From January 1-8, Tokyo Disneyland will be hosting a special New Year event. A must-see attraction during this event is the 'New Year's Greeting.' Mickey Mouse and friends will be dressed in beautiful traditional Japanese attire to welcome the new year with festive greetings. At the entrance of World Bazaar, you can enjoy the atmosphere of celebrating Japanese New Year with 'Kadomatsu' decorations, along with decorations celebrating the park's 40th anniversary.

At Tokyo DisneySea, you can also enjoy Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse in traditional Japanese attire, making appearances on boats during the 'New Year's Greeting' event. You'll find Kadomatsu decorations at the entrance of Miracosta Street. Both parks will offer souvenirs featuring the 2024 zodiac sign 'Tatsu' (dragon) motif, sweets with Mickey and Minnie in kimono-themed souvenir cups, and limited-time 'zoni' Japanese rice cake soup for sale.

Event Details:
・Venue: Tokyo Disney Resort
・Dates: January 1, 2024 to January 8, 2024
・Event Times: Vary by period, so please refer to the official website
・Admission: Vary by period, so please refer to the official website
・Closed: Open Daily During the Event
・Phone Number: 0570-00-8632 (Navigation Dial)

Tokyo Skytree Town has several New Year events lined up to welcome visitors. On New Year's Day, starting at 9 AM, there will be a lion dance performance on the "Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck Floor 350" to pray for the well-being of visitors. You can also catch the official mascot character, "Sorakara-chan," in traditional attire throughout Tokyo Skytree. At the 1st-floor plaza, "Soramachi Hiroba," you can experience Japanese New Year celebrations with activities such as 'kagami biraki' (breaking a sake barrel) and enjoy dynamic calligraphy performances by a calligrapher and comedians.

From January 1st to 3rd, Tokyo Skytree will have lighting displays resembling the Japanese national flag and a "Happy New Year!" laser mapping projection. You are invited to spend a delightful Japanese New Year at Tokyo Skytree Town.

Event Details:
・Venue: Tokyo Skytree Town
・Dates: December 26, 2023 to January 8, 2024
・Phone Number: 0570-55-0634

"Hatsumode" is a traditional Japanese custom that involves visiting shrines or temples for the first time in the new year. Famous shrines and temples in Tokyo are bustling with worshippers from New Year's Day until around January 3rd. Among them, Meiji Shrine, which is located just a 5-minute walk from Harajuku Station, is among the most popular destinations for Hatsumode. Every year, the lively scene makes headlines, with long queues stretching from the entrance to the main hall on New Year's Day, sometimes with wait times exceeding an hour.

There are several approaches to Meiji Shrine, but taking the South Approach is recommended. On the right side of the approach, you'll find sake barrels donated by a brewery, and further ahead stands the largest wooden torii gate in Japan, known as the Meishin Torii. Passing through the gate, you'll be surrounded by a solemn atmosphere. Right at midnight, the chief priest, who holds the highest position, strikes a large drum, and people who have been waiting in line in front of the main hall begin their New Year's prayers.

Event Details:
・Venue: Meiji Shrine
・Dates: December 31, 2023 to January 1, 2024
・Event Times: Open throughout the night
・Admission: Free
・Phone Number: 03-3379-5511

Sensoji Temple, which is located in Asakusa, is a popular destination for Hatsumode. It is known for long lines forming from December 31st into the early hours of New Year's Day. At the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day, the "Joya no Kane" (New Year's Bell) is rung 108 times at the bell tower on a small hill called Benten-yama. This hill is situated to the right of Sensoji Temple's Hozo-mon gate. As the bell tolls to herald the new year, the participants along the shrine's approach erupt into cheers. At the same time, the "New Year Special Prayer" commences inside the main hall's inner sanctum. This special prayer is conducted every 30 minutes or hourly until closing time from New Year's Day to January 7th.

During the year-end and New Year period, Nakamise Street is adorned with various New Year decorations, creating a festive atmosphere.

Like Hatsumode at Meiji Shrine, Sensoji Temple experiences significant crowds. As a result, Nakamise Street typically becomes a one-way street leading to Sensoji Temple. Visitors must queue at Kaminarimon gate. Moreover, please note that joining the line from a side alley is not allowed.

