New Year is a fantastic time of year. Spirits are high in anticipation for the opportunities that the coming year may bring, and may use this time to reflect on the last few months. Once resolutions are set, in western culture, it’s time to party on through until the morning. In Japan, however, the New Year is welcomed differently. In place of hard-partying, the 31st December sees people returning to their hometowns to enjoy the company of their families and engage in the traditions that their culture holds dear at this time of year. Read on to discover how you can celebrate the New Year in the wonderful city of Tokyo.
Hatsumode
If you are seeking an authentic Japanese cultural experience to start your year, then do Hatsumode. Hatsumode is the first temple visit of the year, that should be done at midnight on the 31st December to start the New Year with good fortune. We recommend dining at the renowned restaurant in Shinagawa prince hotel before heading to one of the historical temples that Tokyo is home to by around 10 pm. Zozo-Ji is ancient, dating back to 1393 and is the perfect place to carry out Hatsumode. To celebrate the New Year, this traditional event will include a monk ringing the bell of the temple 108 times. This is representative of the Buddhist belief that humans hold 108 desires which need to be cleansed to live a prosperous and healthy life. Although this may sound formal, it is, in fact, a joyous event, that fills the temple and surrounding areas with a lively and warming atmosphere.
Yokohama
Fireworks and New Year go hand in hand. In Tokyo, this is no exception. If you want to enjoy magnificent displays in an unbeatable setting, head to the port of Yokohama. This New Year event is incredibly popular and for good reason. The gorgeous setting is not only super easy to reach for Shinagawa Prince Hotel but is also a beautiful backdrop to see in the New Year celebrations. Dine-in one of the fantastic sushi restaurants surrounding the port, before setting out to enjoy spectacular explosions of colour and light, that welcome in positivity and hope for the coming months. Don’t stop there though, for wonderful illuminations and a light show, look no further than Minato Mirai.
Roppongi
Although partying is the Japanese way to celebrate the New Year, it doesn’t mean you can’t dance and drink the night away in Tokyo. If this is your preferred way to welcome in the New Year, look no further than Roppongi. This brilliant district of Tokyo offers a selection of fantastic clubs and events that promise a great night out. Don’t worry about missing the last train, as the services across the city recognise the needs of the partiers and offer extended services. So you can party right through until the early hours before returning to your gorgeous accommodation in the Shinagawa Prince Hotel.
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