The new year is rapidly approaching. If you are in Tokyo and want to participate, head over to the 23rd annual countdown at Zojoji (増上寺) near Tokyo Tower. Zojoji is not a far walk from Hamamatsucho Station or Tamachi Station. You need to get there early to get a balloon. You can get your balloon number, then go out to dinner, and then come back closer to midnight.

Unlike many places in the world, Japan is rather subdued on New Year’s Eve. Most people sit home and watch the annual Kohaku Uta Gassen (紅白歌合戦 or Red and White Song Battle) which isn’t nearly as fun as the name suggests. In fact, most foreigners find it incredibly boring.

There are activities at other shrines and temples throughout Japan, but most Japanese wait until after the new year begins to go to these places. Other big celebrations (by Japanese standards for New Year’s Eve) in the Tokyo area include Kawasaki Daishi (川崎大師) south of Tokyo and, of course, Meiji Jingu or Meiji Shrine (明治神宮). The big countdown is really only at Zojoji though.

Posted on December 29th, 2010 under Japan • Tags: shogatsu, tokyo tower. • RSS 2.0 feed • Both comments and pings are currently closed