Event Details:
・Venue: Sensoji Temple, Asakusa
・Date: January 1, 2024
・Event Times: Open throughout the temple grounds
・Admission: Free
・Open Daily During the Event
・Phone Number: 03-3842-0181

An event is held at Ootori Shrine in Asakusa to wish for good health throughout the upcoming year. The event involves the preparation of "Nanakusa-gayu" (seven-herb rice porridge) and a traditional rice cake pounding known as "Mochitsuki." The first 500 attendees are treated to red and white rice cakes along with Nanakusa-gayu.

Nanakusa-gayu is a rice porridge eaten on the morning of January 7th to pray for longevity and happiness. It is made from seven spring herbs: water dropwort, shepherd's purse, cudweed, chickweed, nipplewort, turnip, and radish. This dish has a simple and refreshing flavor profile.

First-time visitors to Japan may find its unique freshness and slight bitterness an interesting experience. However, for those who have indulged in rich holiday feasts during the year-end and New Year period, it can serve as a soothing dish to ease your stomach.

In addition to Nanakusa-gayu and Mochitsuki, there are other activities to enjoy, such as a lottery drawing (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 200 yen per entry) with chances to win rice and more, as well as children's games like ring toss.

Event Details:
・Venue: Ootori Shrine Grounds
・Dates: January 7, 2024
・Event Times: 11 AM to 3 PM
・Admission: Free
・Phone Number: 03-3876-1515

The Daikoku Festival is hosted at Kanda Myojin Shrine, which serves as the guardian deity of 108 neighborhoods, including Kanda, Nihonbashi, and Akihabara. "Daikoku-sama" is the name given to Daikokuten, a deity representing wealth and fortune. He is often depicted wearing a hood, carrying a sack on his back, and holding a lucky mallet and is considered a symbol of good fortune. During the festival, a priest dressed as Daikoku-sama swings the lucky mallet above the heads of worshippers, praying for their good luck. Another deity, "Ebisu-sama," who carries a bell for good luck and fortune, also appears during the festival, but the timing of these appearances is not fixed, so it's a matter of luck whether you get to see them.

Visitors to the festival can also take part in free cleansing rituals, which is a must-try for international tourists visiting Japan.

On January 13th, a "Kanchu Misogi (Cold Water Purification) Gathering" is held at the purification site with ice columns, where participants cleanse themselves with cold water. People of all ages attend this event, with young adults typically wearing loincloths (fundoshi) and women wearing white attire.

Event Details:
・Venue: Kanda Myojin Shrine
・Dates: January 12 to January 14, 2024
・Event Times: Around 10 AM to 4 PM
・Admission: Free
・Open Daily During the Event
・Phone Number: 03-3254-0753

The Setagaya Boroichi Market is a bustling event with hundreds of stalls that draw in around 200,000 visitors in a single day. It takes place in the Boroichi Street area around Setagaya Ichichome and is centered around the "Daikan Yashiki" (Magistrate's Residence), which is a nationally designated important cultural property.

Around 700 stalls will line Boroichi Street, and last year, the market attracted around 600,000 visitors over four days.

Exhibitors come from all over Japan, offering a diverse range of items that include valuable antiques, paintings, kimonos, vintage clothing, books, and other miscellaneous goods.

The market can get very crowded during its duration, and at times navigating through the crowd may be slow. Since most of the stalls do not communicate in English, it is recommended to use written communication or gestures when making purchases.

Additionally, every day from 11 AM to 11:15 AM, there is a "Kusudama-Kaiki" (Ball Opening) event in front of the Daikan Yashiki on Boroichi Street, which features the ward mayor, organizers, and police chief. "Kusudama-Kaiki" is a unique Japanese tradition, so be sure not to miss it.

Event Details:
・Venue: Setagaya 1-chome, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0017, "Boroichi Street" and its surrounding area
・Dates: January 15 and January 16, 2024
・Event Times: 9 AM to 8 PM
・Admission: Free
・Open Daily During the Event
・Phone Number: 03-3439-1108

Discover a different side of Tokyo that can only be experienced from the waters of Tokyo Bay. Tokyo Bay Symphony Cruise offers a special "First Sunrise Cruise" on New Year's Day, departing from Hinode Pier at 5:50 AM to witness the first sunrise of the year. Guests can enjoy a buffet-style meal or traditional New Year's cuisine and indulge in drinks, including sake, as well as free-flowing beer and wine.

