Things You'll Need:
- Warm Clothes
- A sense of adventure
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Step 1
Start early. A lot of people go to Tokyo for New Years. For the best transportation, buy a Pasmo card for the trains and have enough money on it for your round trip. Most trains run past midnight on New Years, so check your train line for the last train. Outside the subway, you may not be able to get to a local train stop after midnight.
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Step 2
Plan for the day. Bring snacks, Cash Yen, and dress in layers! You will most likely spend a lot of time outside and it's cold New Years night, but may be warm during the day.
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Step 3
View from Tokyo Tower on New Years EveThere are new years celebrations in most major neighborhoods of Japan, but no fireworks. The best spot, however, is in the vicinity of Tokyo Tower (get off at Akabanebashi station). You can spend your whole day here if you like. Shop in the mall below Tokyo Tower, view the city from the observatory, or cross the street to the Prince Hotel where there is generally a theatrical show and games for the children. There is a very inexpensive Chinese Buffet on the first floor of Tokyo Tower as well as a McDonalds.
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Step 4
Zoujouji before midnightAt 8:00 (check with Tokyo Tower information for this year's time), head over to Zojoji temple, just past the Prince Hotel. Get in line to get your wish paper. Write your wish on it and later you can tie it to a balloon. There will be many festivities in the courtyard during this time.
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Step 5
At midnight, everyone lets their balloons with wishes loose and the white balloons catch coloured lights, filling the sky with a unique light show. You can also see Tokyo Tower from the courtyard, which displays its own light show.
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Step 6
After midnight, many Japanese return to the temple to pray for the new year and get their new years fortunes and charms. You can participate if you want, too, but be prepared for very long lines!
Comments
Psalmist4M said
on 12/21/2008 Would love to volunteer if anyone has an offer to take a free pass. I'd love it. 5*s
taskeinc said
on 12/18/2008 sounds like big fun ..
RENorton said
on 12/18/2008 Excellent article. Very well-written and informative. New Year's in Tokyo sounds like a great time. I'd love to do it someday. Thanks!
nuigurumi said
on 12/18/2008 "Omedeto Gosaimasu!" is generally used. It literally means "Congratulations"
Thims said
on 12/18/2008 I'll bet it's a blast to spend New Years in Tokyo! Of course as long as you know how to say "Happy New Year" in Japanese! Great article.