Shibuya in January 2026: 15+ Events Guide – Hatsumode, Illuminations, Food Festivals & Art Exhibitions
I moved to Shibuya in 2024. While exploring the area, I discovered that Shibuya has numerous shrines, temples, and historical spots that are perfect for celebrating the New Year. As we enter January 2026, I've compiled this article with my rediscovered spots ideal for January visits in Shibuya, along with the latest 2026 updates.
Another reason for writing this is to introduce the increasingly popular Magical Trip tours. For those interested in Shibuya, I highly recommend the "Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo." Other than that, Magical trip has tour which ranked #1 among all TripAdvisor tours in 2024.（"Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku"）
I've participated in both tours, and I can say that the "Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo" is just as impressive as the "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku." If you want to efficiently experience and deeply enjoy Shibuya's diverse cultural landscape, I highly recommend joining this tour.
If you want to enjoy all that Shibuya has to offer, check out the following articles in addition to this one! Below is Magical Trip's top-rated guide to a perfect night out in Shibuya.
Make the most of your night out in Shibuya with one of Magical Trip's top-rated articles below in hand.
Yasuhiro
Introduction
January marks Tokyo's coldest period of the year. With temperatures ranging from around 5°C at their lowest to about 10°C at their highest, most people on the streets can be seen wearing thick outerwear, scarves, and gloves to stay warm.
Shibuya, one of Tokyo's premier entertainment districts, is renowned as "Wakamono no machi" (Young People's Town), where cutting-edge fashion and music converge. While Shibuya serves as a hub for contemporary culture, it also houses numerous traditional buildings such as shrines and temples, along with long-preserved traditional customs.
In January 2026, Shibuya offers various experiences, including traditional Japanese New Year shrine visits, Japanese-international cultural exchange events, and food events that are particularly enjoyable during the cold season.
This article will introduce the highlights, basic information, schedules, and access details for these events.
2026 Year-round Event Schedule in Shibuya↓
・Shibuya: List of Events & Festivals for 2026
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Traditional Events in Shibuya for January 2026
Hatsumode (January 1-7, 2026)
Hatsumode is a traditional Japanese custom of making the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year to pray for safety and peace in the coming year. During Hatsumode, people visit shrines with family and friends to set New Year's resolutions and draw Omikuji (fortune-telling papers) to learn about their prospects in areas such as health and romance.
Visitors also purchase Ofuda (talismans for home display) to pray for protection against misfortune for their families and homes, and Omamori (protective charms) to carry for protection against evil spirits and good health.
While there are no strict rules about when to perform Hatsumode, people can typically visit from midnight on January 1st, with most visitors making their visits between January 1st and January 7th.
Konnoh Hachimangu Shrine
Source: Official website
Konnoh Hachimangu Shrine enshrines Emperor Ojin, Japan's 15th emperor, as Hachiman Okami. Hachiman Okami is considered the guardian deity of Japan and the Imperial Household, and has been worshipped as an important deity throughout Japanese history.
Historically, Hachiman Okami was particularly revered by military commanders for success in battle. Today, Konnoh Hachimangu remains popular among visitors praying for career success, traffic safety, and conception.
The shrine also features several buildings and gates dating back approximately 400 years, many of which are designated as culturally significant properties by Shibuya Ward. When visiting for Hatsumode, take time to experience the shrine's rich history.
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Dates: Around January 1-7, 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from Exit C1 of Shibuya Station (JR, Tokyo Metro, Tokyu Railway, Keio Electric Railway)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.konno-hachimangu.jp/index.html
Meiji Shrine
Source: Official website
Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu), established in 1920, is a shrine dedicated to Japan's 122nd Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji significantly contributed to Japan's development in various fields, including industry, public education, and foreign diplomacy, which led to the shrine's construction following strong public demand.
Meiji Shrine is known for its blessings in luck, academic success, and marital harmony. It has become one of Japan's most popular power spots. Despite being located in central Tokyo, the shrine's vast grounds and solemn atmosphere, surrounded by tall trees, are among its major attractions.
