Shibuya New Year's Eve Countdown: Counting Down at Tokyo's 'Times Square' Canceled for 2023-24

Last updated: 24 November 2023

As the clock ticked towards midnight on December 31st, Shibuya Crossing, famously known as the world's busiest pedestrian crossing, typically underwent a remarkable transformation. In prior years, from 9 PM onwards, this bustling hub of activity sees its streets closed off to cars, giving rise to an epic outdoor countdown party.

The Shibuya Countdown has been canceled for 2023-2024, and rules will be in effect as well. Let's take a look at how this year will be different from previous ones.

Table of Contents

Shibuya New Year Countdown Event in Previous Years
2023-2024 Shibuya Countdown Canceled
How else can I celebrate New Year's in Tokyo?

Shibuya New Year Countdown Event in Previous Years

Photos courtesy of Shibuya Countdown Committee

In typical years, the Shibuya New Year’s countdown event on the evening of December 31 was massive, expecting thousands of people.

Sponsored in part by Coca-Cola Japan, the event was called “YOU MAKE SHIBUYA COUNTDOWN.” The stage in front of Shibuya 109 saw a rich program to get the New Year’s party going appropriately.

2023-2024 Shibuya Countdown Canceled

Area under public drinking ban in Shibuya for New Year 2023-2024. (Image © Shibuya City Office; English annotations added)

According to the Shibuya City Office, the Shibuya Countdown Committee has decided to cancel the giant countdown events in front of Shibuya Station.

The decision comes in the footsteps of the cancelation of Halloween festivities earlier this year for public safety reasons.

In addition, the Shibuya City government decided to ban public drinking in specific areas of Shibuya that usually attract a large number of partygoers. This includes parks and streets.

For New Year 2023-2024, a drinking ban will be in place on the following dates/times

Sunday, December 31, 2023: From 6 PM to midnight
Monday, January 1, 2024: From midnight to 5 PM

Shibuya Crossing

渋谷駅前交差点
- Address Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo bottom, 150-0043
  View Map
- Nearest Station Shibuya Station （JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line / Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line / Tokyu Toyoko Line / Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line / Keio Inokashira Line）
  1 minute on foot
View Details

Where You Should Stay in Shibuya: Best Areas & 23 Hotels For Visitors

How else can I celebrate New Year's in Tokyo?

Best Things to Do in Tokyo in December 2023: Christmas Markets, Countdown Events, and More

Shibuya Nightlife: Night Clubs Recommend by Foreign Residents in Japan

Top 10 Things to Do During New Year’s and New Year's Eve in Tokyo

What to Do in Osaka & Kyoto in December 2023: Christmas, New Year's, Seasonal Festivities & More

Tokyo Sales Secrets: Best Shops for Bargains & 'Fukubukuro 2024' Lucky Bags

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

Share this article.

Recommended places for you

Inspiration for Accommodations

Recommended articles for first-time visitors to Tokyo

Popular Keyword

Search