It’s just about time to start planning out your New Year’s Eve escapades.
By Chris Zajko
It’s the one night of the year that trains run all night, so there’s no excuses for not getting out-and-about and soaking up the atmosphere — whether it’s dancing the night away at one of the many “countdown” parties featuring big name DJs at clubs around the city, or taking the more traditional route with a visit to a shrine to pray for good fortune over the upcoming year.
Although staying at home isn’t such a bad idea either. There’s plenty of entertaining (read: hilarious) television on, not least of all NHK’s annual “Kohaku Uta Gassen.”
Happy New Year to all!
ageHa Countdown 2016
One of Tokyo’s biggest New Year’s Eve parties, this year’s edition features Dutch EDM heavyweights W&W, along with a raft of Japanese talent such as DJ Kaori, Ken Ishii, Mitomi Tokoto and Shintaro.
Sound Museum Vision New Year’s Eve Party
Legendary Detroit house and techno producer Theo Parrish will be manning the decks for this huge party at Sound Museum Vision.
Womb Presents New Year Countdown to 2016
Ring in the new year at Shibuya’s Womb with this year’s guests; two artists from Canada, Mathew Jonson and Mike Shannon. The rest of the lineup includes DJ Sodeyama and Womb resident DJs.
Future Terror 2015-2016
Daikanyama Unit’s New Year’s Eve countdown party will be headlined by one of Japan’s most recognisable producers, DJ Nobu. For a NYE of techno, house and a heavy dance floor all night long, this is a great option.
Whistlebump Countdown 2016
An extravagent night of house, deep house and tech house bangers, accompanied by visual projects, dancers, silk performers and a huge lineup of DJs including Pleasure Cruiser, Bryan Burton Lewis, Nyotaimori Tokyo and over 10 more
Zatta Countdown Party
Moet Chandon present this house and disco new year party, going down at The Hilton Tokyo. Headlined by Jaxx da Fishworks, the first Asian DJ to represent Ministry Of Sound, the impressive lineup also features DJ Yummy, Kentaro Takizawa, Taar and Dj Yasuca.
Higher Countdown 2016
The name of the game at Trump Room’s NYE party this year is techno, house and bass music. The iconic venue will be filled with decorations, special live performers and international DJs.
Glad Countdown 2015/16
If hip-hop is your thing, this is the NYE party for you. In a sea of house and techno parties, this will be a welcome breath of fresh air for many looking for a fun night out.
Hatsumode 2016
Why not usher in the new year the traditional Japanese way? Visit a Shinto shrine for hatsumode, the first visit of the New Year. People flock to these shrines throughout the first 5 days of each year, to pray for good fortune over the coming 12 months.
Oji Kitsune-no-gyoretsu Fox Parade
A unique way to spend New Year’s Eve, this parade is based on a legend that tells the story of foxes gathering under a large tree, disguising themselves as humans and attempting to gain entry to the Oji Inari-jinja Shrine in Kita-ku. Dust off your fox masks for this one.
NHK’s “Kohaku Uta Gassen”
OK, this one’s not so much an event as it is a television program, but given it’s long history and the fact that it’s synonymous with New Year’s Eve, it would be remiss of us not to include it.
Andaz Tavern’s New Year’s Eve Dinner
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at Andaz Hotel’s renowned restaurant Andaz Tavern. There’s 2 different seatings available so you can make other plans around dinner if needed. 4- and 5-course dinner options with wine pairing and free flow champagne available.
Tokyo Bay Countdown Cruise
A unique way to see in the new year, jump on a boat and enjoy the fresh air while cruising around Tokyo Bay with friends. This special New Year’s Eve edition will run for almost three hours, starting at 10:30pm.