Meiji Shrine is famous for attracting the largest number of visitors in Japan during the New Year's period. Experience this traditional Japanese custom of Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) at Tokyo's most vibrant shrine during the Shibuya Event January 2026.
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Dates: January 1-7, 2026
Access:
- 1-minute walk from Meiji-jingumae Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Fukutoshin Line)
- 3-minute walk from Sangubashi Station (Odakyu Railway)
- 5-minute walk from Yoyogi Station (JR Yamanote Line, Sobu Line, Toei Oedo Line)
- 5-minute walk from Kitasando Station (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/
Onden Shrine
Source: Official website
Onden Shrine enshrines two deities: Omodaru no Kami, known for their graceful appearance, and Ayakashikone no Kami, celebrated for their refined features. As such, the shrine is popular for blessings related to beauty and marital harmony.
During the New Year's period, visitors pray for peace and happiness throughout the year and can purchase special lucky charms and kumade (lucky rakes) for business prosperity, available exclusively during this time.
I particularly recommend the colorful Daruma dolls in red, yellow, and green. The rounded Daruma dolls symbolize resilience - they always return upright when knocked down. In Japan, they're popular as lucky charms for business success and protection against illness.
Along with offering New Year prayers, don't miss the chance to acquire these traditional Japanese lucky items available only during this special Shibuya Event January 2026.
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Dates: January 1-7, 2026
Access:
- 5-minute walk from Exit 7, Meiji-jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Fukutoshin Line)
- 10-minute walk from Shibuya Station (JR, Tokyu Railways, Tokyo Metro)
- 10-minute walk from Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://onden.jp/
Saitan-sai Festival
Source: Official website
Saitan-sai is a New Year's celebration held at the aforementioned Onden Shrine, praying for the continued prosperity of Japan, the Imperial Family, and peace for the shrine's worshippers and local community. The festival begins at midnight on January 1st with the sound of Japanese drums announcing the arrival of the New Year.
During Saitan-sai, the shrine grounds are illuminated by gentle bonfires, creating a mystical atmosphere alongside the traditional shrine buildings.
Another attractive feature is the serving of amazake (a sweet fermented rice drink traditional to Japan). Drinking amazake on New Year's Day is believed to bring good health throughout the year. Despite having "sake" in its name, amazake is non-alcoholic and safe for children to enjoy.
As Shibuya nights in January can be quite cold, please dress warmly when participating in this special Shibuya Event January 2026 celebration.
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Date: January 1, 2026
Access:
- 5-minute walk from Exit 7, Meiji-jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Fukutoshin Line)
- 10-minute walk from Shibuya Station (JR, Tokyu Railways, Tokyo Metro)
- 10-minute walk from Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://onden.jp/
After Hatsumode, Enjoy Bar Hopping in Vibrant Shibuya with a Local Guide!
After visiting Hatsumode, why not experience Shibuya's nightlife?
Shibuya has countless dining establishments, making it the perfect place to enjoy bar hopping. However, with so many options, you might find yourself unsure of where to go.
That's where a tour with a guide who knows the local area inside out comes in handy. In about three and a half hours, you can visit three establishments, including hidden gems that are hard for tourists to find and small eateries beloved by locals.
Enjoy a special night savoring a variety of drinks such as sake, shochu, and whiskey, along with izakaya dishes like yakitori and sashimi, while also interacting with local people.
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Meeting point: In front of Shibuya Tsutaya store near the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station (same building as Starbucks)
Tour area: Around Shibuya Station
Start times: 18:00, 19:00
Shibuya's Winter Illumination Event Brightening the Cold January Sky
During the cold season, illumination events are held at various locations throughout Shibuya.
From here, I will introduce my carefully selected recommendations from among the Shibuya Event January 2026 illumination events.
Color & Reflect" SHIBUYA STREAM ILLUMINATION
Source:PR TIMES
The illumination held at Shibuya Stream, a large-scale mixed-use complex in Shibuya, takes the city of Shibuya itself as its theme—a place where diverse personalities and sensibilities converge.
The illumination expresses how various "colors" and "lights" intersect and overlap to create new brilliance. It conveys the message that visitors themselves are also one of those unique "lights."
