New Year in Tokyo

[ilovesupermarts]

Hi All.

Just a quick qns.

1) ANy family friendly place to count down to the new year? Total 9 pax. Preferably with fireworks or anything that is different from Sinkieland.

2) Will the shops be closed on 1st Jan since this is like the CNY to them? Am thinking to visit Tsukishima, Shimokitazawa and some other parks to chill and relax. Or if there are any other suggestions?

Appreciate if anyone could advise on the above?

 

[ilovesupermarts]

Could anyone help?

 

[purpleberry]

Various sites should have their own pockets of celebration. I am not sure if there's any main/major area that's similar to our marina bay. You'd need to check if the subway is still running after the new year.

Most shops should be open on Jan 1st and definiely all the major shopping centers. Family owned restaurants and small stores might close for a day.

 

[cancer81]

the imperial palace is also open to public afaik

 

[purpleberry]

Yes, only on 2nd Jan it is open to public. Perhaps can catch a glimpse of the royal family

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3017.html

 

[Samuel_Williams]

It is really interesting,,,,,,,,,,want to join it

 

[darkmatt]

I remember taking a 3am train from suidobashi to ikebukuro so yeah... trains are avail on limited basis..

as for where to countdown.. meiji jingku is one

 

[kifo]

Your family 9 members got small kids? Reason I ask is because those very popular spots like Meiji Jingu will be way too packed and you might not want to bring your kids if they are too young to go squeeze with the crowd.

 

[ilovesupermarts]

Your family 9 members got small kids? Reason I ask is because those very popular spots like Meiji Jingu will be way too packed and you might not want to bring your kids if they are too young to go squeeze with the crowd.

Hi. Nope, all adults. Youngest is like JC2 so no problem with crowds.

Upz for more suggestions as this is the 1st time I am spending NY in Japan so any tips would be helpful to help me plan ahead.

Appreciate it once again.

 

[random_person]

1. No fireworks in new year in Japan. New year is when they spend time together with their family. So there's nothing special going on on the 31st. But if you wanna see how they celebrate their new year, you can go to a shrine on the 1st of Jan in a very early morning like others have mentioned above. Try their new year food, Osechi if you have a chance. You can get it from department stores.

2. Most shops will be closed. Parks should be open

3. Some shops sell fukubukuro bags (lucky bags) which you pay for a certain price but the stuff inside are worth more than what you paid for. But the thing is you won't know what's inside. Apple store in particular is famous for this during Japan New Year.