5 New Year Activities in Tokyo for Foreigners
Celebrating your first New Year’s Eve in a new city can be daunting. After the excitement of moving to Tokyo settles, you likely want to find a good way to relax and enjoy the holiday without falling into tourist traps.
To feel like a true local, avoid getting crushed in the crowds at Shibuya Crossing or Shinjuku. Instead, here are five sophisticated, low-stress ways to ring in the New Year that allow you to enjoy the culture authentically.
1. Explore Your Local Neighborhood Shrine
One of the benefits of living in Tokyo's residential areas is the sense of community. On New Year's Eve, we highly recommend skipping the chaos of major spots like Meiji Jingu.
Instead, take a walk around your specific neighborhood. Whether you live in Setagaya, Minato, or Koto-ku, the local shrine is the heart of the celebration. You will see neighbors gathering around bonfires, drinking warm amazake (sweet rice wine), and lining up to ring the temple bell. It is a warm, intimate atmosphere where you can safely enjoy the culture just a few minutes’ walk from your front door.
2. Witness the Oji Fox Parade
For those looking for something truly unique to show off to friends back home, we suggest a trip to Kita Ward. The Oji Fox Parade (Kitsune-no-Gyoretsu) is a stunning visual tradition based on local folklore that says foxes disguise themselves as humans on this night.
It feels like a scene from a movie, with hundreds of people in kimonos and fox masks marching with lanterns. It is incredibly atmospheric and offers a deeper look into Japanese folklore than the standard countdown party.
3. Enjoy Toshikoshi Soba Like a Local
You might have noticed the noodle shops near your home getting busier. Eating Toshikoshi Soba (year-crossing noodles) is the essential ritual to "break off" the bad luck of the previous year.
We encourage you to avoid the famous, long-line restaurants downtown. Instead, find a recommendation near your home, or simply walk into a busy izakaya with a red lantern outside. Sitting at a counter, enjoying hot sake and soba with locals, is often the highlight of the winter season for long-term residents.
4. Catch the First Sunrise at the Bay
If you prefer to start 2026 fresh, we suggest avoiding the late nights altogether. Get a good night's sleep and wake up early for Hatsuhinode—the first sunrise.
The Tokyo Bay area, particularly Kasai Rinkai Park or the Odaiba seaside, offers wide-open views of the sun rising over the water. It is peaceful, optimistic, and far less crowded than the observation decks at Skytree. It is a fantastic way to energize yourself for the year ahead.
5. The "Super Sento" Reset
If work has been busy and you just need to unwind, treat yourself to a luxury bathhouse experience. Facilities like Thermae-Yu in Shinjuku or Spa LaQua are open overnight and offer a perfect escape.
You can spend the countdown soaking in open-air hot springs or relaxing in the sauna. It is the ultimate way to wash away the stress of the year. You will return home on January 1st feeling completely refreshed.
Expat "Survival" Tips
To ensure your holiday remains comfortable during the city-wide shutdown, please keep these tips in mind.
- Stock Your Fridge: Most supermarkets close early on the 31st and may remain closed for the first few days of January. buying groceries on the 30th is highly recommended so you aren't stuck looking for food.
- Cash is King: Many smaller ATMs go offline during the bank holiday. Please ensure you withdraw enough cash to last you through the first week of January.
- Train Schedules: Trains run all night but on irregular schedules. Please check your transit apps carefully before heading out so you can get back home easily.