Written by Hanana, with photo notes from Hanakiki
Hi, I’m Hanana! The last days of December in Tokyo are full of energy. Markets are packed with people shopping for New Year’s food, and on the night of December 31, temple bells ring out across the city to send off the old year. Let me show you how Tokyo says goodbye to the year.
At a glance
- Where: Ameyoko market (Ueno) and Zojoji Temple (Shiba Park, near Tokyo Tower)
- When: Late December; the market is busiest from December 28 to 31, and the bell ringing is on New Year’s Eve
- Access: Ameyoko is next to JR Ueno and Okachimachi Stations. Zojoji is near Shibakoen and Onarimon Stations
What to eat & try
Toshikoshi soba
On December 31, people in Japan eat toshikoshi soba (“year-crossing noodles”). The long noodles stand for a long life, and because soba breaks easily, it is said to cut away the bad luck of the year. You can eat it hot in broth or cold with dipping sauce. Many soba shops have lines on New Year’s Eve, so go early in the evening.
The Ameyoko year-end market
Ameyoko is a busy market street under and beside the train tracks between Ueno and Okachimachi. It started as a street market after World War II. In late December, it becomes the place to buy food for New Year’s: seafood like crab, salmon roe, and tuna, plus dried foods and sweets. Shopkeepers shout out offers, and the crowd moves shoulder to shoulder. It’s one of Tokyo’s most lively year-end scenes.
- Try it: Even if you don’t cook, it’s fun to walk through and feel the energy. Some stalls sell snacks you can eat on the spot.
- Tip: Keep your bag in front of you in the crowds.
What to see
Joya no kane: the New Year’s Eve bell
On New Year’s Eve, Buddhist temples in Japan ring their large bells 108 times. This is called joya no kane. In Buddhism, people are said to have 108 worldly desires, and each ring helps clear one away before the new year. At some temples, visitors can ring the bell themselves.
Because of the crowds, Zojoji’s New Year’s Eve bell ceremony starts earlier than in past years: the ceremony begins at 9:30 p.m. on December 31, 2026, and visitors begin ringing the bell at 9:45 p.m., finishing around 11:00 p.m. Bell-ringing tickets are limited and go on sale at the temple office from December 1. Four people ring the bell together.
New Year’s prayers at Zojoji
After midnight, the temple holds its first prayer services of the new year. With Tokyo Tower glowing behind the main hall, it’s a very Tokyo way to welcome the new year.
Hanakiki’s photo spot
Hanakiki’s camera note: At Zojoji, stand back from the main hall so that the hall’s roof and Tokyo Tower fit into one frame. It works best at night when the tower is lit. At Ameyoko, shoot the street sign and the train tracks above the stalls. Please don’t block the path, and ask before you photograph a shopkeeper.
Event info
| Event | Date and time | Nearest stations |
|---|---|---|
| Zojoji Joya no Kane (New Year’s Eve bell) | Dec 31, 2026: ceremony 9:30 p.m., bell ringing from 9:45 p.m. to about 11:00 p.m. | Shibakoen, Onarimon, Daimon |
| Ameyoko year-end market | Late December (busiest Dec 28–31) | Ueno, Okachimachi |
- Zojoji bell tickets are sold from December 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the temple office. Numbers are limited, one ticket per person.
- Part of Zojoji’s grounds (such as the main gate) may be closed to passage around the New Year because of renovation work.
Official website: Zojoji Temple: https://www.zojoji.or.jp/
Please check the official website for the latest information before you go.
Travel tips
- Ameyoko timing: December 30 and 31 are extremely crowded. For a lighter crowd, go in the morning or a few days earlier.
- Cash helps: Many market stalls are cash-only.
- Late-night trains: Some lines run late-night or all-night trains on New Year’s Eve, but this changes every year. Check your line’s announcement in December.
- Dress warmly: You’ll be outside for a long time at night.
Book your trip
- Getting there: JR East (trains in eastern Japan, including Tokyo): https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/
- Plan your trip: Japan National Tourism Organization: https://www.japan.travel/en/
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