Hello from Minato & Mirai♪
Yokohama’s New Year’s Eve countdown is fun, but once the new year begins, the next question is: “So… what should we do in Yokohama for New Year?”
During the first three days of the year, I want to do something that feels truly “Yokohama”!
So in this post, we’ve gathered confirmed events in Yokohama for New Year 2026—so you can plan your holiday with confidence!
Celebrate a Traditional Japanese New Year at Sankeien Garden
New Year in Yokohama is special—but if you want to step away from the city buzz for a moment and enjoy a more traditional atmosphere, you’ll love Sankeien Garden.
During Sanganichi (Jan 1–3, 2026), Sankeien will host New Year–only programs, and the historic building Kakushokaku (鶴翔閣) inside the garden will also be specially opened to visitors.
On Jan 1, enjoy a soothing Koto music performance. On Jan 2, you can watch the traditional ritual Hōchō-shiki (a ceremonial knife performance). And on Jan 3, don’t miss Wazuma, a classic form of Japanese stage magic. No matter which day you go, you’ll get a New Year experience you won’t find on an ordinary visit.
A slow walk through the garden, crisp winter air, and a quiet New Year mood—Sankeien is an ideal spot for Sanganichi if you want something calm, beautiful, and “just right.”
※ On event days, ticket lines at Sankeien can get long—so we recommend buying your tickets in advance ☞
New Year Vibes + Shopping: MARK IS & Landmark Plaza
In Japan, New Year also means Hatsuuri—the very first sales of the year. Yokohama has plenty of department stores (like Takashimaya and Sogo), but if we had to pick two places that are especially easy and fun to visit, it would be MARK IS Minatomirai and Landmark Plaza.
From late December through early January, you’ll find New Year sales and seasonal events—perfect for getting into the holiday mood.
The highlight is the lion dance performance on Jan 2. Watching the lion dance parade through the mall is exciting—and it feels very “New Year in Japan.”
- Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
- Times
・MARK IS Minatomirai: 11:30 / 13:30 / 14:30 / 15:30
・Landmark Plaza: 11:00 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00
And on Jan 3, MARK IS will host a Japanese calligraphy (Kakizome) performance by calligrapher Benika Awazu.
- Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026
- Time: 11:00–11:30
- Location: 1F Grand Galleria
Traditional Music at JR Yokohama Station: “Wa no Kanade” (和の奏)
If you want a little more “New Year atmosphere” even after Sanganichi, we recommend the New Year event “Wa no Kanade” (和の奏) held at JR Yokohama Station.
In 2026, it’s scheduled for Saturday, January 10. With venues right inside the station area, it’s incredibly easy to drop by.
The event takes place in two areas: JR Yokohama Tower Atrium 2F (West Exit) and the East Exit Station Front Deck. Since both are directly connected to the station, it’s perfect for a quick stop between plans—or while shopping.
This event is all about Japanese traditions: gentle koto and shakuhachi melodies, powerful Tsugaru shamisen rhythms, and the dynamic energy of lion dances—an unforgettable New Year experience right in the middle of Yokohama.
At the West Exit venue (JR Yokohama Tower Atrium 2F), koto and shakuhachi performances are scheduled around 10:30 and 14:45.
Performers: Katsuyo Watanabe (koto), Kazumi Oizumi (koto), and Yazan Kawamata (shakuhachi).
Then, around 11:15 and 15:30, enjoy a Tsugaru shamisen performance by the unit “Shamido” (三味道). The sound fills the atrium—and honestly, it doesn’t feel like you’re inside a station at all.
A lion dance performance is also planned around 14:00, bringing classic New Year excitement and good luck vibes.
There’s also a fun “try your luck” activity: tap your Suica to join a prize drawing (no blanks).
Time: 10:30–16:00 (limited quantity; ends when gifts run out).
At the East Exit venue (Station Front Deck), you’ll find a more “hospitality” style New Year experience.
Around 13:00–15:00, there will be sake tastings featuring Kanagawa local sake (served in single-portion cans) and free coffee provided by Yokohama’s long-established roaster Sanbon Coffee (both limited quantity).
A lion dance performance is also planned around 13:00, and around 13:30 the lion dance will parade through CIAL Yokohama B1F and NEWoMan Yokohama 1F—so you might run into it when you least expect it!
One more thing: an “omikuji” (fortune slip) promotion board will be set up at JR Yokohama Station’s central passage “YOKOHAMA SEEDS” from Mon, Jan 5 to Sat, Jan 10, 2026. You can take a fortune slip for free (limited quantity).
For Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit): Iseyama Kotai Jingu
Finally—New Year in Japan wouldn’t feel complete without Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year. In Yokohama, Iseyama Kotai Jingu is one of the most classic and beloved choices.
Iseyama Kotai Jingu was founded in 1870 and is one of Yokohama’s most historic shrines.
Amaterasu Omikami is enshrined here, and as the name “Kotai Jingu” suggests, it is a special shrine that welcomes the same deity as Ise Jingu (Ise Grand Shrine).
Known as Yokohama’s chief guardian shrine, it draws huge crowds every New Year—especially locals visiting to pray for health, safety, and a good year ahead.
It’s also conveniently walkable from Sakuragicho Station. Yes, Sanganichi gets crowded—but if you love Yokohama, it’s absolutely worth it at least once.
Summary｜
In Yokohama for New Year 2026, enjoy a calm and traditional atmosphere at Sankeien, a lively New Year mood at MARK IS & Landmark Plaza, and a “Japanese culture day” at JR Yokohama Station’s Wa no Kanade. And if you finish with hatsumode at Iseyama Kotai Jingu, you’ll be starting the year in the most Yokohama way possible!
Wishing you a wonderful Yokohama New Year in 2026♪
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