We’re excited to share how we celebrated the arrival of 2026 with our countdown event and hatsumode (first shrine visit) tour on New Year’s Eve.
The event’s key visual blended red—a color deeply rooted in Japanese tradition—with our hotel’s signature green. We wanted to create something that felt both pop and approachable for international guests while honoring the essence of Japanese design.
By incorporating mizuhiki (traditional Japanese cord) and wa-gara (Japanese patterns), we crafted a visual identity that felt authentically Japanese yet unmistakably HOTEL GRAPHY in its modern sensibility.
The idea behind it all? To bring guests and staff together across cultures and backgrounds, experiencing Japan’s New Year traditions while sharing the fresh start of a new year.
The Event Kicked Off with “Toshikoshi UDON”
Our countdown event began at 11 PM!
This year, we served udon instead of the traditional toshikoshi soba (New Year’s Eve buckwheat noodles).
The udon came from Kaze no Oka Farm, a partner of our restaurant, Graphic Grill & Bar.
Known for its quality ingredients and honest, straightforward flavor, it was the perfect bowl to close out the year.
We prepared four types of tempura toppings—kabocha (pumpkin), ebi (shrimp), kashiwa (chicken), and maitake (mushroom)—and let guests choose their own. The interactive setup naturally sparked conversations, and it was wonderful to see guests who’d just met smiling and chatting as they customized their bowls.
Counting Down to Midnight with a Toast
For the countdown event, we offered complimentary sparkling wine along with Kinka sake available for purchase. Hotel guests also enjoyed access to free-flowing drinks.
One minute before midnight, we screened a “2025 Hotel Highlights Video” created and produced by our staff.
As the video ended, the entire room fell into a quiet, collective anticipation. Guests and staff alike, glasses in hand, turned their eyes toward the screen.
Then came the countdown—and the moment we crossed into the new year, the room erupted in cheers and applause. “Happy New Year!” echoed from every corner.
Toasts were raised, conversations flowed, and the space became a warm, borderless celebration—guests and staff together in one shared moment. It was a New Year’s Eve that felt quintessentially HOTEL GRAPHY.
“Hatsumode Tour” Led by Hotel Staff
After the countdown event, we headed out with our guests to Shibuya Hikawa Shrine, located within walking distance from the hotel, for a hatsumode tour.
Shibuya Hikawa Shrine is a revered shrine known for bringing good fortune in relationships and romance—not just in love, but also in work connections and meaningful encounters throughout life. Tucked away from Shibuya’s bustle, it’s a peaceful spot to reset and reflect.
Our hotel staff served as guides, explaining the customs and proper etiquette for shrine visits.
When it was their turn to pray, some guests looked a little unsure at first, but they’d smile and check with the person next to them before making their wishes. It was a touching sight.
Then came the omikuji (fortune slips)—guests compared their fortunes, laughing together in a way that made it hard to believe they’d only just met.
Finally, we gathered everyone for a group photo.
We walked back to the hotel together, sharing memories and stories. It was one of those moments that really captured what HOTEL GRAPHY SHIBUYA is all about—genuine connection with our guests.
Even after the hatsumode tour ended, some guests stayed at Graphic Grill & Bar with family and friends, enjoying drinks and food while soaking in the relaxed, unhurried atmosphere of New Year’s Day.
We received such heartwarming feedback from guests—comments like, “Having the hotel staff guide us made the shrine visit feel safe and welcoming,” and “I’d love to join again next year.” It was clear that the experience made their New Year in Japan even more memorable.
Hearing directly from our guests gave us so many ideas and insights for future events. We’re taking all that energy and excitement into planning something even better next time.
We hope you’ll look forward to what’s coming next!