Wondering whether Tokyo trains are running all night on New Year’s Eve? Every year, countless travelers miss their plans—or even their hotels—simply because they misunderstand the Tokyo New Year’s train schedule. While Japan’s rail system is famously reliable, JR lines and the Yamanote Line, Tokyo’s main JR loop line, do not operate on a normal timetable during New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
In this guide, we break down the JR New Year schedule, including Yamanote Line operating hours, last trains on New Year’s Eve, and what to expect after midnight in Tokyo. If you’re planning to explore the city late—or stay out past the countdown—this is essential reading before you rely on Tokyo’s trains.
Recommended reading:
- Japanese New Year: the Traditional Japanese Culture in Nenmatsu Nenshi
- Be Careful to Say Happy New Year in Japan?!
- New Year Shrine Visits in Japan: A Tour of First Prayers for Good Luck
Are Trains Running in Tokyo on New Year’s Eve?
Yes, most Tokyo trains are running on New Year’s Eve, including major JR lines and the Yamanote Line. However, trains do not follow normal weekday timetables. Services usually operate on a special Tokyo New Year’s train schedule with reduced frequency and earlier last trains.
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If you’re just wondering whether trains run in Tokyo on New Year’s Eve, start here → Do Tokyo Trains Run on New Year’s Eve? Tokyo Train Schedule Explained
Six JR Lines Operating Overnight on New Year’s Eve 2025–2026
On New Year’s Eve 2025–2026, the following six JR East lines are scheduled to operate overnight or late-night services:
- Yamanote Line
- Keihin-Tohoku / Negishi Line
- Chuo–Sobu Line (Local)
- Chuo Line (Rapid)
- Yokosuka Line
- Sobu Main Line / Narita Line
Below is an overview of the Yamanote Line timetable and other JR line operating schedules during New Year’s Eve night and early New Year’s Day morning.
| Line | Section | Operating Hours | Interval (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamanote Line | Inner & Outer Loop | Around 1:00–5:00 | Every 10–25 minutes |
| Keihin-Tohoku / Negishi Line | Sakuragicho – Omiya | Around 1:00–4:00 | Every 15–70 minutes |
| Chuo–Sobu Line (Local) | Mitaka – Chiba | Around 0:20–4:40 | Every 15–120 minutes |
| Chuo Line (Rapid) | Mitaka – Takao | Around 0:50–4:30 | Every 40–120 minutes |
| Yokosuka Line | Yokohama – Zushi | Around 1:00–5:00 | Every 80 minutes |
| Sobu Main Line / Narita Line | Chiba – Narita | Depart Chiba: 1:20, 3:10 Depart Narita: 2:10, 3:49 | Does not stop at Higashi-Chiba |
From New Year’s Eve (December 31) through New Year’s Day, lines such as the Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku / Negishi Line, and Chuo–Sobu Line (Local) will operate overnight.
Lines in Tokyo
The Yamanote Line will run on both loops between approximately from 1:00 to 5:00 on New Year’s Eve night with intervals of 10–25 minutes.
The Keihin-Tohoku / Negishi Line will operate between Sakuragicho and Omiya from around 1:00 to 4:00 at intervals of 15–70 minutes.
The Yokosuka Line will also provide overnight service between roughly 1:00 and 5:00, with trains about every 80 minutes.
The Chuo–Sobu Line (Local) will run overnight between Mitaka and Chiba from around 0:20 to 4:40, with intervals of approximately 15–120 minutes.
On the Sobu Main Line / Narita Line (Chiba–Narita), late-night extra trains will operate:
downbound trains depart Chiba at 1:20 and 3:10,
while upbound trains depart Narita at 2:10 and 3:49.
All trains will skip Higashi-Chiba Station.
The Chuo Line (Rapid) will also operate overnight between Mitaka and Takao, running from approximately 0:50 to 4:30 at intervals of 40–120 minutes.
The Ome Line
The Ome Line, which previously ran overnight on New Year’s Eve, will instead operate as a special sunrise-viewing service this year.
The “Musashi-Mitake Shrine First Sunrise” rapid train will run between Tachikawa and Mitake.
Between 2:00 and 5:00 on New Year’s Day, the service will make two round trips.
(The second train departing Mitake will terminate at Haijima.)
| Line | Section | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ome Line – Musashi-Mitake Shrine First Sunrise | Tachikawa – Mitake | Tachikawa dep. 2:15 Mitake dep. 3:07 Tachikawa dep. 3:59 Mitake dep. 4:52 | Mitake arr. 2:57 Tachikawa arr. 3:49 Mitake arr. 4:41 Haijima arr. 5:23 |
* After December 5 (Friday), overnight schedules will be available via JR East official apps and digital timetables.
Do Tokyo Metro Trains Run Overnight on New Year’s Eve?
No. Unlike some JR lines, Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway trains do not run overnight on New Year’s Eve and do not extend last train times. At present, only JR companies have announced overnight operations for New Year’s Eve, and the scale is smaller than in previous years.
All Tokyo Metro lines (Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, Yurakucho, Hanzomon, Namboku, and Fukutoshin Lines) will operate on weekend/holiday schedules from December 30, 2025 to January 3, 2026.
All Toei Subway lines (Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku, Oedo Lines, and the Nippori–Toneri Liner), as well as the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line), will operate on holiday schedules from December 30, 2025 (December 29 for the Toden Arakawa Line) through January 4th, 2026.
Neither Tokyo Metro nor Toei Subway will operate overnight services on New Year’s Eve.
There will be no extension of last trains, no earlier first trains, and no special extra services.
If you’re traveling in Tokyo during the countdown, make sure to double-check the Tokyo New Year’s train schedule. Knowing the correct JR line operating hours could save you from missing the last train—and an expensive taxi ride.
Will Trains Run on New Year’s Day in Tokyo?
Yes—trains in Tokyo do run on New Year’s Day. This includes JR lines, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and most private railway companies.
That said, New Year’s Day follows a holiday timetable, regardless of which day of the week it falls on. Trains generally operate less frequently than on regular weekdays, especially during late night and early morning hours.
While services do not shut down entirely, some last trains on New Year’s Eve may run later than usual, and early-morning schedules on January 1 may differ by line. If you plan to travel early or late, it’s a good idea to check the official timetable for your specific route in advance.
In short, if you’re wondering “will trains run on New Year’s Day?”—the answer is yes. Just keep in mind that all rail services operate on a holiday schedule.
References:
- JR East: Winter Special Train Operations
- Tokyo Metro: Year-End and New Year Train Services
- Toei Subway & Nippori–Toneri Liner: Year-End and New Year Operations
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