Hello everyone, and welcome to my channel! In today’s video, we’ll explore the best ways to fully enjoy Tokyo in January.
Over the past few years, many of Tokyo’s iconic tourist spots have been catering more and more to inbound travelers. You’ll find souvenir shops, restaurants, and activities designed specifically with international visitors in mind. Of course, that can be exciting, but at the same time, it sometimes means it’s harder to experience the “true local flavor” of Tokyo.
That’s why in this video, I’ll show you how to combine efficient visits to famous landmarks with trips to everyday neighborhoods, where local residents actually live and do their shopping. One of the keys is venturing just outside the famous Yamanote Line area, because beyond those central stations, you’ll find authentic residential districts packed with local life.
If you watch till the end, you’ll learn how to enjoy Tokyo in January without breaking the bank—and how to discover a deeper side of the city. Let’s get started!
Why January in Tokyo Is Special
First, let’s talk about Tokyo in January and why it’s a fascinating time to visit. Temperatures usually hover around 10°C (about 50°F) during the day and can drop to around 5°C (about 40°F) or even lower at night. It’s also quite dry, so make sure you have warm clothes and perhaps some moisturizer or lip balm to protect against dryness.
January is packed with New Year’s events. One major tradition is hatsumode, or the first shrine or temple visit of the year. Places like Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji (in Asakusa) are especially lively during the first days of January, drawing huge crowds who pray for good fortune in the new year. This is definitely an experience unique to this season in Japan.
Sensoji & Kaminarimon ( Asakusa )
Another highlight of January is the Hatsu-basho, or the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, usually held in Ryogoku. If you can snag tickets, watching sumo live is an unforgettable cultural experience.
TOKYO GRAND SUMO TOURNAMENT ( Jan 12th – 26 in 2025 )
Also, because the winter air is clearer, Tokyo’s night views from places like Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (in Shinjuku), or Roppongi Hills can be spectacular. Wrap up warm, because these spots are best enjoyed in the crisp evening air!
Must-See Tourist Hotspots & Efficient Itineraries
Tokyo has so many famous sites that first-time visitors might feel overwhelmed—places like Sensō-ji in Asakusa, the Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing, Harajuku’s Takeshita Street, and the neon lights of Shinjuku.
One efficient route is to combine Asakusa with the Tokyo Skytree on the same day. Start your morning with an early visit to Senso-ji to avoid the peak crowds, then stroll down Nakamise-dori (the shopping street leading to the temple) to taste traditional snacks and buy souvenirs. Around lunchtime, move over to Tokyo Skytree for incredible skyline views. This sequencing helps you avoid some of the midday rush at Senso-ji and maximizes your time.
If you’d like to cover Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku in one go, consider getting a 1-Day Subway or Train Pass. Tokyo’s train and subway networks can look complicated, but apps like Google Maps or local navigation apps will make hopping between these busy districts much easier.
Experience “Real Tokyo” in Local Neighborhoods
Now let’s dive into the main theme of this video: experiencing Tokyo the way locals do. While the central districts inside (or very close to) the Yamanote Line are famous for shopping, nightlife, and iconic landmarks, there’s another side of Tokyo waiting just outside that loop. Here you’ll find older residential areas and “shotengai” (traditional shopping streets) with a more down-to-earth vibe.
Typical examples include Yanaka Ginza and Togoshi Ginza—all of which feature the word “Ginza.” However, please note they’re not related to the high-end Ginza shopping district near Tokyo Station, known for luxury brands. Historically, many local shopping streets across Japan adopted the name “Ginza” as a symbol of a bustling market area. That’s why these places have a far more casual and local feel.
Yanaka Ginza
Located near Sendagi or Nishi-Nippori Station (on various lines), Yanaka Ginza has a nostalgic atmosphere. There’s a small set of steps called “Yuyake Dandan” (meaning “sunset stairs”) overlooking the street, famous for beautiful sunset views. Try cheap fried snacks like croquettes or menchikatsu (fried minced-meat cutlet) sold at local stores for around 100 yen (under 1 USD), and soak in the old-fashioned charm.
