As we bid farewell to 2023, a sentiment shared by many, the looming question emerges – shall we usher in the New Year amidst the vibrant energy of Tokyo?
Traditionally, this season is marked by revelry, a time to commemorate the conclusion of a fruitful year in the company of colleagues and friends at End of Year drinking parties (bōnenkai 忘年会) or amidst the grandeur of New Year’s Eve nightclub events. Much like Halloween, Tokyo typically presents an array of options for partaking in the festivities surrounding the grand countdown.
Here is our guide to celebrating New Year’s Eve in Tokyo 2023!
TOKYO NEW YEAR’S EVE TIPS
Taxis
Because of the end-of-year parties, it is nearly impossible to grab a taxi. Stick to the trains on New Year’s Eve. All nightclubs will require this for entry.
Trains
Typically Tokyo’s trains stop running at 1 am, but on New Year’s Eve, they will operate all night. The time schedules will vary between train lines, but for the most part, you can expect a train every 20 to 30 minutes.
Arrive Early
A majority of the clubs will open at 9 pm, with lines growing almost immediately. Arrive early to avoid waiting in massive lines.
Or Arrive Late
Because trains are operating all night, clubs will start to thin out around 3 am. If you would like to avoid the massive crowds but still want to party, try celebrating the countdown at a bar or the Shibuya streets, and then hit the club later.
Grab your celebration drinks early!
From about 30 minutes before the countdown, the bars will be swamped… and the last thing anyone wants is to celebrate the Countdown into the New Year waiting in line.
Shibuya Scramble
In recent years, the Tokyo police have blocked off large areas of Shibuya to prevent mass crowds. It is unclear how police will handle crowds, if any, but it would be best to avoid doing the countdown at the Shibuya scramble.
New Year’s Eve Parties in Tokyo
RAISE
- Where: Ginza
- Doors Open: 7 pm – 4 am
- How Much: Men 6,000 Yen with 2 Drinks, Women 4,000 Yen 2 Drinks.
- More Information: https://raisetokyo.com/
Tokyo’s newest nightclub located at the heart of fashion and luxury, RAISE is bringing a real nightlife to Ginza. This is their second Countdown party, and if you are looking to celebrate the end of 2023 with champagne and fashionable people, this will be the spot for you.
We recommend arriving early as the lines into RAISE will be lengthy.
Sel Octagon
- Where: Roppongi
- Doors Open: 9 pm
- How Much: Ladies:¥4,000 / 1D and Men ¥6,000 / 1D
- More Information: https://sel-octagon-tokyo.jp/
Roppongi’s top EDM nightclub, Sel Octagon is ending the year with Matisse and Sadko. The duo is known for rocking huge EDM main stages, and their big dance hits, this is a set you don’t want to miss. Come here for a night full of big sounds!
WARP Shinjuku
- Where: Shinjuku
- Doors Open: 9pm
- How Much: Women are 1,000 Yen with 2 Drinks. Men are 3,500 Yen with 1 Drink. The door prices may change on the day.
- More Information: https://warp-shinjuku.jp/
Tokyo’s newest super nightclub and most popular nightclub is located directly in the heart of Shinjuku, just down the street from the infamous Robot Restaurant. The club is massive, contains three different dance floors, and features incredible production on the main floor.
WARP’s lines are expected to be massive, so we suggest arriving before 9pm to guarantee entry. PRO TIP:
Read our full breakdown of WARP here: http://tokyonightowl.com/warp-shinjuku-nightclub/
OR
- Where: Shibuya
- Doors Open: 9 PM
- How Much: 3,000 Yen
- Learn More: https://www.ortokyo.com/
OR is a new intimate lounge in Shibuya that features regular of House musisc events. This year’s countdown will feature DRUNK KONG and Masanori Morita bringing in the new year with their smooth grooves.
Ce La Vi Tokyo
- Where: Shibuya
- Doors Open: 9 PM – 4: 30 AM
- How Much: TBD
- Full Event Details: https://celavitokyo.zaiko.io/item/361513
The famous lounge and nightclub from Singapore has landed in Shibuya’s Tokyu Plaza. Taking over the 17th-floor deck, nightclub, and 18th-floor restaurant area, Ce La Vi Tokyo is promising to offer the most exclusive party in Shibuya with a 360-degree view of Tokyo!
Special guests include KYLE from the USA for a special live show.
WOMB
- Where: Shibuya
- Doors Open: 10 pm
- How Much: Before Midnight 8,000 Yen, After Midnight is 5,000 Yen.
WOMB is bringing in the new year with the deep house and techno sounds from the Tokyo underground! In additional they are flying in the legend Sven Vath for an extra slice of techno.
Guests looking for a night of deep sounds can groove the night away on three different dance floors or take advantage of WOMB’s new VIP tables overlooking the main dance floor.
Camelot
- Where: Shibuya
- Doors Open: 9 pm
- How Much: Men 5,000 Yen with 2 drink tickets, Ladies 2,000 with 2 drink tickets
- More Information: https://clubcamelot.jp/en
Shibuya’s popular club is a safe bet for bringing in the new year. Camelot’s three different floors will cater to all party-goers with Hip Hop, Top 40, EDM, Trap, and much more!
ZOUK Tokyo
- Where: Ginza
- Doors open: 9 pm
- How Much: Men 5,000 Yen and Ladies 3,000 yen
- Event Details and tickets: https://www.zoukgrouptky.com/ja/event/EVE109748500020231231/beatbreaker/
The brand new ZOUK Tokyo is bringing in the new year with BEAT BREAKER. This gorgeous nightclub is bound to shake up the nightclub scene with its spacious dance floor and sprawling VIP table options. Purchase tickets at the website for guaranteed entry.
TK SHIBUYA
- Where: Shibuya
- Doors Open: 9 pm
- How Much: Men 3,000 Yen 1/D and Ladies 1,000 1/D
- Event Details: https://tk-nightclub.com/
Shibuya’s most conveniently located nightclub is celebrating the New Year’s Eve Countdown with a round up of Tokyo’s top DJs. The club features some pretty amazing production, with bottle girls dancing around the club. This countdown is all about the glittering lights and co2 blasts. Check this party out for an EDM fix mixed with popular dance hits.
The Shibuya Crossing Countdown
As noted earlier, typically the Shibuya Crossing Countdown is a free way to celebrate the new year. This year police will be out in full force, blocking certain areas from being accessible.
However you decide to celebrate New Year’s Eve, we here at Tokyo Night Owl wish our readers a safe and Happy New Year!