Celebrate Unique Japanese New Year Tradition Culture Festivity

If you’re planning to ring in the New Year in Tokyo and want to experience authentic local customs, this tour offers a fascinating peek into one of Japan’s lesser-known but culturally rich celebrations. It focuses on Oji’s Fox Folklore, a captivating tradition rooted in legend and history, brought vividly to life through shrine visits, traditional dances, and a spirited procession.

What makes this experience stand out? First, you’ll join a small group led by a knowledgeable Japanese guide who takes you through local shrines and shares stories behind the festival. You’ll also enjoy sake tasting with insights from a sake sommelier, complemented by delicious snacks. The grand finale—the fox procession and traditional dances—is a memorable spectacle that beautifully captures the spirit of Japan’s New Year festivities.

A potential challenge? The group size can vary significantly, which might impact the intimacy of the experience. Some past reviews mention large groups that felt disruptive to the sacred sites, so it’s worth considering whether a more private tour suits your style.

This tour is ideal for travelers interested in culture, traditional rituals, and lively celebrations that go beyond typical tourist fare. If you love learning about local customs and enjoy lively, authentic experiences, this will likely be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

Authentic cultural experience: Visit three local shrines guided by a knowledgeable host who shares stories and tradition.

Festive procession: Witness the grand fox procession, complete with traditional dances and the powerful lion dance—an unforgettable spectacle.

Sake tasting & food: Enjoy five varieties of sake paired with snacks like edamame, fried chicken, and French fries, with an all-you-can-drink policy for adults.

Group size considerations: While the experience offers a deep dive into Japanese culture, some reviews mention large groups that might detract from the intimacy.

Location & convenience: Starting at JR Oji station, the tour is accessible via public transport and suited for most travelers.

Value for price: At around $106.74, the tour offers a well-rounded culture with food, drinks, and storytelling, though group size may influence the overall experience.

A Close Look at the Experience

Starting Point & Duration

The tour kicks off at the North entrance of JR Oji Station at 8:30 am, giving you plenty of time to settle in and prepare for a full morning of cultural exploration. The entire experience lasts approximately three hours, making it suitable for those with a morning to spare while still leaving the rest of your day open for other adventures.

Visiting the Local Shrines

The core of the tour involves visiting three local shrines in Oji, guided by a knowledgeable Japanese host. These visits are more than just sightseeing—they’re an opportunity to connect with the spiritual roots of the celebration. Past reviews suggest that the guides do a good job explaining the stories behind the fox folklore and the significance of the shrines.

However, one reviewer mentioned that the large group size—over 50 people—felt disrespectful to the sacred sites, with some travelers feeling they overshadowed the shrines and disrupted the atmosphere. If you prefer a quieter, more intimate experience, it’s worth considering this.

The Sake Experience

After shrine visits, the tour takes you to a cozy izakaya, where you’ll learn about sake brewing from a professional sake sommelier. This part of the tour offers a rare chance to understand the craftsmanship behind Japan’s beloved rice wine. You’ll be sampling five different kinds of sake alongside snacks like edamame, fried chicken, and French fries—perfect for snacking while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

The all-you-can-drink setup, with both sake and soft drinks, provides excellent value, especially for those eager to taste a variety of sakes without worrying about additional costs. The inclusion of sake in aromatic hinoki cypress masu cups adds a traditional touch that enthusiasts will appreciate.

The Fox Procession & Traditional Dances

As midnight approaches, the tour moves to the starting point of the fox procession. Here, you’ll witness a lively parade involving more than 200 participants dressed in kimono, fox masks, or with fox makeup. The procession is often accompanied by traditional dances, including the lion dance, which is powerful and energetic.

This part of the experience is what many travelers find most memorable. The vibrant costumes, rhythmic drums, and energetic dance moves make it clear why this celebration has been cherished for generations. It’s a spectacular way to welcome the New Year, steeped in folklore and community spirit.

The Value of the Tour

At around $106.74 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience—covering shrine visits, sake tasting, traditional food, and a lively procession—all within a manageable three-hour window. Compared to other cultural tours in Tokyo, it provides a focused yet diverse glimpse into a unique Japanese tradition.

Most importantly, you’ll gain a sense of how local communities celebrate the New Year, learning stories and customs that aren’t always visible to everyday travelers. The inclusion of food and drinks also enhances the experience, making it feel more like a celebration shared among friends rather than just sightseeing.

Group Size & Guides

One of the more contentious points is the size of the group. While the tour is capped at 30 travelers, some reviews mention groups of over 50, which can diminish the sense of intimacy and respect at sacred sites. The guides, however, are described as knowledgeable, providing insightful commentary throughout. If an intimate setting matters highly to you, you may wish to inquire how large the group is on the day of your tour or look for options catering to smaller groups.

Accessibility & Practicalities

Starting from JR Oji station, the tour is accessible via public transportation, making it convenient for most travelers staying in Tokyo. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved at the shrines and during the procession.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy culture and wish to experience a local New Year celebration in a traditional setting. It suits those interested in Japanese folklore, traditional dances, and sake tasting. If you’re someone who appreciates storytelling and community celebrations, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

However, if you prefer a quiet, private experience or are sensitive to large groups, it’s worth considering whether this tour aligns with your expectations. The lively procession and energetic dances are part of the charm but can be overwhelming for some.

The Sum Up

This tour provides a lively, colorful window into Japan’s New Year traditions, blending shrine visits, storytelling, sake tasting, and a spirited procession. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances cultural education with festive fun, making it a memorable way to start the year in Tokyo.

For those seeking an authentic, engaging cultural outing, this tour offers considerable value, especially given its inclusion of food, drinks, and live performances. It’s best suited for curious travelers who want to understand local customs firsthand and enjoy a vibrant celebration.

Travelers who prioritize smaller, more intimate groups should inquire about the current size, as some reviews note large crowds that can detract from the sacred atmosphere. This experience is a lively, colorful, and meaningful way to ring in the New Year, full of tradition and community spirit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages? Yes, most travelers can participate, but keep in mind that the tour involves walking and standing at shrines and during the procession.

What language is the tour guided in? The guide is knowledgeable in Japanese, and explanations are likely in English, but it’s best to confirm if language support is available.

Are drinks included? Yes, there’s free flow of sake, beer, and other alcoholic beverages for adults, along with soft drinks for those under drinking age.

What snacks are provided? The tour includes edamame, fried chicken, French fries, and other small bites.

How long does the tour last? Approximately three hours, starting at 8:30 am.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol? Absolutely, soft drinks are available, and the focus is on cultural experiences rather than drinking.

Are there any age restrictions? Most travelers can join, but check with the provider if you have specific concerns.

Is transportation included? The meeting point is at JR Oji station, so transportation to and from the start is not included but easily accessible.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothing suitable for walking; dress warmly if visiting during winter.

What is the cancellation policy? Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

This comprehensive look at the Celebrate Japanese New Year Tradition tour should help you decide if it fits your interests and expectations. It offers a genuine taste of Tokyo’s local customs, lively celebrations, and culinary delights—an experience that’s more than just sightseeing, but a lively community celebration.