Shibuya Cancels New Year’s Eve Countdown Again: What Filipino Travelers Need to Know

Filipinos planning a Tokyo, Japan trip for New Year’s Eve, this one hurts. Shibuya, the city’s most famous party spot, has officially cancelled its iconic countdown for 2025/2026. That’s right! No midnight cheer at Shibuya Crossing, no epic crowd selfies, and no confetti raining down.

This cancellation marks the sixth time the event has been axed, originally started as a Covid safety measure and now kept to prevent rowdy behaviour and street drinking incidents.

If you’re thinking of heading to Shibuya for New Year’s Eve, here’s what you need to know. The Hachiko statue, a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists, will be fenced off from 6am on December 31 to 1am on January 1 to control crowds.

Also read: 10-day Christmas and New Year Japan Trip: Complete Travel Itinerary

Image credit: Canva Pro

Convenience stores near the station will temporarily stop selling alcohol during the festivities, and public drinking will be banned from 6pm to 5am to make the streets safer and calmer than the pre-pandemic chaos. This means no street parties, no public boozing, and a quieter, more regulated celebration.

Also read: Japan To Raise Visa Fees and Airport Taxes for Foreign Tourists by 2026

Filipino travellers looking for a Tokyo New Year’s Eve celebration shouldn’t panic. While the Shibuya countdown is cancelled, Tokyo still has plenty of festive experiences worth checking out. Christmas markets, holiday light displays, and special New Year’s events at popular spots like Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, and Odaiba are all open and safe for visitors. Many of these attractions are family-friendly, easy to access via public transport, and perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. Planning ahead is key: book reservations early, check event schedules, and focus on experiences that are confirmed to avoid last-minute disappointments.

Whether it’s catching holiday lights in Shinjuku, enjoying seasonal food stalls, or joining shrine visits for Hatsumode (New Year’s prayers), Tokyo still promises a magical holiday for Filipinos, even without the Shibuya countdown.

Featured image credit: Canva Pro