The main venue's second-floor passageway and the spacious grand staircase are vividly decorated with colorful LED lights, allowing you to fully experience Shibuya's modern and lively atmosphere.
It's also a popular photo spot, and I took lots of pictures when I visited.
Since it's directly connected to Shibuya Station, access is excellent, and I recommend stopping by casually before or after shopping or dining at a restaurant.
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Dates: November 7, 2025 (Fri) – February 28, 2026 (Sat)
Access: Directly connected to Exit C2 of Shibuya Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line, Den-en-toshi Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, and Fukutoshin Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://shibuyastream.jp/event/eventdetail/?cd=000195
OMOHARA Christmas illumination
Source:PR TIMES
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Dates: November 18, 2025 – January 12, 2026
Access: 4-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station / 1-minute walk from Exit 5 of Tokyo Metro Meiji-Jingumae Station / 7-minute walk from Exit A2 of Tokyo Metro Omotesando Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://omokado.tokyu-plaza.com/
Shibuya Cast Illumination
Source:Official website
Shibuya Cast is a mixed-use complex that houses commercial facilities, shared offices, and rental housing.
Following its first large-scale renovation since opening in 2017, the complex is holding an illumination event under the concept "Warm Light Awaits at SHIBUYA CAST."
This year's highlight is the sound production by "Vegetable Record," a music unit specializing in spatial design.
In addition to Christmas music fitting for the holy night, original compositions incorporating natural ambient sounds such as wind, rustling leaves, and babbling water create an experience that delights not only the eyes but also the ears.
Why not spend a special moment with your loved ones in the relaxed winter garden atmosphere that lets you forget the hustle and bustle of the city?
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Dates: November 21, 2025 (Fri) – February 23, 2026 (Mon/Holiday)
Lighting hours: 16:00–23:00
Access: 1-minute walk from Exit B1 of Shibuya Station on all lines / 9-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Meiji-Jingumae Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://shibuyacast.jp/
Baccarat ETERNAL LIGHT
Source:FASHION PRESS
This is a traditional illumination event that has been held for 26 years since 1999 as a winter tradition at Yebisu Garden Place.
Yebisu Garden Place is a mixed-use complex located just a few minutes' walk from Ebisu Station, characterized by its brick-lined streets and atmosphere reminiscent of a European plaza.
It is a popular area with restaurants, shops, museums, hotels, and offices gathered together.
The symbol of this illumination event is the world's largest chandelier, created by French luxury crystal brand "Baccarat."
You will surely be overwhelmed by the majestic brilliance created by approximately 5 meters in height, about 3 meters in width, 8,500 crystal parts, and 250 lights.
I have visited several times myself, and I am moved by its beauty every time I see it.
Additionally, a "Christmas Marché" is held, featuring food trucks and variety goods shops.
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Dates: November 8, 2025 (Sat) – January 12, 2026 (Mon/Holiday)
Access: 5-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Yamanote Line Ebisu Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://event.gardenplace.jp/special/2025baccarat/
If You Want to Avoid the Cold and Efficiently Visit Only the Tourist Spots You're Interested In, Private Guided Tour Is Recommended
Tokyo in January has average minimum temperatures of around 5 degrees Celsius, and moving around in an unfamiliar area can drain your energy more than you might expect.
Especially when visiting multiple sightseeing spots, you tend to spend more time exposed to cold winds during train transfers and walking from stations.
For those who want to make the most of their limited stay and enjoy sightseeing efficiently, a Private Guided Tour is recommended.
Experienced local guides will customize the optimal itinerary according to your interests, preferences, and physical condition, greatly reducing the stress of complicated transfers and waiting times on public transportation.
The attractive point is that you can efficiently visit only the places you really want to go, such as Hatsumode experiences at shrines and temples, popular gourmet spots, and museum and gallery tours.
Also, since English-speaking guides provide the tour, you can fully enjoy your trip without worry even if you don't speak Japanese, and they can also share local information and trivia that you won't find in guidebooks.
Art-Related Events I've Been Eagerly Awaiting! Enjoy in Shibuya This January
Various art events will be held in Shibuya in January.
