Tokyo Countdown 2026: Shinjuku vs Zojoji vs Sensoji

Planning your Tokyo New Year's countdown 2026?
Compare the atmosphere and differences of Shinjuku, Zojoji, and Sensoji at midnight on December 31st.
Includes Shibuya cancellation info and late-night transportation tips.

Hello! This is Tokyo Mate, bringing you year-end and New Year travel information from Tokyo. ☀️

Tokyo New Year’s countdown 2026 - where are you planning to celebrate? At midnight on December 31st, the atmosphere and experience vary completely depending on where you are in Tokyo.

Glamorous urban Shinjuku, romantic New Year’s bell Zojoji, traditional food-filled Sensoji. Today we’ll compare atmosphere, crowds, and transportation tips at a glance based on these three locations.

1. [Urban Style] Spectacular Light Party, Shinjuku Tokyo Metropolitan Government 🌃

“If you want to shout the countdown with thousands of people under dazzling media art!"

Shinjuku Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building hosts Tokyo’s largest free countdown event. The plaza transforms into a massive outdoor party with projection mapping and live DJ performances.

• Main Event: Countdown projection mapping & live music
• Atmosphere: Urban festival vibe where you shout "10, 9, 8..." together with the crowd. Feels like Times Square in New York!
• Entertainment: Large LED screens, DJ performances, food trucks
• Recommended for: Young travelers, couples, friend groups who want an exciting party atmosphere 🎉

➡️ Shinjuku Tokyo Metropolitan Government Countdown 2026 Best Spots & Lineup

2. [Romantic Style] New Year’s Bell Under Tokyo Tower, Zojoji Temple 🔔

“If you want to welcome the new year with the solemn sound of temple bells!"

Zojoji Temple, located right next to Tokyo Tower, rings 108 bells at midnight to symbolically cleanse the 108 worldly desires in Buddhism. The moment when the bell’s echo and Tokyo Tower’s lights blend together creates a uniquely Japanese New Year’s atmosphere.

• Main Event: Joya no Kane (New Year's bell ringing) ceremony
• Atmosphere: Solemn and romantic. The contrast between the traditional temple and modern Tokyo Tower is stunning.
• Photo Opportunity: Best spot to capture Tokyo Tower and temple together
• Recommended for: Couples, travelers seeking a calm and meaningful New Year's moment 💑

⚠️ CRITICAL: Tokyo Tower Lighting Schedule (December 31 - January 1)

Tokyo Tower turns OFF completely from 11 PM to 4 AM on New Year’s Eve! Many travelers don’t know this and are disappointed. Check the schedule below:

💡 Tokyo Mate Photo Tips

1. If you want photos with the orange Tokyo Tower, take them before 11 PM!
2. If you can stay up all night, aim for the golden Tokyo Tower that lights up again at 4 AM.

3. [Traditional Style] Bustling Festival Market, Asakusa Sensoji ⛩️

“If you want a lively food fest like in Japanese anime!"

Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, transforms into a massive festival grounds on the night of December 31st.

• Main Event: Late-night Hatsumode (first shrine visit) & yatai street
• Atmosphere: Rather than countdown itself, this is where you experience Japanese traditional culture by lining up to pray and draw fortune slips (omikuji) right after midnight.
• Entertainment: Tons of fun eating yakisoba, tanghulu, amazake (sweet sake) from yatai (food stalls) spread throughout the grounds.
• Recommended for: Families, those who want to experience Japanese traditional culture, those who believe eating is winning. 🍢

➡️ Tokyo Asakusa Attractions & Restaurants Complete Guide

🚨 [URGENT] December 31st Late-Night Transportation Guide (Subway NOT Running)

This year’s December 31st transportation schedule is different from previous years. You could end up stuck on the streets all night if you don’t check this!

⛔ Warning: Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and private railways do NOT run all night. (Once the last train stops, you can’t move until the first train at 5 AM!)

✅ JR is your only lifeline.

