Tokyo’s Shibuya cancels the New Year’s Eve countdown for 2023

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Tokyo’s Shibuya neighbourhood cancels its New Year’s Eve countdown for the fourth year in a row. It happened as a result of thoughtful consideration for security and safety during the event. An estimated 100,000 partygoers normally attend the event during this time.

In addition, Shibuya is prohibiting alcohol consumption in public from 6 p.m. on December 31 until 5 a.m. on January 1, 2024. During this time, local retailers, convenience stores, and kiosk operators are asked to refrain from serving alcoholic beverages.

Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe told the media that more people have been visiting the area since the summer. Furthermore, security will be enhanced compared to the previous year.

The businesses that surround the well-known scramble crossing and have big digital screens have been asked to work together by Mayor Hasebe. He has also asked companies to cease running advertisements and erecting displays on December 31 at 11 p.m. This implies that it would be one hour ahead of schedule. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the district had to postpone its New Year’s Eve countdown event, which it had started hosting in 2016. 2020 saw the completion of this. When it was cancelled in 2021 and 2022, the same reason was given.

Earlier this year, Mr. Hasebe requested that people avoid congregating near Shibuya station during the Halloween festivities. It showed how nearly 40,000 people gathered in the past. 

This came about after a stampede in a small Seoul alleyway a year earlier claimed 160 lives in South Korea. 

Tokyo has also had its fair share of Halloween mishaps. A man dressed as the Joker got into a brawl, stabbed another person on a train, and attempted to kill others by starting a fire two years ago.

« Back to Page

• Conrad Tulum New Year Eve Bash: Luxury, fun & fireworks!

• Make the most of Canadian winter this New Year with hoteleus

• HKTB epic four seasons fireworks illuminate Hong Kong

• Global chimes: 2024 National Bell Festival rings across seven continents this New Year

• Ring in the New Year with Chef Medrano easy Champurrado recipe!