By Driving Japan

Experience a peaceful New Year's Day drive on Tokyo's Shuto Expressway in this video by Driving Japan. The early morning hours of January 1, 2025, see notably fewer vehicles, making for a smooth journey through the city.

The drive begins at Haneda International Airport Terminal 2 (35°33'03.7"N 139°47'16.1"E) at 5:50 AM, proceeding through various junctions and landmarks. Notable locations include the Hamazakibashi Junction, the Tanimachi Junction, and the Ichinohashi Junction. One of the highlights is Tokyo Tower (35°39'11.2"N 139°45'14.3"E), which is uniquely illuminated for New Year's morning. Special tickets are sold to witness the first sunrise from the tower, but they are limited in number.

The drive also offers glimpses of Mt. Fuji from a distance of about 100 km. The route covers major highways including the Rainbow Bridge, Bayshore Route, and the Inner Circular Route, passing through areas such as Ginza (35°40'01.8"N 139°46'02.9"E), where a popular pedestrian zone is set on weekends and holidays.

The video captures the serenity of early-morning Tokyo, offering a rare perspective of the city's empty expressways during the New Year holidays.