Where to Spend New Year’s in Japan: A Tokyo & Osaka City Guide
For many people, their first image of “New Year’s in Japan” comes from fireworks, countdowns, and lively streets.
However, once you actually experience it, you’ll realize that the focus of New Year’s in Japan has never been about what to watch, but rather where you spend the time.
If you choose the wrong city, you may find yourself with nowhere to go on the night of December 31, or with your itinerary abruptly interrupted. If you choose the right city, New Year’s blends naturally into daily life—quiet, but not empty.
This article uses Tokyo and Osaka as primary examples to explain which cities are easier for first-time visitors spending New Year’s in Japan, allowing itineraries to remain continuous without a sense of disappointment. It also introduces Hokkaido, a destination with a very clear orientation, to help you determine whether it truly fits your ideal way of spending New Year’s.
I. Aligning Expectations: The Reality of New Year’s in Japan
Before planning your itinerary, it’s important to understand a few realities that differ from common expectations:
• Japan does not have a nationwide, large-scale New Year’s countdown event
• December 31 (Ōmisoka) is mainly a day for preparing for the New Year, and many shops and restaurants close earlier than usual
• New Year’s Day (January 1) hatsumōde (the first shrine visit of the year) is the core activity shared by the general public
Therefore, planning New Year’s in Japan is not about “finding events,” but about confirming two key points:
1. Whether you can still feel the city’s basic atmosphere on New Year’s Eve
2. Whether your itinerary on New Year’s Day can connect smoothly without disruption
II. The Tokyo Option: The Most Reliable “Non-Ghost City” Choice
Tokyo’s greatest advantage is that it is a city that does not suddenly come to a complete stop.
Even without official New Year’s events, city lights, transportation, and daily facilities continue operating. For first-time visitors spending New Year’s in Japan, Tokyo is the safest and most reliable option.
What You Can Do on New Year’s Eve
City night walks
Areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Roppongi remain illuminated. The festive mood is restrained, but still present.
Late-night dining options
Ramen shops, izakaya, and convenience stores remain open, so you won’t be left with “nowhere to go.”
A symbolic farewell to the old year
Spending time around Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree, or having a quiet drink at a night-view bar, is enough to mark the moment of the New Year.
Important notes
Strict crowd control is enforced in areas such as Shibuya Crossing, and official gatherings for New Year’s countdowns are discouraged.
It’s best to approach the experience with the mindset of observing the city as it is, rather than chasing a dramatic countdown.
Recommended Itinerary for New Year’s Day
Early-morning hatsumōde (first shrine visit)
• Meiji Shrine: The most crowded, but offers the strongest New Year atmosphere
• Sensō-ji (Asakusa): A more traditional feel, with surrounding streets reopening relatively early
Afternoon plans
Shopping areas and cafés in Ginza and Omotesandō gradually reopen, making them suitable for a relaxed walk or a New Year’s meal.
Best suited for
First-time visitors to Japan who want a continuous itinerary, a strong sense of city life, and minimal uncertainty.
III. The Osaka Option: A Slower, Everyday-Style New Year
Osaka’s New Year’s does not emphasize ceremony, but stands out for being relaxed and down-to-earth.
It is also very suitable for travelers who plan to continue exploring the Kansai region.
The Reality of New Year’s Eve in Osaka
Food remains the main attraction
Shinsaibashi and Dōtonbori maintain steady foot traffic at night, with izakaya and street food stalls remaining lively.
Comfortable night walks
Lighting along the Dōtonbori River and around Osaka Castle creates a relaxed festive atmosphere.
No need to deliberately “look for events”
Simply blending into the local rhythm of eating, drinking, and chatting is the Osaka-style way of welcoming the New Year.
Recommended Itinerary for New Year’s Day
Hatsumōde options
• Sumiyoshi Taisha: Unique architecture and a strong sense of history
• Imamiya Ebisu Shrine: A lively shrine with a strong commercial atmosphere
Convenient onward travel
You can continue to Kyoto or Nara as early as the afternoon, with smooth transportation connections.
Best suited for
Travelers who prioritize food experiences, do not seek formal rituals, and plan to continue traveling within the Kansai area.
IV. Is Hokkaido Suitable for New Year’s? A Calm and Rational Assessment
Hokkaido is not a “popular New Year’s destination,” but rather a choice with a very clear direction.
What New Year’s in Hokkaido Is Really Like
• Nights are extremely quiet, with almost no outdoor activities
• Core experiences are concentrated inside onsen ryokan
• Watching Kōhaku Uta Gassen indoors, enjoying year-end meals, and welcoming the New Year in a calm setting
A more accurate way to understand it is this:
This is not a “New Year’s trip,” but a year-end healing retreat.
If weather conditions allow, welcoming the first sunrise of the New Year in places like Asahikawa or Sōunkyō can be a very pure and memorable experience.
Best suited for
Couples or families, travelers familiar with Japan’s travel rhythm, those seeking to avoid crowds, and people who are comfortable with a trip centered around accommodation rather than sightseeing.
V. Important Transportation Reminders for New Year’s Eve
Transportation during the year-end and New Year period requires more caution than usual.
• In Tokyo, only a limited number of JR lines and select routes operate overnight on New Year’s Eve
• Many private railways run on holiday timetables, often with fewer services than on weekdays
• Osaka and Hokkaido generally do not offer overnight train services
Recommendation:
Plan New Year’s Eve activities within walking distance of your accommodation whenever possible.
Before traveling, be sure to check the official operating schedules announced for that year to avoid missing the last train.
Unlike countdowns and fireworks, the presence of New Year’s in Japan comes from the city itself.
When your itinerary is uninterrupted and time flows naturally, New Year’s becomes not just a moment, but a complete travel experience.