New Year's Eve at the crossing: what to plan for
Last year, for 2025/26, the countdown organizing committee cancelled the countdown in front of Shibuya Station. The city announced that the area around the Hachiko statue would be fenced off from 6:00 a.m. on 31 December 2025 until 1:00 a.m. on 1 January 2026.
That is last year's decision. For 31 December 2026, check the city's announcements in December before you build your evening around the crossing. Until then, treat a crowded street countdown as something that may not take place, and keep a plan B ready.
Rules that apply on 31 December
These do not depend on a yearly countdown decision.
No drinking on the street at night
Drinking in streets, parks and other public areas inside the marked zone around the station is banned every day from 18:00 to 05:00. The ward publishes a map of the zone. Outside it, the ward still asks people not to drink in a way that disturbs others. Joining a tour or walking with friends is no exception.
Halloween rules →Crossing and filming
Cross on green. Do not start on flashing green, and do not cross on red. Do not stop in the middle of the crossing to film, because that blocks traffic and other pedestrians. Street shoots and events need a police permit in advance. Flying a drone over a crowd is not something to try: Japanese aviation rules require prior permission for densely populated areas.
Hachiko meeting point
Do not agree to meet at the statue without a fallback. Last year the area was fenced from early morning until after midnight. Pick a second meeting point away from the square.
Hachiko guide →Litter
The ward sanctions littering across the whole district. Take your trash with you or use a bin inside a shop or station.
Shibuya walks and evening tours
Walking tours, food tours and bar hops that start in Shibuya, with live prices and availability.
Where to spend the night instead
Opening times are the regular ones. Check each place for special hours on 31 December.
| Option | Regular hours | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Shibuya Sky | 10:00 to 22:30, last entry 21:20 | Special hours, timed tickets and roof closures |
| MAG8 rooftop lounge | 10:00 to 22:00, last entry 21:30 | Entry JPY 1,800 with one drink (2026), no reservation, first come first served |
| Shibuya Yokocho | Generally 11:00 to 05:00 | Hours differ by shop, and maintenance closures are possible |
| Starbucks in the Tsutaya building | 08:00 to 22:30 | Seats on the 2nd floor, no window seat guaranteed |
| Meiji Jingu | December 06:40 to 16:00, January 06:40 to 16:20 | New Year hours may differ from the regular table |
The Sky roof can close at short notice for strong wind, rain, snow, thunderstorms, smog or extreme heat. The indoor Sky Gallery is a separate area. For a shrine visit, Meiji Jingu lies next to Harajuku, but do not assume its normal closing time on the night itself.
A sensible plan for the evening
Built to work whether or not a countdown takes place.
Afternoon
Shop early. SHIBUYA109 and PARCO may change their hours around the year change, and 109 is closed on 1 January. Book a timed Sky slot if you want one, since tickets are sold up to two weeks ahead.
Shibuya Sky →Early evening
Eat before the area fills up. Nonbei Yokocho and Shibuya Yokocho are small, and seats are not guaranteed.
Food guide →Around midnight
Decide where you will be at midnight before 22:00. Check the last train for your line, because an all-night service on every line is not something to count on. The busy Hachiko Gate has an alternative: the South Gate, about 250 m from the Hachiko square.
Station guide →1 January
Check shop and viewpoint hours before you head out. SHIBUYA109 is closed. For a first shrine visit of the year, see the temple in Asakusa on our sister guide.
More to read
Related guides.
Shibuya Halloween
The drinking ban, Hachiko fencing and traffic controls on 30 October to 1 November 2026.
Shibuya at night
Center Gai, Dogenzaka and the small bar alleys.
Best views of the crossing
Sky, MAG8 and the cafe windows, with hours and prices.
Best time to visit Tokyo
Weather by month and what changes through the year.
Shibuya New Year's Eve: frequently asked questions
Is there a countdown at Shibuya Crossing on New Year's Eve?
Last year the countdown in front of the station was cancelled by its organizing committee. For 31 December 2026, check the city's announcements in December. Do not plan your night around a street event.
Can I drink on the street on New Year's Eve?
No, not inside the marked zone. The ban runs every day from 18:00 to 05:00 and applies all year. Buy drinks to enjoy in a bar, a restaurant or your hotel.
Will the Hachiko statue be accessible?
Last year the statue area was fenced from 6:00 a.m. on 31 December to 1:00 a.m. on 1 January. Do not rely on it as a meeting point this year, and name a second one.
Is Shibuya Sky open on New Year's Eve?
Regular hours are 10:00 to 22:30 with last entry at 21:20. The operator lists New Year's Day as a closing day and mentions possible special closures. Check the hours for 31 December before you buy a ticket.
Where can I watch the year change if the crossing is not an option?
Look at indoor venues and rooftop lounges that advertise a New Year's Eve event, and check their rules and hours separately. A shrine visit is a different kind of night with its own opening times.
Do trains run all night on New Year's Eve?
Do not assume it. Check the timetable of the lines you need for the night of 31 December, and plan your last connection in advance.