New Year 2027 Countdown — Tokyo
New Year 2027 arrives in Tokyo (JST, UTC+9) on Friday, January 1, 2027 at midnight. Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times in the ancient Joya no Kane tradition, while crowds gather at Meiji Shrine for Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year.
until midnight in Tokyo (JST, UTC+09)
New Year's Eve in Tokyo
Tokyo's New Year (Oshogatsu) is one of the most important holidays in Japan. Unlike the Western party-focused celebration, it centers on reflection, family gatherings, and spiritual rituals. The Joya no Kane bell-ringing at Buddhist temples begins just before midnight.
The 108 bell strikes represent the 108 worldly desires (bonno) in Buddhist teaching that cause human suffering. Each strike is meant to purify one desire, ushering in the New Year with a clean spiritual slate.
Meiji Shrine in Tokyo receives over three million visitors during the first three days of January for Hatsumode — the traditional first shrine visit of the New Year. It is one of the most-visited sites in Japan during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is New Year in Tokyo?
New Year arrives in Tokyo at midnight Japan Standard Time (JST, UTC+9). In 2027, that is 15:00 UTC on December 31, 2026.
How does Tokyo celebrate New Year's Eve?
Tokyo's celebration is more spiritual than festive by Western standards. Buddhist temples ring bells 108 times (Joya no Kane), families gather for special foods (osechi), and millions visit shrines for Hatsumode, the first visit of the year.
What is Joya no Kane?
Joya no Kane is the Buddhist New Year's Eve bell-ringing tradition. Temples ring their bells 108 times — once for each worldly desire in Buddhist teaching — cleansing the old year's impurities before midnight.
What time zone is Tokyo on New Year's Eve?
Tokyo is on Japan Standard Time (JST, UTC+9) year-round. Japan does not observe Daylight Saving Time.