From here, I will introduce art-related events that I am particularly interested in. The lineup offers diverse attractions, including world-famous anime, furniture design, and Japanese paintings. These Shibuya Event January 2026 offerings are not to be missed.
Yoshikazu Yasuhiko: The Man Who Draws
Source:Official website
This is a retrospective exhibition of Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, known as the character designer and animation director of the world-famous anime "Mobile Suit Gundam."
Yoshikazu Yasuhiko has also been active as an anime director for works such as "Arion" and "Venus Wars," and is highly acclaimed as a historical manga artist for works like "Namuji: Ōkuninushi" and "Rainbow-Colored Trotsky."
This exhibition introduces approximately 50 years of creative activity through valuable anime production materials including previously unrevealed items, beautiful color illustrations, and manga manuscripts from his debut work to his latest creations.
This exhibition is recommended not only for Gundam fans but also for anyone interested in Japanese anime culture and manga art.
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Dates: November 18, 2025 (Tue) – February 1, 2026 (Sun)
First half: November 18 – December 21 / Second half: December 24 – February 1
Access: 15-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line Shibuya Station / 5-minute walk from Keio Inokashira Line Shinsen Station
Admission: General 1,000 yen, University students 800 yen, High school students/60 and over 500 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 100 yen
Website: https://shoto-museum.jp/exhibitions/210yasuhiko/
Oda Collection: Hans Wegner Exhibition – Supreme Craftsmanship
Source:Bunkamura
This is the largest retrospective exhibition ever held in Japan of Hans J. Wegner, Denmark's representative and greatest furniture designer of the 20th century.
Wegner designed more than 500 chairs throughout his lifetime and created many masterpieces that continue to be loved around the world to this day, including the "Y Chair," "The Chair," and "Peacock Chair."
This exhibition displays approximately 160 of Wegner's chairs, drawings, and related materials, centered on the collection of university professor Noritsugu Oda, a leading authority on chair research.
A highlight is the reproduced restoration of the legendary "First Chair," which Wegner made at age 17 when he was an apprentice furniture craftsman.
This is a precious opportunity not to be missed for anyone interested in Scandinavian design and interior decor.
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Dates: December 2, 2025 (Tue) – January 18, 2026 (Sun)
Access: Directly connected to Shibuya Station on all lines, 9th floor of Shibuya Hikarie
Admission: General 2,300 yen, University and high school students 1,500 yen, Junior high and elementary school students 700 yen, Preschoolers free
Website: https://www.bunkamura.co.jp/museum/exhibition/25_wegner/
Ukiyo-e Ojisan Festival
Source:Official website
Ukiyo-e is a traditional Japanese woodblock print that developed during the era called "Edo" from the 1600s to 1800s, encompassing diverse genres such as bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women), yakusha-e (actor portraits), and landscape prints.
This exhibition spotlights the "ojisan" (middle-aged men) depicted small within the landscape prints of Ukiyo-e masters such as Utagawa Hiroshige, Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, and Kobayashi Kiyochika.
In Ukiyo-e, the humorous and charming expressions of nameless people traveling, working hard, or enjoying meals are depicted vividly.
Through these "ojisan" figures depicted in the corners of the pictures, you can learn about the culture of ordinary people in old Japan.
With over 150 works displayed across the first and second halves, you can discover the artists' meticulous observation skills and sense of playfulness.
This is a unique and approachable exhibition that lets you enjoy masterpiece Ukiyo-e from a new perspective.
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Dates: January 6, 2026 (Tue) – March 1, 2026 (Sun)
First half: January 6 – February 1 / Second half: February 5 – March 1
Access: 5-minute walk from the Omotesando Exit of JR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station / 3-minute walk from Exit 5 of Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and Fukutoshin Line Meiji-Jingumae Station
Admission: General 1,000 yen, University and high school students 700 yen, Junior high school students and under free
Website: https://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/ukiyo-e-ojisan-festival/
Shibuya Gourmet Events in January 2026
Winter Festival! Local Sake & Local Dishes
Source: Official website
The "Winter Festival! Local Sake & Local Dishes" is a gourmet event where you can taste Japanese sake and compatible dishes from various regions of Japan. Due to the different specialties and food cultures across Japan, this Shibuya Event January 2026 provides a special opportunity to experience local delicacies from around the country.
