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 below.

You’ll find that New Year’s Eve in Japan is traditionally spent with the family, eating osechi and making the first shrine visit of the year — it is a pretty laidback affair. 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 2022, something we can all agree is worth celebrating. Here’s a rundown of the top party picks.

Note: The famous Shibuya Crossing Countdown will once again be canceled this year.

1. Countdown 22/23 Japan

Club Scene Crowd
Photo by iStock.com/gilaxia

This 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. Some of the big acts include Little Glee Monster, Creepy Nuts, and Unison Square Garden among many, many others.

Suggested Activity
Rent a Go-Kart in Akihabara
Rent a go-kart and ride around Akihabara, dressed up as a fun character. This is one of the most popular experiences in Tokyo!

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.

2. Womb Tokyo New Year Countdown

new year at womb
Photo by WOMB

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 five levels of DJs. Guests include Craig Richards, beloved resident DJ of the famous London nightclub Fabric; dj masda, head of the world-renowned Japanese label Cabaret Recordings; as well as BOBBY. and Yuri Urano × Manami Sakamoto.

Tickets are a flat ¥3,000 if you buy them in advance (limited to 200 tickets), ¥4,000 if you turn up on the day (before midnight), and ¥3,500 if you arrive after the countdown has finished.

3. TKNC Countdown Week

TK Nightclub
Photo by TK Nightclub

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 a week-long event for New Year’s leading up to the ultimate party countdown on the 31st.

Tickets vary depending on gender and the time you enter but are as low as ¥500 for women and ¥1,500 for men. For December 31, you can expect to pay ¥2,000 for men and ¥500 for women. The cherry on top is that all these prices include free drinks.

4. Circus: Neoncity Super Countdown Tokyo 2023

Photo by Neoncity Records

Shibuya party favorite Circus is expected to hold another huge NYE celebration to welcome in 2023, with help from Hong Kong-based Neon City Records. This year’s event is a retro-inspired future funk affair, with Tanuki2, Daviouxx, and Macross 82-99 at the helm, playing 80s-inspired jams all night long.

December 31
8:30 p.m. till late
Advance: ¥3,500; on the door: ¥4,000. Get your tickets here.

Suggested Activity
Free Online Casual Japanese Conversational Class
Join this free online Japanese class for both beginners and advanced-level students. Lessons will be mainly taught by using presentations. For beginners, English is used to help you understand and get started with Japanese. For advanced level, keigo (polite Japanese) or business-level Japanese will be taught.

5. Liquidroom presents New Year Party 2023

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. There are big names on the line-up such as hip-hop artist STUTS, who has just released his album “Orbit”; rock band Ame no Parade; duo DONGURIZU; and more.

December 31
8:00 p.m. till late
Advance: ¥5,000 plus ¥1,000 for two drinks upon entry.
Get your tickets here.

While we do our best to ensure everything is correct, information is subject to change. Post updated on December 14, 2022.

Ask our local experts about Tokyo

Get our Tokyo Cheapo Hacks direct to your inbox

Watch this next

Recommended hotels located nearby