Tokyo New Year's Eve Countdown
Tokyo welcomes the new year quietly and joyfully at midnight Japan time, from the bell tolls of its temples to the street countdown at Shibuya. This countdown ticks down to that Tokyo midnight, in your own timezone.
How many days until Tokyo New Year's Eve?
Tokyo New Year's Eve is on Friday, January 1, 2027, which is 183 days away. The live countdown above ticks down to the exact moment, to the second.
Where to watch
The Shibuya Scramble Crossing hosts a huge street countdown; Zojoji Temple releases balloons at midnight with Tokyo Tower behind it; and millions head to Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year.
Ringing in the year
At midnight, Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times — the joya no kane — said to cleanse the 108 worldly desires. Families gather for toshikoshi soba noodles before the new year arrives.
Quick facts
- Temple bells ring 108 times at midnight (joya no kane)
- Street countdown at Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- Zojoji Temple releases balloons with Tokyo Tower behind
- Millions visit shrines for hatsumode in the first days