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.
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 2023, 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. Tokyo New Year Countdown Cruise
December 3110 p.m. till 1 a.m.
¥18,000–¥24,000
For a different take on your final night of 2023, 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. It includes live entertainment, a bento meal, free-flowing drinks, and a release of balloons to welcome midnight.
| Advance sales: ¥18,000 | ||
2. Happy New Year Tokyo
December 316:20 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Free
While not taking place at midnight, this countdown is still something special. Hundreds of lanterns will be set off into the sky at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office’s Civic Plaza. To join in the actual lantern release, you’ll need to pre-register, but there will also be viewing spots that don’t require reservations.
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 five levels of DJs. Sven Väth is a special guest this year, bringing his unique mix of house and techno to Tokyo.
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.
| Advance sales: ¥6,500 | At the door: ¥8,000 | |
4. TKNC Countdown Week
December 26–319 p.m. till late
¥500–¥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 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 ¥2,000 for men. For December 31, you can expect to pay ¥3,000 for men and ¥1,000 for women. The cherry on top is that all these prices include free drinks.
5. Countdown 23/24 Japan
December 28–319 a.m. to 8:40 p.m.; 12:30 p.m. to 4:45 a.m. on Dec. 31
¥14,000–¥45,000
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.
6. Liquidroom presents New Year Party 2024
December 31
8:00 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 | ||
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 2023, by Alex Ziminski.
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