Shibuya New Year’s Event canceled for the third straight year (but still expect a big crowd at the scramble)

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Usually, it’s been a Tokyo tradition for many young people to gather at Shibuya Scramble for the New Year’s Eve countdown.

But the official event has not been happening since 2020 due to COVID-19 and now Shibuya ward has announced that the 2022-2023 event near Shibuya Station has been canceled.

The reason is to prevent a cluster of COVID-19 infections that might occur if massive crowds gather around the station.

To help deter people from coming, the large-screen displays seen at various buildings near Shibuya Scramble will stop broadcasting at 11:00 p.m.

Here is a video of how New Year’s Eve was in Shibuya Scramble back in 2019:

And despite the event being canceled, people still showed up in 2021 and 2022. So, it’s probably going to be crowded in 2023.

Also, alcohol will be prohibited near streets close to Shibuya Station at 9 p.m. through 3 a.m. (Dec. 31/January 1st).

While the event is canceled for this year, in previous years, we have seen gatherings still happen in the past three years. Shibuya mayor Hasebe Ken said in a statement, “While the area will not be adding anything to the New Year Eve festivities, if you plan to celebrate here, please observe good manners and morals”.

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