New Year's Eve in Tokyo 2022: how to celebrate

Come New Year's Eve, Tokyo is usually filled with incredible parties and countdown celebrations. Thanks to Covid-19, things are a little muted, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do. Tokyo is still hosting some concerts, club nights and parties over New Year's Eve.

Hatsumode is the tradition of visiting a Shinto shrine (or Buddhist temple) during the first few days of the new year. Some shrines and temples start the celebration early and set up festival tents, similar to those found at summer matsuri festivals, on December 31. The largest festivals are held at Meiji Shrine in Harajuku and Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, while Zojoji Temple offers a majestic view of a glowing Tokyo Tower.

Joya no kane is a ritual where a large bell at a Buddhist temple is rung 108 times, to get rid of worldy desires and begin the new year afresh. Normally the bell is rung by a Buddhist monk, but some Tokyo temples like Araiyakushi Baishoin and Horinouchi Myohoji will let you take pert in the ritual – just be sure to book ahead. 

Did you stay up the whole night partying? Then you can stay up a little longer and catch the first sunrise of the new year, called hatsuhinode. The sunrise is expected around 6.50am, but the early hour doesn’t stop hordes of people flocking to the best spots. You can see the sun from just about anywhere, although popular destinations like Tokyo Tower can get packed.

Avoid the crowds by getting out of the city. Places like Miura Beach in Kanagawa or even the Osanbashi boat terminal in Yokohama are great free spots to see the dawn of the new year.

Looking for a delicious way to ring in the new year? Hotels such as the Four Seasons Otemachi and Andaz Tokyo outdo themselves with lavish multicourse lunches, dinners and buffets just for the occasion. Plus, the hotels are not the only places that are celebrating. If you’d prefer, you can enjoy your New Year’s Eve dinner while cruising around Tokyo Bay, too.