Soon, we will bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the new year, 2025. On New Year’s Eve, people usually gather with family or close friends.
Some celebrate by eating or drinking, while others go out to enjoy the lively New Year atmosphere.
If you’re in Japan and don’t want to spend New Year’s Eve at home, you can try one of these 11 activities.
1. Tokyo – TOKYO SKYTREE / 2025 New Year’s Day Sunrise
Celebrate New Year’s Eve by witnessing the breathtaking sunrise from the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree.
Special tickets for this New Year celebration at Skytree are limited to only 800 pieces. Since last year, these tickets have also been available to international tourists.
Ticket sales began on December 2 on the official website, but only 550 tickets are sold online, while the rest are part of hotel packages or specific events. TOKYO SKYTREE is located at 131-0045, Sumida-ku, Oshiage 1-1-13, Tokyo.
2. Tokyo – Shinagawa Prince Hotel / New Year 2025
The famous Shinagawa Prince Hotel offers special New Year accommodation packages once again.
These packages include 1-night, 2-night, or 3-night stays from December 31, 2024, to January 3, 2025, with flexible check-in dates.
Guests can also participate in various New Year’s activities organized by the hotel.
For guests checking in on December 31, there’s an opportunity to register for a special New Year’s Eve show at Aqua Park Shinagawa.
This year, the event’s theme is “The World of Cinema,” featuring performances inspired by familiar movie scenes and a countdown to the New Year.
3. Tokyo – The Prince Park Tower Tokyo / New Year Plan 2025
The luxury hotel near Tokyo Tower, The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, offers special New Year’s Eve packages.
These include accommodations from December 31, 2024, to January 3, 2025, with various daily activities inside the hotel. Its strategic location provides easy access to many tourist spots.
You can enjoy the New Year’s Eve countdown or watch the sunrise from Tokyo Tower directly from your room. Book early to secure your spot!
4. Tokyo – Tokyu New Year’s Eye Concert
The “Tokyu New Year’s Eye Concert” is an annual music event held since 1995. The second half of the concert is usually streamed live online via Tokyo Network and BS East TV.
This year, renowned musicians will perform a beautiful symphony to welcome the New Year.
Lottery registrations began on November 20, while general ticket sales started on December 1.
5. Tokyo – Tokyo Bay Symphony Cruise / Countdown New Year Cruise 2024-2025
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Japan by relaxing on a cruise ship in Tokyo Bay. The 150-minute journey passes iconic spots such as Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba, Haneda Airport, Maihama, and more.
You can choose between a buffet-style meal or a French set menu on board, along with exclusive musical performances.
Read:
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6. Kanagawa – Illumination Fest in Yokohama 2024-2025
With the theme of the past, present, and future, the “Yokohama YORUNOYO of Light at Night” festival takes place in Yokohama. This event combines lights, music, and artistic projections to create an enchanting show.
The illumination festival runs from December 5 to December 30, 2024, every day from 5:00 PM to 9:05 PM. Admission is free for the public.
Additionally, the inaugural “Illumination Fest Yokohama 2024-25” will feature performances across various districts in Yokohama. The special theme song for the event, “LIGHT UP,” was created by Chelmico.
7. Chiba – COUNTDOWN JAPAN 24/25
COUNTDOWN JAPAN 24/25 is a great choice for music lovers celebrating New Year’s Eve in Japan.
This event features hundreds of performers over four consecutive days, from December 28 to December 31, 2024, at Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall.
Besides music performances, there are food, drinks, and merchandise sales. On December 31, 2024, the event continues until 5:00 AM on January 1, 2025, celebrating the countdown with musicians and fans.
8. Osaka – Universal Studios Japan / NO LIMIT! COUNTDOWN 2025
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) hosts an exciting New Year’s event, “NO LIMIT! COUNTDOWN 2025.”
With a PARTY PASS, you can access the park from 7:00 PM on December 31, 2024, until 9:00 PM on January 1, 2025.
During these 26 hours, guests can enjoy unlimited access to rides and various performances held throughout the park, including special shows and DJ performances for the New Year countdown.
This year’s theme is One Piece, featuring characters from different zones of the park celebrating on stage.
9. Osaka – Bay Cruise Santa Maria / Countdown Cruise
In addition to Tokyo Bay, Osaka offers a New Year’s Eve cruise, “Bay Cruise Santa Maria.” The route passes by Universal Studios Japan, offering nighttime views of the park from the sea.
Guests can also enjoy sights around Osaka Bay, such as Tempozan Bridge, Nakahana Bridge, and Minato Bridge, along with live performances by Osaka-based bands and prize drawings.
10. Kobe – Kobe Bay Cruise / COUNTDOWN CRUISE
Talking about cruise ships would not be complete without mentioning the Port of Kobe. THE KOBE CRUISE offers two routes for New Year’s Eve.
On the “Concerto (コンチェルト)” route, visitors can enjoy the nighttime view of Kobe Harbor while watching the countdown on the giant Ferris wheel.
Meanwhile, on the “Luminous Kobe 2 (ルミナス神戸 2)” route, you can celebrate the New Year accompanied by the colorful lights that only appear on the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
Both cruise routes feature live performances to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
11. Nagasaki – Huis Ten Bosch / Countdown of the Streets of Light 2024-2025
The popular Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Kyushu, Nagasaki, hosts a special New Year’s Eve event!
In addition to luxurious light decorations installed since the end of the year, a concert and food stalls are featured on December 31.
The highlight is Japan’s largest fireworks display. Visitors can also purchase cruise tickets for the best views of the fireworks.
Special New Year’s Eve tickets for December 31, 2024, allow access to attractions starting at 9:00 AM and continue into the night until 2:00 AM on January 1, 2025.
Japan offers many exciting activities to celebrate New Year’s Eve before heading to a shrine on January 1 to pray for good fortune. Let’s visit Japan for a memorable year-end holiday experience!
