Tokyo Countdown 2026 Application Guide: Happy New Year Tokyo Lineup & Best Viewing Spots (Hatsune Miku, Shigekix)
Tokyo Mate
🎆 Deadline December 7th! Shinjuku Countdown Event 'Happy New Year Tokyo 2026'
Complete guide to free lottery application and epic lineup featuring Hatsune Miku and Shigekix.
Welcome 2026 in the most spectacular way at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building!
Introduction
Hello! This is Tokyo Mate, your Tokyo travel creator.
Where is the hottest spot in Tokyo on the last night of 2025? It’s the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Tomin Plaza.
A large-scale Shinjuku countdown event <Happy New Year Tokyo 2026> will be held, featuring a projection mapping light show that uses the iconic Tokyo Metropolitan Government building as a giant screen!
This countdown is 100% free lottery-based.
This year features an epic lineup with Hatsune Miku and Shigekix, but the most important thing is that only those who win the advance lottery can enter the main area.
The deadline is approaching. Check the application information right now! 🏃♂️
1️⃣ Deadline December 7th! Essential Application Information
The Shinjuku HAPPY NEW YEAR TOKYO event operates 100% on advance lottery for safety. Don’t think “I can just show up and line up!”
- Event Name: Happy New Year Tokyo 2026
- Date & Time: December 31, 2025 (Wed) 21:30 ~ 24:10 (scheduled)
- Location: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Tomin Plaza (Tominkōba)
- Admission: Free
- Capacity: Approximately 2,000 people
📅 Application Schedule (Strict Deadline)
- Application Period: ~ December 7, 2025 (Sun) 23:59
- Winner Announcement: December 15, 2025 (Mon) via individual email notification
- Application Method: Official website dedicated form
➡️ Official Application Website (Click Here)
💡 Tokyo Mate’s Winning Tips
- Up to 4 people per application. Increase your chances by having family and friends apply separately as representatives!
- The winner notification email might go to your spam folder. Check your email carefully on the announcement date December 15th. (Sender domain: @tokyo-nighttime-project25.jp)
2️⃣ Epic Lineup (Fusion of Tradition and Innovation)
This year’s theme is ‘Tokyo’s Charm: Tradition and Innovation’. World-renowned artists will be gathering.
🎤 Hatsune Miku
Japan’s representative virtual singer! Not just a video screening, but a cutting-edge immersive live performance. Fans from around the world are expected to flock to see this show.
🕺 Shigekix
World-class dancer who was the Paris Olympics flag bearer and winner of three consecutive All-Japan Breaking Championships! Scheduled to showcase overwhelming performance on the Tokyo countdown stage.
🎀 Hello Kitty & Sanrio Characters
Cuteness overload! Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Kuromi will all appear for a dance show to the ‘KAWAII FESTIVAL’ song.
🎨 Mika Ninagawa with EiM
The highlight of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building projection mapping! Color magician Mika Ninagawa’s production
3️⃣ Best Viewing Spots (Winners & Non-Winners)
We reveal viewing points around the government building for both ticket winners and those who unfortunately didn’t win.
🎫 [Winners] Tomin Plaza (Main Area)
- Best Spot: Obviously the front of the stage. All standing, so lines form before entry starts (21:30).
- Tip: To secure a front seat, arrive early with complete cold weather gear (hot packs, padding) and wait.
📷 [Non-Winners] Hidden Gems (Target the East Side!)
Even without a ticket, you can still enjoy the giant projection mapping projected on the government building exterior from surrounding streets. These are popular hidden countdown spots for travelers.
① Shinjuku Sumitomo Building & Triangle Plaza Area
Viewing position from the side (northeast) of the government building. Few obstructions and a preferred hidden gem for photographers to capture the majestic height of the government building at a glance.
② Keio Plaza Hotel Front Street
Where the east wall of Government Building No. 1 looks most ‘frontal’. You have to look up, but great for feeling the visual beauty.
③ Shinjuku NS Building Front Overpass
View of the government building from the southeast. Being on an overpass gives an open view, advantageous for taking commemorative photos with people.
4️⃣ Viewing Day Checklist (Q&A)
Q. Until when do trains run on December 31st?
A. Major Tokyo trains (JR, Tokyo Metro, etc.) operate all-night service from the night of December 31st through the morning of January 1st. No worry about not being able to get home, but intervals are longer than usual, so travel with time to spare.
Q. Is it very cold?
A. Yes, it’s cold! The area around the government building has strong wind (building wind) blowing between high-rise buildings. Long padding, hot packs, gloves are essential. You’ll be standing outdoors for over 2 hours.
Q. What if I lose the lottery?
A. Don’t be too disappointed! While you can’t enter the main plaza, you can still fully feel the festival atmosphere on the Shinjuku Neon Walk streets around the government building.
5️⃣ ‘Plan B’ for Those Who Don’t Win
Even if you didn’t get Shinjuku Happy New Year countdown tickets, don’t worry. Right in front of the government building, the entire Shinjuku streets transform into a light art museum.
✨ Shinjuku Neon Walk
- Period: Until January 7, 2026
- Features: No reservation needed! Free!
- Enjoy AI art experiences, neon photo zones, and delicious food trucks.
Perfect as a walking course after dinner before the countdown. Check out the post below for detailed best routes and food truck menus! 👇
👇 Shinjuku Neon Walk Photo Zones & Route Complete Guide
➡️ Shinjuku Neon Walk Tokyo Illumination 2025-2026 Complete Guide
Conclusion
The first moment of 2026, shouting “3, 2, 1, Happy New Year!” in the heart of Tokyo—an exhilarating experience. Just imagining it is exciting, isn’t it?
December 7th, only a few days left until the deadline. Apply right now and may you be the lucky winner! 🙏
This has been Tokyo Mate.
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