Intro
Hello, I’m GOK, the editor of Shinjuku local media “Daily Shinjuku.”
Shinjuku hosts a wide range of countdown events every year, centered around music, art, and entertainment. From New Year’s Eve 2025 through the start of 2026, large-scale events and hotel-hosted countdown parties are scheduled across Kabukicho and Nishi-Shinjuku, attracting both local visitors and international travelers.
This article introduces three notable countdown events in Shinjuku for welcoming 2026.
3 Countdown Events in Shinjuku (2025–2026)
Kabukicho｜Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
NEW YEAR’S EVE KABUKICHO 2026
At Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, the countdown event “NEW YEAR’S EVE KABUKICHO 2026” will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Across the entire complex—including nightclubs, cinemas, restaurants, and food halls—special New Year’s Eve programs will take place, allowing visitors to celebrate the exact moment of the New Year throughout the building.
At the basement nightclub ZEROTOKYO, UK-based dubstep and house DJ SKREAM will perform alongside Japanese DJs for a high-energy countdown party.
On the 2nd floor, Shinjuku Kabuki Hall – Kabuki Yokocho, DJs will lead a countdown event while participating restaurants serve traditional year-end soba noodles.
The 3rd floor namco TOKYO hosts bubble-era–style entertainment events, while the 9th and 10th floors at 109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku feature live-viewing classical concerts.
Paid countdown parties are also available at dining venues and bars on the upper floors.
Nishi-Shinjuku｜Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Happy New Year Tokyo 2026
“Happy New Year Tokyo 2026” takes place at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Plaza as a large-scale, free-entry countdown event organized by the Tokyo Nighttime Promotion Project Committee.
The event runs from 23:30 to 24:10 and requires advance registration.
Highlights include a projection-mapping artwork using the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building by Mika Ninagawa with EiM, an immersive live performance by Hatsune Miku, a performance by breakdancer Shigekix, dance shows by Sanrio characters, and a light-and-sound performance by MPLUSPLUS DANCERS.
In the surrounding Nishi-Shinjuku area, visitors can also enjoy the interactive art illumination “Shinjuku Neon Walk” and food trucks, making the area lively both before and after midnight.
Nishi-Shinjuku｜Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
Countdown Party 2025–2026
At Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo, the “Countdown Party 2025–2026” will be held from 22:00 on December 31 to 1:00 on January 1 at the hotel’s top-floor 17th-floor loft.
This year’s theme is “Drag Queen × Casino × DJ.”
The one-night-only event combines drag queen performances, casino-style games, and DJ music.
Guests can enjoy sparkling wine, cocktails, canapés, and traditional year-end soba noodles. Two ticket options are available: one including a single drink, and another with free-flow drinks.
Welcoming 2026 in Shinjuku
From New Year’s Eve 2025 through the start of 2026, Shinjuku hosts a variety of countdown events across different districts.
Because the area becomes crowded during the year-end and New Year holidays—including many international visitors—it’s recommended to check participation requirements, advance reservations, and event schedules beforehand.
Use this guide as a reference when planning to welcome 2026 in Shinjuku.
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku.
https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2025/12/28/shinjuku-countdown-2025-2026/