On January 2nd and 3rd, they offer the "New Year's Tokyo Bay Panoramic Cruise." There are two sailings: the "Sunshine Course" from 11:20 AM to 2:50 PM and the "Twilight Course" from 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM (Twilight Course available only on January 2nd). While enjoying a special course meal, the "Sunshine Course" offers traditional New Year activities like calligraphy, kendama, and kite flying, while the "Twilight Course" features a live jazz band (available on January 2nd only). Additionally, there's a "Countdown Cruise" departing at 10:40 PM on New Year's Eve, where you can welcome the New Year on board.

Event Details:
・Venue: Sea Line Tokyo, Hinode Pier Branch
・Dates: First Sunrise Cruise: January 1, 2024; New Year's Tokyo Bay Panoramic Cruises: January 2 and 3, 2024 (Sunshine Course), January 2, 2024 (Twilight Course)
・Event Times: Vary by cruise
・Admission: First Sunrise Cruise: Adults 12,000 yen, Children 9,600 yen; New Year's Tokyo Bay Panoramic Cruises - Sunshine Course: Adults 13,500 yen, Children 10,800 yen; Twilight Course: Adults 15,500 yen, Children 12,400 yen
・Phone Number: 03-3798-8101

Yomiuriland, spanning Inagi City, Tokyo, and Tama Ward, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa, is more than just an amusement park. It's a place where creativity comes to life in the form of a stunning illumination event. Renowned lighting designer Makiko Ishii, a luminary in the world of lighting design, is the mastermind behind this enchanting spectacle. This year, the theme is "LIGHT is LOVE," and it introduces a brand-new color called "Earth Blue Jewel Color," representing our profound love for the planet. The illumination combines a palette of deep and rich hues, evoking the beauty of the sea with aquamarine and sapphire, and embracing the lush green forests with the vibrant emerald.

The event also features a crowd-pleasing fountain show that boasts a colossal 15-meter water screen ring, 188 fountains, and mesmerizing effects created using lasers and flames. It's a showcase of cutting-edge technology that guarantees a delightful experience.

While the park's attractions, including the most popular Bandit rollercoaster, are adorned with splendid decorations, consider visiting Yomiuriland not just for the thrills but to immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the illumination.

"Marunouchi Illumination" completely transforms the heart of Marunouchi, including Marunouchi Nakadori, the vicinity of Yurakucho Station's Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan building, and the area near the Nihombashi exit of JR Tokyo Station. This stunning display involves adorning approximately 340 roadside trees with an astonishing 1.2 million LED lights.

What makes this illumination truly unique is its exquisite color palette, featuring a captivating champagne gold hue. This warm and vibrant shade of yellow creates a luminous and vivid ambiance, setting it apart from the typical yellow lights you often encounter.

What's even more impressive is the commitment to sustainability. All the power required for the Marunouchi Nakadori illumination comes from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Additionally, the expansive outdoor space known as TOKYO TORCH Park in front of Tokyo Station's Nihombashi exit will also be illuminated, providing visitors with a delightful experience, even though it's slightly separated from the main Marunouchi area.

Event Details
・Venue: Marunouchi Nakadori, Tokyo Station Front Area, and more
・Dates: November 16, 2023, to February 18, 2024
・Event Times: 3 PM to 11 PM
・Admission: Free
・Closed: Open daily during the event
・Phone Number: 03-5218-5100 (Marunouchi Call Center)

Yokohama Milight 2023, the biggest illumination extravaganza in Yokohama, transforms the Yokohama Station and Minato Mirai area into a mesmerizing wonderland of light. Spanning approximately 1.5 kilometers from the east exit of Yokohama Station to Grand Mall Park, this event dazzles with a stunning display of around 350,000 LED lights in hues of blue, gold, and white.

What makes this event truly exceptional is the extensive array of illuminated hotspots it offers. You can immerse yourself in the radiance at various locations including the east exit of Yokohama Station, Hamamirai Walk, Minato Mirai Pedestrian Bridge, Yokohama Sympho Stage, Grand Mall Park, and the majestic sail training ship Nippon Maru.

What's even more remarkable is that all the electricity powering this spectacle is generated from renewable sources like solar and wind power, often referred to as "Green Energy." In December, a festival with dazzling light and sound adds to the enchantment. So, while enjoying the breathtaking illuminations, you can also savor the sea breeze in the picturesque coastal city of Yokohama. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic!

