Special January in Tokyo

January is unlike any other month in Tokyo. The first days of the year are filled with sacred traditions, bargain hunting and brisk winter air. Instead of battling crowds on packed trains, our private driver‑guides bring you straight to the highlights while sharing context and stories along the way. This article explains what happens in Tokyo during the New Year period, what’s open, and how to plan a meaningful tour in the heart of winter. Whenever we reference public information—such as weather, events or cultural practices—we draw from reliable sources like the official Tokyo travel guide and Japan’s national tourist information to ensure accuracy .



Why visit Tokyo in January?

Clear skies and comfortable temperatures

Tokyo’s January climate is crisp but not extreme. According to the Tokyo tourism board, average daytime temperatures hover around 6.6 °C (43.9 °F), with highs of 11.6 °C and lows of around 2.6 °C . Rainfall is minimal—about 26 mm on average—and snow is rare . The cool, dry weather means clear views from observation decks like Tokyo Skytree, and your private vehicle ensures you stay warm between stops.

New Year traditions you can join

Japan’s biggest holiday is the New Year (Shōgatsu). Locals mark the occasion with several customs:

• Hatsumode – the first visit of the year to a shrine or temple. Popular spots include Meiji Jingu and Senso‑ji temple; visitors often line up just after midnight on December 31 or over the first three days of January . Your driver can drop you close to the entrances and wait while you experience the ritual.
• Shinnen Ippan Sanga – on January 2, the Imperial Palace opens its inner grounds and the Emperor, Empress and royal family greet the public . Only a few dates per year offer this access, making it a unique cultural experience.
• Tondo‑yaki and Daruma markets – Tokyo’s shrines host bonfires where New Year decorations are burned for good fortune . Flea markets selling colourful daruma dolls (symbols of perseverance and luck) pop up across the city .
• Hatsu Basho sumo tournament – the first grand sumo tournament of the year is held at Ryogoku Kokugikan in mid‑January . With a private tour, you can attend morning bouts and still explore other sights in the afternoon.

Sales and fewer crowds

While many shops close on January 1, department stores launch huge sales around January 2, offering fukubukuro (“lucky bags”) filled with discounted goods . Tourist numbers are generally lower after the first week of the year, so you’ll enjoy shorter queues at museums and temples once local holidaymakers return home . As Japan Guide notes, the busiest travel peaks are from December 29 – 31 and again from January 2 – 4, when urban dwellers leave and return to the city . Choosing a private tour means you won’t worry about crowded trains during these peaks.

How to plan your January private tour

Pick the right dates

The New Year period runs from late December through January 3. Many museums, shops and restaurants close for several days . If you want to experience hatsumode or the Emperor’s greeting, plan for the first three days. For a quieter experience and more open attractions, schedule your tour from January 4 onward.

Build a flexible itinerary

A private tour allows you to craft an itinerary that balances tradition, shopping and scenery. Consider starting at Meiji Jingu or Senso‑ji to observe hatsumode, then browse the January sales in Ginza or Shibuya. Continue to the Imperial Palace for Shinnen Ippan Sanga on January 2, or visit Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden’s rare winter flower festival later in the month . If you’re travelling with kids, opt for a sumo tournament or flea market instead of shopping.

Choose your vehicle and driver

Glocal Japan offers standard and luxury vehicles—from sedans to vans—so your party remains comfortable in winter. Our multilingual driver‑guides provide context about each tradition and navigate efficiently. You can even request a favourite driver if you’ve toured with us before; we’ll accommodate when schedules allow.

Sample January itinerary

This suggested itinerary showcases the variety of experiences available in January. Feel free to customise it according to your interests:

1. Morning: Hatsumode at Meiji Jingu. Arrive early to avoid long queues. Learn about the shrine’s history and purchase omikuji (fortune slips).
2. Late morning: Explore Omotesando and Harajuku for New Year sales and trendy boutiques. Your driver will keep your purchases safe in the vehicle.
3. Lunch: Sample osechi ryōri or toshikoshi soba—traditional New Year dishes that symbolise prosperity and longevity .
4. Afternoon: Visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens or Shinnen Ippan Sanga if it’s January 2. Alternatively, head to Ueno Park for the Fuyu Botan peony festival .
5. Evening: Warm up at a hot spring in Odaiba or enjoy a private dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay. Clear winter skies make for brilliant cityscape views.

FAQs

Is it worth visiting Tokyo immediately after New Year’s Day? Yes. Crowds thin out after January 4 , shops reopen with sales and the weather remains crisp and clear .

Are shrines and temples closed during the New Year holidays? No. Temples and shrines stay open and become focal points for hatsumode ; however, expect long queues at popular sites.

What should I wear for a January tour? Dress in layers with a warm coat and comfortable shoes. Average highs around 11 °C and lows near 2 °C mean you’ll want gloves and a scarf . Your vehicle will be heated between stops.

Do restaurants serve full menus during the holiday? Many restaurants close on January 1 or offer limited menus due to market closures . Fast‑food chains and hotel restaurants remain open , but booking a private tour ensures your driver can recommend open eateries.

Can I customise my January itinerary? Absolutely. All Glocal Japan tours are customisable. You choose the destinations, vehicle type and pace, and you may even request a particular driver.

Ready to experience Tokyo’s New Year traditions?

At Glocal Japan, we blend authentic “Tokyo vibes” with seamless service. Our professional driver‑guides speak multiple languages and know the city’s winter rituals inside out. Avoid the crowds and see the best of January with a personalised itinerary.

Book a private tour – Let us craft your perfect New Year trip.

Contact us – Have questions about January travel or want to request a specific driver? We’re here to help.