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Ippan Sanga (New Year Congratulatory Visit) at the Imperial Palace - Tokyo Hotels .com

Imperial Palace, Tokyo

Experience a rare glimpse of Japanese royalty during Ippan Sanga, which is the Imperial Family's traditional New Year greeting to the public. On January 2, the grounds of the Imperial Palace are opened for general visitors -- one of only two times a year that the devoted and curious alike are able to walk the imperial grounds in central Tokyo. Here, crowds await the hourly appearances of the emperor and members of the royal family, which they make from a palace balcony. The emperor also gives his New Year address at this time. Tens of thousands attend this ritual, shouting "banzai" to the royal family, for "long life," and waving Japanese flags. This is one of many popular festivities held for the New Year, which is Japan's biggest holiday.

If you're lucky enough to be in Tokyo for the New Year, you can also take part in Shogatsu Hatsumode (Japanese New Year) or attend the Tokyo Metropolitan Fire Brigade Parade (Dezome-shiki).