Hachiko statue in Shibuya will be covered for New Year's Eve; pedestrian barricades added.

Shibuya Ward will not hold New Year’s Eve events and limits access to reduce crowds and enhance security.

Shibuya Ward is serious about keeping 2025's New Year’s Eve low-key. They’ve officially announced no countdown events this year, which is part of their mission to curb the loud, wild crowds that flooded Shibuya Station for Halloween and New Year’s in the past, causing chaos, property damage, and a mountain of trash.

Now, it's getting even more strict. This year, the famous Hachiko statue will be covered and off-limits, just like it was for Halloween. They’re also going to set up barricades and traffic flow restrictions around the station. Shibuya ward head Ken Hasabe is emphasizing the need for security and cooperation to prevent accidents. So, if you’re hoping to snap a selfie with Hachiko, you’ll have to wait until after January 1!

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