As you would expect from Tokyo, culture and music come alive for the holidays, and there’s perhaps nothing more iconic in winter than Christmas concerts. Massive concert halls and theatres are booked throughout December, so there’s very little chance you won’t get to see at least one.
Here are some ideas around Tokyo for foreign residents (the ‘insiders’) to celebrate the holidays with music, including a list of Christmas concerts and a few other choices to try.
Beethoven’s 9th Symphony
With the exception of Beethoven’s 5th, Ludwig’s 9th is among the greatest orchestral works and no doubt the most performed symphony in Japan. You owe it to yourself to truly experience the brilliance of this gargantuan piece of music in one of the greatest acoustic halls in Tokyo. The climactic ending brings everyone together and you will surely want to return every year.
Tokyo Philharmonic
Conductor: Myung-Whun ChangThursday, December 19 at 7:00 pm Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall [SOLD OUT]
Friday, December 20 at 7:00 pm Bunkamura Orchard HallSaturday, December 21 at 7:00 pm Suntory Hall [SOLD OUT]
Japan Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Kenichiro Kobayashi
Saturday, December 21 at 2:00 pm Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall
Tuesday, December 24 at 7:00 pm Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre
Thursday, December 26 at 7:00 pm Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre
Friday, December 27 at 7:00 pm Suntory Hall
Saturday, December 28 at 2:00 pm Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre
NHK Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Simone Young
Saturday, December 21 at 5:00 pm NHK Hall
Sunday, December 22 at 3:00 pm NHK Hall
Monday, December 23 at 7:00 pm NHK Hall
Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Ivor Bolton
Tuesday, December 17 at 7:00 pm Tokyo Metropolitan TheatreWednesday, December 18 at 7:00 pm Suntory Hall [SOLD OUT]Friday, December 20 at 7:00 pm Suntory Hall [SOLD OUT]Saturday, December 21 at 2:00 pm Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre [SOLD OUT]Sunday, December 22 at 2:00 pm Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre [SOLD OUT]
National Opera Theater of Ukraine Orchestra
Conductor: Mykola Diadiura
Sunday, December 29 at 2:00 pm Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall
Monday, December 30 at 2:00 pm Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall
Gospel
There’s nothing like gospel music to lift your spirits. There are various venues but this one has been recommended by our friends:
Ebisu Gospel Festival 2019
More than 30 sets in two days!
From December 14 and 15 from 1:30 to 6:15 pm, at Yebisu Garden Place.
Caroling
There are very few, but public caroling events do exist in Tokyo! Come and join GLI’s Namiko at Yoyogi Park on Sunday, December 15 from 3:00 until about 5:00 pm, at the Christmas tree by the entrance.
Almost every song you have sung or heard in your childhood will be performed. Please join us for an afternoon of carols!
Karaoke
There is nothing wrong with gathering a great group of family members and/or friends and going to karaoke to sing all your winter favorites.
Nothing beats listening to “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” and watching completely unrelated themes and characters appear on the TV screen. (Those of you who have been to karaoke know what I mean.) It’s always fun to point out the English mistakes or realize you have been singing those lyrics wrong all this time…
Just be aware that it is bōnenkai season so most evenings will be packed. Rates are much cheaper in the afternoon and some places will let you BYOB and snacks. Just make sure it is one of those places.
The Japanese Way
NHK’s 紅白歌合戦, Kōhaku Uta Gassen, is played all over the world, and this annual New Year’s Eve television extravaganza is still watched by millions of Japanese people. (It’s the equivalent of Dick Clark’s New Years on TV in the States.) This yearly music contest is the best BGM for family gatherings, and you need only watch your favorite performers. (The artists are all announced in the newspapers so you can prepare to watch your favorites.)
There’s no way you can ring in the New Year without having watched enka legend Sayuri Ishikawa sing ‘Amagigoe‘. Kenichi Mikawa and Sachiko Kobayashi’s yearly elaborate costume rivalry is ostentatious and entertaining.
Who will you vote for this year? The red team (female artists) or the white team (male artists)?
The 70th Kōhaku will be broadcast on NHK General TV, Radio 1, BS4K and BS8K from 7:15 pm on New Year’s Eve.
Joya no Kane (New Year’s Bell)
After watching Kōhaku, make sure to stay awake to watch the bells of various temples sound 108 times. NHK features many beautiful and remote temples. Wash your 107 sins away from 11:00 pm and listen to the last one strike once on New Year’s Day for luck.
Happy holidays. Be merry and safe!
What did you think of our picks? Have you tried doing karaoke for Christmas before? Let us know in the comments below or share your own Top Pick list.