• Only major JR lines run all night (24 hours) from December 31st night to January 1st morning. Trains run less frequently, so plan extra time.
• Yamanote Line: 01:00~05:00 (approx. 15-min intervals)
• Keihin-Tohoku Line: 01:00~04:00 (approx. 30-min intervals)
• Chuo Line (Rapid/Local): 00:30~04:30 (approx. 30~60-min intervals)

🚃 Must-Read for Shinjuku Accommodation! ‘Subway There, JR Back’ Route Guide

“Staying in Shinjuku?” Take the fast subway there, and return safely on the non-stop JR. Here are the optimal routes.

📍 Route A. [Shinjuku All-In] Stay Safe Without Moving!

• Route: (Walk/Train) Arrive at Shinjuku Station → Countdown → Kabukicho after-party → (Walk) Return to hotel
• Point: Shinjuku has the most JR lines, making it the most accessible. Best neighborhood to wait in 24-hour restaurants until the first train (05:00) without worrying about trains.

📍 Route B. [Romantic] Shinjuku ↔ Zojoji

“Oedo Line there for convenience! JR back for safety!"

1. [22:00] Outbound: Take Toei Oedo Line (E) from Shinjuku Station → Get off at Daimon Station. (Much closer to Zojoji than JR Hamamatsucho Station, and you can use subway pass)
2. [22:30] Arrive at Zojoji: 5-min walk from station. Must get photos with the orange Tokyo Tower before the 11 PM lights-off! 📸
3. [00:00] Countdown: Welcome the new year with 108 bell rings and tower lighting.
4. [00:40] Return: Walk to JR Hamamatsucho Station → Take late-night JR Yamanote Line → Return to JR Shinjuku Station.

📍 Route C. [Enthusiast] Shinjuku ↔ Sensoji

“Direct to Asakusa there! Ueno walk back”

1. [22:00] Outbound: Shinjuku Station (JR Chuo Line) → Transfer at Kanda Station → Take Ginza Line → Get off at Asakusa Station. (Arrive right in front of Sensoji!)
2. [23:00~01:00] Sensoji Festival & New Year's Bell: Enjoy tons of yatai (food stall) treats while listening to the midnight bell ring out the new year!
3. [01:30] Return: (🚨Subway closed) Walk from Sensoji to JR Ueno Station (about 20~25 min) ※ Crowded but not dangerous. If walking is too hard, take a taxi. (Basic fare to Ueno Station)
4. [02:00] Return: Take JR Yamanote Line from JR Ueno Station → Return to JR Shinjuku Station.

📊 Quick Comparison: 3 Countdown Spots

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q. How late do trains run on December 31st?
A. ⚠️ Caution! Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway do NOT run all night for 2025-2026 New Year’s. After midnight, only some JR lines like the Yamanote Line are available, with longer wait times between trains.

Q. What about Shibuya Scramble Crossing?
A. ❌ Don’t go! Shibuya countdown events have been cancelled since 2020 due to safety concerns. The Hachiko statue area is also blocked off, so choose one of the three spots above instead of making a wasted trip.

Q. What’s the weather like?
A. Tokyo winter nights are colder than you think (2-5°C). Since you’ll be waiting outdoors for a long time, hand warmers and scarves are essential!

What scenery do you want to be in for the first page of 2026? Glamorous Shinjuku, romantic Zojoji, or lively Sensoji. Whichever you choose, it will be an unforgettable Tokyo night.

Dress warmly and have a happy New Year with your loved ones. Happy New Year! 🙇‍♂️

🌅 Going to see the sunrise after countdown?
After the all-night party, curious about ‘free sunrise spots without reservations’ you can reach by first train? Shibuya Sky and Skytree are sold out, but there are many places to go! We’ve compiled the best 7 spots including Odaiba, Haneda, and Kasai Seaside Park. 👇

➡️ Tokyo Sunrise Time 2026: Best 7 Free Sunrise Spots Without Reservation

🧡 Related Tokyo Year-End Travel Information

➡️ → Shinjuku Tokyo Metropolitan Government Countdown 2026 Best Spots & Lineup

➡️ → Tokyo Tower Lighting Off Schedule December 31, 2025 & New Year’s Day Light-Up

➡️ → 2026 Tokyo Year-End/New Year Hours & Business Info | Stores Open on January 1st