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January 2, 2027
Event date:
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January 3, 2027
Event end:
Overview
The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra New Year Concert 2027 is a two-day classical music celebration taking place on 2 and 3 January 2027 at Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo. The concert welcomes the New Year with a programme built around familiar classical melodies, festive Japanese New Year traditions and performances by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.
The 2027 edition has additional significance because it will be the final New Year concert held at Orchard Hall before Bunkamura closes its entire complex for major renovation from 4 January 2027. This makes the performance a particularly notable occasion for regular audiences of the venue and the orchestra.
The concerts begin at 3:00 PM on both days, allowing visitors to combine the performance with New Year sightseeing, shopping and dining around Shibuya.
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What Makes This Event Special
The concert is designed to feel like a celebration of the Japanese New Year rather than simply a conventional symphony performance. The venue is decorated with traditional New Year elements, including Japanese kites, kimono and New Year decorations, while lion dancing and traditional musical performances contribute to the festive atmosphere.
Another distinctive feature is the “Fukubukuro Programme”, in which audience members vote online to help determine which popular piece will be performed. There is also an New Year’s lucky draw, with prizes including an opportunity to conduct the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.
This combination of orchestral music, audience participation and traditional New Year presentation gives the concert a more relaxed and celebratory character than many formal classical performances.
Lineup / Featured Artists
The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra performs under conductor Kenshou Watanabe, who leads the New Year programme across both performances. Satoshi Asaoka serves as the presenter, adding spoken introductions and commentary throughout the event.
The soloists differ between the two dates. On 2 January, violinist Koshiro Takeuchi performs the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto’s first movement.
On 3 January, pianist Kaoruko Igarashi performs Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 1, with trumpeter Shutaro Matsui also appearing. This means visitors choosing between the two dates will experience slightly different featured performances.
Event Experience
The concert combines the sound and scale of a professional symphony orchestra with a distinctly Japanese New Year atmosphere. Traditional decorations, lion dancing and performers wearing colourful kimono help create a festive environment before and around the main musical programme.
The audience-participation element also makes the event somewhat different from a standard orchestral concert. The online vote allows concertgoers to influence part of the programme, while the New Year’s prize draw adds an entertaining element for the audience.
For visitors from overseas, this can be an appealing way to experience Japanese New Year culture while attending a high-quality classical concert in central Tokyo.
Date & Schedule
Tokyo Philharmonic New Year Concert 2027 takes place on:
Saturday, 2 January 2027
Sunday, 3 January 2027
Both performances begin at:
Concert: 3:00 PM
The venue is Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Shibuya. Visitors should arrive in advance because late arrivals may be asked to wait before entering or may not immediately be able to take their assigned seats.
The two performances share the main programme but have different soloists and concerto selections.
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Programme
The confirmed programme includes Johann Strauss II’s overture to the operetta Die Fledermaus and Ravel’s Boléro, alongside the audience-selected Fukubukuro Programme.
The concerto selection changes according to the date. On 2 January, the programme includes the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, performed by Koshiro Takeuchi. On 3 January, the programme features Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by Kaoruko Igarashi, with Shutaro Matsui appearing as trumpeter.
The Fukubukuro Programme is determined through online audience voting, with voting scheduled to close on 24 December 2026 at 11:59 PM. The final selected work should therefore be checked closer to the concert date.
Location & Venue
The concert takes place at Bunkamura Orchard Hall, located at 2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo, within the Bunkamura complex.
Orchard Hall is one of Tokyo’s established classical and performing-arts venues and has hosted the Tokyo Philharmonic’s annual New Year Concert for many years. The 2027 performance has particular historical significance because Bunkamura will close the entire complex for major renovation beginning 4 January 2027, immediately after these concerts.
Its Shibuya location also makes it convenient for visitors who want to explore one of Tokyo’s most active shopping and entertainment districts before or after the concert.
Event History
The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra is one of Japan’s major professional orchestras, and its New Year concerts have become an annual feature of Tokyo’s classical music calendar.
The Bunkamura Orchard Hall New Year performance combines the orchestra’s classical repertoire with a festive format intended to welcome the new year. The organisers have traditionally incorporated Japanese New Year customs and popular orchestral works into the experience rather than presenting a purely formal symphonic programme.
