Guide to New Year's Eve in Tokyo 2023: countdown parties, temple visits and more

Come New Year's Eve, Tokyo is usually filled with incredible parties and countdown celebrations. Shibuya may have cancelled its popular New Year countdown event yet again this year, but there are still many exciting things you can do in the city to ring in the 2024 new year with lots of fun and joy.

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. 

The new year is here! If, like us, you're feeling very done with 2023, then kickstart 2024 with some of the best events happening in Tokyo. If you feel like doing something energetic, head to one of Tokyo's many ice-skating rinks, and then take in the twinkly festive illuminations around town. Whatever you do, don't let the Tokyo winter beat you.