Happy New Year, everyone! This first weekend of 2026 (Jan 3rd & 4th) is still deep in Shōgatsu mode, but the massive New Year crowds are finally thinning out a bit. Skip the tourist crush at the big shrines and check out the unique traditional fun at Kirana Garden Toyosu or catch the last moments of The Nutcracker before it closes on Sunday. We've got a mix of ancient tradition and modern spectacle for you!
Quick Picks
箏の演奏 (Koto Performance)
ラクーアガーデン芝生広場 (LaQua Garden Lawn)
Enjoy a beautiful, free traditional koto music performance at Tokyo Dome City.
大哺乳類展3 (Mammals Exhibition 3)
国立科学博物館 (National Museum of Nature and Science)
The National Museum of Nature and Science is open and has a major new exhibition on mammals—perfect for a cozy, educational day.
東京ドームシティウィンターイルミネーション (Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination)
東京ドームシティ (Tokyo Dome City)
The winter illumination, which includes a fun snow dome experience, is still on and is a lovely, gentle outing for little ones.
Happy New Year Tokyo 2026
This massive projection mapping event in Shinjuku actually happens on NYE, but the buzz and the visual tech (Mika Ninagawa x EiM) might still be relevant for family talk or if the venue has a public viewing area the next day (unconfirmed). It features the virtual singer Hatsune Miku and a Hello Kitty dance show.
Why we picked it: It's Tokyo's 'modern' countdown spectacle, mixing high-tech art with pop culture.
キラナガーデン豊洲 年末年始特別イベント (Kirana Garden Toyosu New Year Special Event)
This is a great local spot for real New Year activities! On Saturday, they have mochi-pounding, lion dances, *kagami-wari* (sake barrel breaking), and giant *daruma otoshi*. It’s authentic, interactive, and much less intense than the main city shrines.
Why we picked it: It offers hands-on, traditional New Year's games and rituals that feel genuinely local.
箏の演奏 (Koto Performance)
If you're around Tokyo Dome City for the illuminations, stop by for a free traditional koto performance by the Ochanomizu University Koto Club. It’s a very peaceful, cultural way to spend an hour.
Why we picked it: A genuinely free, high-quality cultural experience happening right in a popular family zone.
新春！東京ドームシティおみくじ (New Year's Fortune Telling)
Get your fortune for the new year with the Tokyo Dome City original *omikuji* for just ¥100! It’s a cheap, fun way to get a little cultural kick while enjoying the attractions there.
Why we picked it: A classic, low-cost New Year's ritual that families can do together.
すごろくや (Sugorokuya) Board Game Experience
Inside the *Kotatsu* area at Tokyo Dome City, the famous board game shop Sugorokuya is hosting free-to-play demos of games like *Nanjamonja* and *On-Soku Hanten*. It’s a brilliant, quiet way to entertain the older kids indoors.
Why we picked it: A unique, free, interactive activity focused on modern Japanese tabletop gaming culture.
チームラボプラネッツ TOKYO DMM (teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM)
Always a hit, but it’s worth going early on a weekend morning before it gets truly packed. The water areas are especially fun if you wear shorts or a skirt, as the water can come up to your knees!
Why we picked it: It's a memorable, sensory, tech-art experience that works for almost any age group.
東京ドームシティウィンターイルミネーション｢TOKYO SNOW DOME CITY｣
The winter illumination is still going strong through March, perfect for a post-New Year's outing. They feature a giant tree and a new interactive snow dome experience to play in.
Why we picked it: The Nordic-themed light-up is beautiful and the interactive snow dome is great for sensory play.
午（うま）年MEGA新春イベント (Year of the Horse MEGA New Year Event)
The Oi Racecourse is hosting an event related to the 2026 'Year of the Horse,' including greetings with horse mascots and photo ops with real ponies dressed in New Year's gear. It’s a quirky, very Tokyo way to celebrate the start of the *Year of the Horse* (though 2026 is technically Year of the *Rooster*, this is a fun, locally-themed New Year event they are running).
Why we picked it: The 'Year of the Horse' theme (even if it's technically the Year of the Rooster in 2026) with real ponies is a surprising, unique family draw.
大哺乳類展3 (Mammals Exhibition 3)
This major exhibition on mammals is back after five years! It even features an audio guide voiced by a popular voice actor, which should keep the teens engaged. It’s a perfect indoor activity if the weather is chilly or wet.
Why we picked it: A major, much-anticipated science exhibition reopening after a long hiatus—great for older kids.
キラナガーデン豊洲 年末年始特別イベント
Sunday's events are lighter here—mostly sake barrel breaking and giant *daruma otoshi*—but the general festive atmosphere is fun for toddlers to walk around in. You can also check out the other New Year sales nearby at Ariake Garden.
Why we picked it: The traditional games like *daruma otoshi* are great for gross motor skills and sensory engagement for little ones.
The Nutcracker at the New National Theatre Tokyo
This is your absolute last chance to see the National Ballet of Japan's stunning production of *The Nutcracker*, as it closes on Sunday. It’s a big production with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky's score live.
Why we picked it: It is the final day for this acclaimed ballet production.
冬の味覚！羽田空港の期間限定スイーツ (Winter Delicacies! Haneda Airport Limited-Time Sweets)
If you happen to be near Haneda, check out the limited-time sales of *Akai Fuku Mochi* and *San Maron Mochi* at the terminals. A great, easy stop for a sweet treat before heading home.
Why we picked it: It's a very specific, short-run culinary event tied to the New Year season at an accessible location.
MARUNOUCHI BRIGHT HOLIDAY 2025「Disney JOYFUL MOMENTS」
The Disney-themed holiday decorations are still up in Marunouchi until Sunday, featuring special monuments and limited-edition merchandise if you want to grab a souvenir. It’s a great area for a fancy stroller walk after a more traditional morning.
Why we picked it: It's the last weekend to see these specific Disney holiday displays before they are packed away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Tokyo this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 3rd & 4th), there are several great free activities! Check out the free Koto performance at Tokyo Dome City's LaQua Garden Stage (Jan 3rd), view the last weekend of the Disney JOYFUL MOMENTS holiday displays in Marunouchi (Jan 4th), and many of the New Year events at Kirana Garden Toyosu include free entry to the area and some general viewing.
Are there any good indoor/rainy day options for older kids?
The National Museum of Nature and Science is running its massive, long-awaited 'Mammals Exhibition 3' all weekend (Jan 3-4). Also, the Sugorokuya board game experience inside Tokyo Dome City is a great way to spend a few hours indoors with games like Nanjamonja.
What's a fun, non-touristy thing to do with a toddler on Sunday?
Head to Tokyo Dome City on Sunday (Jan 4th) to enjoy the 'TOKYO SNOW DOME CITY' illumination before it ends in March, which has gentle light displays and the interactive snow dome. Alternatively, the afternoon events at Kirana Garden Toyosu are low-key and very local.