The 2027 concert therefore represents both a continuation of this annual tradition and the closing chapter of the orchestra’s New Year performances at Orchard Hall before the venue enters its renovation period.
Getting to the Event
Bunkamura Orchard Hall is in central Shibuya, an area served by numerous railway and subway connections. Visitors can travel to Shibuya Station and continue on foot through the Dogenzaka area to the Bunkamura complex.
The central location makes public transportation the easiest choice, particularly during the busy New Year period when Tokyo’s popular districts can attract large crowds.
Visitors arriving in Tokyo for the concert can also easily connect to Shibuya from major areas such as Shinjuku, Tokyo Station and Ueno using the city’s extensive rail network.
Where to Stay Nearby
Shibuya is the most convenient area for visitors attending the concert, with a wide selection of hotels, restaurants, cafés, shopping centres and entertainment venues.
Harajuku and Omotesando are also practical alternatives for visitors who want to stay near fashion, shopping and cultural attractions. Shinjuku offers an even larger range of accommodation and is only a short train journey from Shibuya.
Because the concerts take place immediately after New Year’s Day, visitors planning to stay in Tokyo around 2–3 January should reserve accommodation early.
Restaurants & Dining Nearby
Shibuya has an extensive range of restaurants within walking distance of Orchard Hall, from casual Japanese restaurants and ramen shops to sushi, yakitori and modern Japanese cuisine.
Because the concert begins at 3:00 PM, visitors may prefer to have lunch before arriving at the venue and then enjoy dinner in Shibuya after the performance.
The New Year period can be particularly busy, and some restaurants may operate reduced holiday hours. Checking opening arrangements in advance is therefore useful when planning a complete concert-day itinerary.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the 2027 Tokyo Philharmonic New Year Concert are offered in three categories:
S: ¥6,900
A: ¥5,800
B: ¥3,800
All prices include tax.
The general sale begins on 6 October 2026 at 10:00 AM. Tickets are available through Bunkamura, the Tokyo Philharmonic ticket service and other authorised ticket agencies.
The organisers state that tickets are not for commercial resale and that the purchaser’s name may be printed on tickets bought through certain ticket channels. Visitors should therefore use official sales channels rather than unofficial resale platforms.
Official Event Information
Event: Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra New Year Concert 2027
Dates: 2–3 January 2027
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Venue: Bunkamura Orchard Hall
Start: 3:00 PM
Orchestra: Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Kenshou Watanabe
Presenter: Satoshi Asaoka
2 January Soloist: Koshiro Takeuchi, violin
3 January Soloists: Kaoruko Igarashi, piano; Shutaro Matsui, trumpet
Main Programme: J. Strauss II, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, Ravel and audience-selected works
Ticket Prices: ¥3,800–¥6,900
Special Significance: Final New Year concert at Orchard Hall before Bunkamura’s January 2027 closure for renovation.
The latest programme, ticket availability and visitor information should be checked through the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra official website and the Bunkamura official event page.
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Location
FAQ
Where is the Tokyo Philharmonic New Year Concert held?
The event is held at Bunkamura Orchard Hall, located in Shibuya at 2-24-1 Dogenzaka. The venue is centrally located and can be combined easily with visits to Shibuya, Harajuku and Omotesando.
Who is conducting the 2027 concert?
The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra performs under conductor Kenshou Watanabe. Presenter Satoshi Asaoka also participates, providing commentary and helping create the festive New Year atmosphere.
Who are the soloists?
The soloist depends on the date. Koshiro Takeuchi performs violin on 2 January, while Kaoruko Igarashi performs piano and Shutaro Matsui appears on trumpet on 3 January.
What music will be performed?
The confirmed programme includes Johann Strauss II's Die Fledermaus Overture and Ravel's Boléro. The 2 January performance includes the first movement of Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto, while the 3 January programme includes Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 1. A further Fukubukuro Programme is selected through audience voting.
When do tickets go on sale?
General ticket sales begin on 6 October 2026 at 10:00 AM. Tickets are available through Bunkamura, the Tokyo Philharmonic ticket service and other authorised ticket agencies.
Is the concert suitable for families?
The event has a festive New Year atmosphere, but pre-school children are not permitted to enter. Families with older children should also consider the formal concert setting and the need to remain seated during the performance.
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