Event Details:
・Venue: Yokohama Station East Exit to Grand Mall Park, Minato Mirai Area
・Dates: November 9, 2023, to February 11, 2024
・Event Times: 4 PM - 11 PM
・Admission: Free
・Closed: Open daily during the event

Tokyo Dome City is all set to host its spectacular annual winter illumination, promising an exciting experience for visitors this year. The theme for this season is 'SHOW,' adding a dash of theatrical flair to the festivities. The illumination is not just about lights; it's an entire experience designed to captivate and entertain.

Adding to the charm, a special area within Tokyo Dome City, creatively produced by the comedian Shohhei Naga from the Yoshimoto Kogyo talent agency, features unique and meticulously crafted decorations. This area is filled with various surprises, ensuring that every visit is filled with moments of joy and wonder. It's an ideal spot for those looking to add a touch of whimsy and laughter to their winter evenings.

Event Details
・When: November 21, 2023 to February 29, 2024
・Time: 5 PM – Midnight
・Admission: Free
・Closed: Open daily

Japan is set to host its largest gathering of creators from all over the country, a grand event that showcases and sells a diverse array of original creations. This event is a treasure trove for anyone interested in unique and handcrafted items. The venue will be teeming with over 3,000 creators' booths, each offering a variety of goods ranging from handmade fashion accessories and interior decor to kitchenware and art pieces.

But there's more to this event than just shopping. Visitors will have the chance to engage in workshops conducted by traditional craftsmen and popular creators, adding an interactive and educational dimension to their experience. For those who enjoy music, there will be acoustic live performances by artists, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Food enthusiasts will be delighted with the 'Food Area,' where they can sample handmade food from various regions, providing a taste of Japan's diverse culinary landscape.

A special highlight of the event is the exhibition of about 100 artworks inspired by traditional 'daruma' dolls, symbols of good luck and perseverance. This exhibition not only celebrates the iconic daruma but also showcases the creativity and skill of Japan's talented creators. This event is a perfect opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich and diverse world of Japanese creativity and craftsmanship.

Event Details:
・Venue: Tokyo Big Sight West Halls 1 & 2
・Dates: January 13 (Saturday) & 14 (Sunday), 2024
・Event Times: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
・Admission: Advance Tickets - One-Day Pass: 1,300 yen, Two-Day Pass: 2,000 yen; Same-Day Tickets - One-Day Pass: 1,500 yen, Two-Day Pass: 2,500 yen (All prices include tax, free admission for elementary school students)
・Closed: Open Daily During the Event

The largest dance music festival in Japan, GMO SONIC 2024, will be held at Saitama Super Arena. Top artists from both domestic and international dance music scenes will showcase their music and performances. This year's festival theme revolves around Wa, combining Japanese culture and entertainment. An exciting addition is the installation of a Hanamichi, a unique Japanese feature extending from the stage to the audience at the same height, creating an immersive experience and bringing artists closer to the audience.

The lineup includes a diverse range of artists from various genres and countries, including the 7-member Korean boy group RIIZE, popular Korean girl group aespa, Russian-born and German-raised music producer ZEDD, and the Swedish electro unit, music producer, and DJ Galantis, as of December 3, 2023.

Event Details:
・Venue: Saitama Super Arena
・Dates: January 27 & 28, 2024
・Admission: PLATINUM STANDING starting from 24,000 yen, GA (General Admission, All Free) 13,500 yen, U19 (Junior high school students and above, under 20 years old) 9,500 yen (*Note: Those under 19 years old cannot enter the arena area). For detailed information, please refer to the official website.
・Closed: Open Daily During the Event
・Phone Number: 03-3499-6669 (Creative Man, Mon, Wed, Fri Noon - 4 PM)

January in Japan is a month brimming with events and celebrations, marking the advent of the new year with unique traditions and customs. It's the perfect time to immerse yourself in activities like Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year, Hatsumairi, the first temple visit, and savoring Nanakusa-gayu, a traditional seven-herb rice porridge that is both delicious and symbolic.

If you're in Tokyo during January, prepare for the chilly weather. The temperatures often hover below 10 degrees Celsius, making it essential to dress warmly for outdoor events. Packing essentials such as scarves, gloves, and warm clothing will ensure you stay comfortable while enjoying the myriad of activities and cultural experiences that this vibrant month has to offer in Japan.

(The information in this article is current as of December 2023. Please see the official websites for the latest information.)