Tokyo events for Monday, December 25 to Sunday, December 31, 2023.
Celebrate Christmas with a bucket of KFC and ring in the new year in style in and around Tokyo.
While you won’t see many fireworks going off in Tokyo on December 31, that doesn’t mean you won’t find them farther afield. But if you want to keep it traditional, there will be plenty of shrines and temples to visit. Make sure to check out our article on top New Year Eve’s countdowns for those who like to party.
Winter Comiket
The winter edition of Comiket (there’s another in the summer) is one of Japan’s biggest comic-related events in Tokyo. It is held each year at Tokyo Big Sight and the focus of the event is dōjinshi — independently created and published manga — and cosplay.
Womb Presents New Year Countdown to 2024
Ring in the New Year in Shibuya with one of the biggest clubs in Tokyo. Expect lasers, strobe lighting, and a massive LED screen to clearly see the countdown into 2024. Ticket prices this year are a flat ¥6,500 if you buy them in advance.
| Advance sales: ¥6,500 | At the door: ¥8,000 | |
Japan Anime and Character Drone Show
1,000 drones take over Yokohama and create a spectacular show. See your favorite Japanese anime and pop culture characters as giants in the sky. Characters from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Evangelion, and Ultraman wish you happy holidays in the sky above Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise. They will grow to as big as 150 meters tall and 100 meters wide.
Happy New Year Tokyo Countdown
While taking place a little earlier than midnight, this countdown sees hundreds of lanterns being sent up into the air in Shinjuku. On Sunday, December 31, 2023, between 6:20 p.m. to 7 p.m., find projection mapping, appearances by everyone’s favorite Sanrio character (yes, Hello Kitty), a show by comedian Pikotaro (“This is a pen…”), and lanterns containing wishes.
Hanayashiki Countdown
Looking for a New Year’s Eve celebration that all the family can enjoy? Come and join the countdown event taking place at Asakusa Hanayashiki, the oldest amusement park in Japan.
| Advance sales: ¥3,000 | ||
| Advance sales: ¥1,000 | ||
Ōji Inari-jinja Shrine Fox Parade
Japanese legend has it that on New Year’s Eve foxes gather from all over Japan under a large tree, disguised in human costume to visit the Ōji Inari-jinja Shrine. As part of this celebration, individuals parade down the streets, dressed up as foxes and holding lanterns. Locals will also run stalls selling food and fox masks.
Hakone Shrine New Year Fireworks and Festival
You might know Hakone for the beautiful Lake Ashi or the photogenic torii gate at Hakone Shrine. At the beginning of each year, the shrine hosts several interesting traditional festivities, including fireworks.
Tokyo Boat Races
Enjoy these thrilling boat races on the water. Six powerboats make three laps around a 600-meter course, racing to finish first. A betting card can cost as little as ¥100 and can be purchased using a vending machine inside the stadium.
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