At the festival, you can enjoy representative Japanese dishes such as Oden (a hot pot dish made with dashi broth), and karaage (Japanese fried chicken), which is a classic sake accompaniment. The event's charm also lies in the regional specialties like Osaka's famous takoyaki (octopus balls) and Nagoya's specialty tebasaki (chicken wings).
The highlight of the festival is the dynamic show where a skilled chef breaks down a giant tuna right before your eyes. Visitors can enjoy this luxurious experience by tasting the freshly cut tuna in a seafood bowl. We invite you to savor these exquisite Japanese dishes paired with local sake or Japanese beer.
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Dates: January 23 to January 25, 2026
Access:
- 3 minutes walk from Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line)
- 3 minutes walk from Yoyogi Koen Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
- 3 minutes walk from Meiji-jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Fukutoshin Line)
- 6 minutes walk from Yoyogi Hachiman Station (Odakyu Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://fuyumatsuri-japan.com/
Local Hot Pot Festival
Source: Official website
The "Local Hot Pot Festival" features various types of Japanese nabe (hot pot) dishes from across the country, where meat and vegetables are simmered in large pots. This event is held jointly with the "Winter Festival! Local Sake & Local Dishes."
Hot pot dishes come in many varieties, from standard soy sauce and miso-based broths to unique regional variations. For example, Hokkaido, famous for its scallops, offers a hot pot rich with scallop broth and meat. Many other regions also showcase hot pots featuring their local specialties.
Notably, Yamagata's famous imoni (taro root stew), which won grand prix in 2023 and 2024, is exceptional. The soft, sticky texture of satoimo (taro root) perfectly complements the sweet shoyu-based broth. During Shibuya's cold winter, warm yourself up with these comforting hot pot dishes.
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Dates: January 23 to January 25, 2026
Access:
- 3 minutes walk from Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line)
- 3 minutes walk from Yoyogi Koen Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
- 3 minutes walk from Meiji-jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Fukutoshin Line)
- 6 minutes walk from Yoyogi Hachiman Station (Odakyu Line)
Admission: Free
Two Recommended Tours to Experience Shibuya and Tokyo
Let me introduce you to the exciting bar hopping tours offered by MagicalTrip, perfect for international visitors wanting to explore Tokyo's nightlife.
Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo
A 3-hour tour for $106.51 includes 4+ drinks (2 drinks at the first stop, all-you-can-drink at the second, and 1 drink at the third) and 3-4 substantial food dishes.
This tour is especially recommended for tourists staying in Shibuya hotels. With a local guide, you'll explore hidden food districts like Niku Yokocho and enjoy premium meat dishes such as wagyu, Kobe beef, and beef sushi at three different izakayas.
Open to participants aged 15 and above, with alcohol served only to those 20 and older. Vegetarian options are available, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
The small group format allows for interaction with locals, and English-speaking guides ensure smooth communication. Meeting point is in front of TSUTAYA, a 3-minute walk from Shibuya Station's Hachiko Exit. Full refund available for cancellations made 24 hours in advance, and photo service included.
Details here: Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo
Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
A 3.5-hour tour for $105.56 includes 4+ drinks and 3 food dishes. This popular tour has hosted over 20,000 participants and was ranked #1 among all Japanese experiences on TripAdvisor in 2024.
Visit three hidden izakayas in Shinjuku and enjoy local favorites like yakitori, gyoza, and agedashi tofu with plenty of food served. Explore different areas of Shinjuku including Omoide Yokocho and Kabukicho.
Open to participants aged 15 and above, with alcohol served only to those 20 and older. Vegetarian options available, and the tour welcomes solo travelers, friends, couples, and families.
English-speaking guides provide detailed menu explanations, and additional orders are welcome. Meeting point is at the black pillar next to UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store, 7-8 minutes from Shinjuku Station's West Exit. Full refund available for cancellations made 24 hours in advance, and photo service included.
Details here: Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
These tours offer a unique opportunity to explore Tokyo's hidden gems with local guides, enjoying authentic cuisine and drinks while creating special memories through interactions with local people.
