antics, has some of the best New Year’s Eve countdown celebrations in the world — and you can read all about them here.
New Year’s Eve in Japan is traditionally spent with the family, eating osechi and making the first shrine visit of the year. That isn’t the only option though — there are some amazing Tokyo New Year parties to see off the soon-to-be-infamous year of 2024. Here’s a rundown of the top party picks.
Note: The famous Shibuya Crossing Countdown will once again be canceled this year and the Hachiko statue will be covered.
1. Tokyo New Year Countdown Cruise
December 3110:40 p.m. till 1:10 a.m.
¥25,000
For a different take on your final night of 2024, why not spend the evening on a New Year’s Eve cruise, admiring the Tokyo skyline? There are several options to choose from — but we recommend this one from Symphony Cruises. It includes live entertainment, swanky buffet or course meal, free-flow drinks, and a champagne toast at midnight.
| Advance sales: ¥25,000 | ||
2. Happy New Year Tokyo
December 3110 p.m. to 12:10 p.m.
Free (application required)
Happy New Year Tokyo is a recently created event at the end of each year. Last year, it took place just before midnight, but this year you’ll get to experience the countdown into 2025. The nightly projection mapping on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building will get a suitable makeover and the sound of drums and famous voices will rebound around the Civic Plaza. To attend, you’ll need to pre-register, but it is free.
3. Womb Tokyo New Year Countdown
December 3110 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
¥6,500
If you want the full Tokyo New Year’s Eve experience, head to Shibuya for pre-drinks by the famous crossing before hitting Womb’s Countdown for the addictive techno beats of Sven Väth and DJ Hito. Womb will welcome in 2025 with a unique mix of house and techno.
Tickets are a flat ¥6,500 if you buy them in advance and ¥8,000 if you turn up on the day before 1 a.m. (subject to availability)
| Advance sales: ¥6,500 | At the door: ¥8,000 | |
4. Yokosuka Countdown 2025
December 316 p.m. till 1 a.m.
Free
Unlike the rest of the world, it’s not common to find fireworks to celebrate the new year in Japan. Luckily, Yokosuka does things the Western way — most likely due to the nearby US Army base. While there will only be around 500 fireworks, it’s enough to get the heart pumping into 2025. Plus, there’s the added bonus of stalls, stage performances, and lit-up local ships whistling in the bay.
Tip: In Yokohama, the regular fireworks will have a special midnight display on New Year’s Eve lasting for around four minutes.
5. Yokohoma New Year’s Eve Celebrations
December 3111:30 p.m. till 12:03 a.m.
Free
The clock on Yokohama’s Ferris wheel will count down and once it hits 0, ships will whistle and fireworks will go off (although only lasting for around three minutes). Over in Chinatown, there will be lion dances and lanterns.
6. TKNC Countdown
December 319 p.m. till 4:30 a.m.
To be released (in 2023: ¥1,000–¥3,000)
TK Nightclub Shibuya has won over many EDM hearts with its fun atmosphere, great DJs, and all-night dance floor. This year, TK will hold an ultimate party countdown on the 31st.
Ticket prices have not yet been released but last year it was ¥3,000 for men and ¥1,000 for women. The cherry on top is that all these prices included free drinks.
7. Countdown 24/25 Japan
December 28–3112 p.m. to 8:40 p.m.; 2:40 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Dec. 31
¥14,000–¥46,000
The annual four-day music festival held at Makuhari Messe is back this year, with a huge line-up of 50+ bands and DJs ready to bring in the New Year with a bang. There will be three stages with a mix of performers, all ending in a final night of music and celebrations.
This is the New Year’s Eve party for you if you enjoy Japanese bands, but the price tag is a little higher than the others on the list. You can buy tickets for each day individually, but tickets for the 31st will be more expensive.
8. Liquidroom presents New Year Party 2024
December 31
8 p.m. till late
¥5,000 plus ¥1,000 for two drinks upon entry.
Liquidroom is a well-known live music venue that knows how to throw a good bash. Tickets for their much-anticipated annual New Year’s Party often get snapped up fast, and while you’ll pay more than some other venues on this list, that’s because this is predominantly a multi-genre live concert.
| Advance sales: ¥5,000 | At the door: ¥6,000 | |
9. New Year’s Eve Party at Unit
December 319 p.m. till late
¥4,500
The arrival of 2025 sees Unit host what’s set to be yet another killer countdown bash. This year, SI×YERUI takes control of the celebrations, with live music and DJs programmed to run all night long, playing disco, house, funk, and other party jams to keep you moving. Tickets here.
10. OR Countdown to 2025
December 318 p.m. till late
¥3,000
OR inside Miyashita Park in Shibuya will have three floors of music, catering to different genres. The first floor celebrates hip-hop hits (with popcorn); the second, anime and J-pop; and the third, techno and house. Till 11 p.m., entrance on the door is ¥3,500. It’s ¥3,000 in advance and after 11.
While we do our best to ensure everything is correct, information is subject to change. This post was originally published in December 2016. Last updated in December 2024 by Alex Ziminski.
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