Togoshi Ginza
Considered one of the longest shopping streets in Japan at about 1.3 km, Togoshi Ginza is accessible via the Toei Asakusa Line or the Tokyu Oimachi Line. You’ll find a huge variety of shops: grocery stores, small restaurants, and even quirky specialty shops. If you walk a bit further, you can also check out Musashi Koyama Shopping Street, another extensive arcade lined with local vendors and eateries. Wandering these two areas gives you a fascinating glimpse into local daily life.
Despite the name “Ginza,” don’t expect high-end boutiques—these streets are rooted in neighborhood traditions, with affordable treats, friendly shopkeepers, and an atmosphere that remains quintessentially local.
Google Map Musashi-Koyama Shopping Street “Palm”
Local Tips & Unique Perspectives
If you’re nervous about plunging into local markets or bars where English signs might be limited, here’s a simple tip: Ask someone from your hotel or a local friend, “Where do locals usually go?” You’d be surprised at how many hidden gems they might suggest—places not mentioned in mainstream guidebooks.
You can also check social media groups, local forums, or reviews on sites like TripAdvisor—sometimes the Japanese-language reviews contain extra details. Even if you can’t read Japanese, a quick translation can help reveal spots that are popular with residents rather than tourists.
Another tip is to time your visits off-peak. For instance, try going for lunch a bit earlier or later than 12:00–1:00 p.m. to avoid the crowded rush. Locals are often strategic about beating the crowds, so following their schedule can lead to a more relaxed experience—and sometimes even cheaper “Happy Hour” deals if you go to bars or izakayas at an earlier hour.
Budget & Transportation Hacks
One of the biggest challenges in Tokyo can be transportation costs—especially if you plan to explore both central areas and outlying neighborhoods. This is where discounted transit passes come in handy. The Tokyo Metro 24-hour ticket or the Toei One-Day Pass can save you a lot if you plan on multiple train or subway rides in a single day. You can pick these up at major stations and ticket machines.
For meals, consider mixing high-end experiences with more affordable ones. Sure, having one special dinner at a famous restaurant is fun. But for breakfast or lunch, you can pop into a local diner, grab a bento (boxed meal) at a supermarket, or even try the local convenience stores, which offer surprisingly good quality for reasonable prices.
January-Specific Tips & Etiquette
Since January is cold and dry in Tokyo, be sure to dress in layers—indoor areas may be heated while the outdoors can dip below 5°C (41°F). Keep some lip balm or hand cream with you to combat dryness. If you plan to visit shrines or temples for hatsumode (New Year blessings), it’s polite to line up properly and follow the basic rules, such as rinsing your hands and mouth at the purification fountain before praying.
Also, trash cans aren’t as common in Tokyo as in some other large cities. It’s good practice to carry a small plastic bag for your litter, especially if you’re snacking on the go. And if you’re planning any nighttime sightseeing—like enjoying the illuminated cityscapes—bring a warm coat or scarf, because it gets chilly once the sun goes down.
Summary
In today’s video, we’ve looked at how to make the most of Tokyo in January—covering big-name attractions and showing you how to enjoy everyday neighborhoods outside the Yamanote Line. Places like Yanaka Ginza, and Togoshi Ginza (plus Musashi Koyama) may have “Ginza” in their names, but they’re affordable, bustling local shopping streets where you can buy fresh produce, grab tasty snacks, and interact with shopkeepers who’ve been there for decades.
We also talked about timing your visits wisely, using transit passes to get around, and being mindful of the seasonal climate. With these tips, you can really deepen your experience and discover Tokyo’s many faces—beyond the typical tourist routes.
Thank you so much for watching! If you have any suggestions or requests for future videos—like exploring more unique local areas—please let me know in the comments. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more Japan travel insights. See you in the next video!