Vol.15: A TOKYO NEW YEARS FIELD GUIDE

Welcome to TOKYO BEAT – a special series by your trusty Tokyo Tourism Representative (New York Office) that aims to provide you with story ideas and inspiration. With shogatsu (New Year) about to take center stage, honoring age-old, annual traditions is at the forefront of many Tokyoites minds. But what are the locals actually doing as they enter 2019? From navigating the crowded shrines to enjoying traditional foods and modern nightlife, here are some truly extraordinary activities visitors can explore in January.

Starting on the Right Foot Hatsumode, the first visit to a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple in the New Year, is perhaps the single most important tradition for locals. Starting on the 31st of December, over 3.5 million people head to Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya to profess their wishes for the year and to purchase a selection of omamori (amulets) for various types of luck; the city’s oldest Buddhist temple Sensoji Temple in Asakusa welcomes nearly 3 million visitors who also seek good fortune. After the holiday celebrations die down, the past year’s omamori are taken to shrines and temples such as Torigoe Jinja Shrine for Tondo Yaki, a tradition that pays them thanks by burning them in a large bonfire. For extra luck, one can add a visit to Daikoku Festival (Jan. 12 – 13) at Kanda Myojin Shrine, where the god of fortune, Daikoku, shakes a ‘lucky mallet’ over visitors’ heads for good luck.

Feasting on Traditions During shogatsu, nearly all families will repeatedly feast on Osechi-ryori. This multi-level jubakobox is filled traditional dishes, each of which symbolizes a specific type of luck (harvest, health, wealth, family, etc.) and is eaten over several days (giving homemakers a break from cooking). While generally ordered weeks in advance, interested parties can still purchase them from department stores like Takashimaya, restaurants such as the six-time Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded Restaurant TANI and legendary hotels like The Imperial Hotel. When Tokyoites crave an extravagant New Years Eve, however, many seek out New Years packages at luxury hotels. Great food and drink, unbroken views, music and dancing are the hallmark of places like the Park Hyatt and Grand Hotel Nikko Daiba. But in the year 2019, the Shangri-La Tokyo is on point in terms of theme, as it will commemorate the coming end of the current emperor’s reign with a Final Heisei Era Countdown Party.

Ringing it in like a Local Tokyo’s nightclubs are alive all year round but, just like in New York City, they pull out all the stops for New Year’s. While neighborhoods like Shibuya are brimming with clubs, the buzz-worthy Circus, where the finest DJ’s come from all over the world, is a definite standout. Fans of electronic dance music won’t find themselves left in the cold at Ele in Roppongi, while those looking for a taste of the West can head to 1OAK Tokyo, which embodies the famed style and service of this internationally renowned brand. Tokyo’s largest club ageHa in Shinkiba offers a countdown party that is by reputation one of the best for those who want to dance not just the night, but also the year, away in style.

For more information about New Year celebrations in Tokyo, contact press@tokyo-nyc.com or call 917-200-4887. For general information on traveling in Tokyo, head to TokyoTokyo.jp and Gotokyo.org/en/