How pack is the Pack?
Ok...I tell you this...whole Malaysia Population including Sarawak + Sabah was 28m. In Tokyo (Only Tokyo) already 13.8m population

I went to Shanghai on August only.....The Population on Shanghai was 23m.  Almost whole Malaysian people live under one City.  During Peak Time going work the crown was so pack until you breath also sesak. 

New Year....almost all Japanese people will go temple for wish better luck......13m population city......all whent out home shopping / gathering / praying.  one word....crazy

Shanghai train Station [the people square] & Tokyo Shibuya // Shinjuku Station i found one similar thing.....Even not in Train....On station walking also feel like sardin already......hahhaa

Re: New Year's Day questions.

1) Temples night on the eve are crowded but not packed. Trains will be running. Must see as e.g. Zojoji as they release lanterns, pound omochi and ring the bells 108 times etc. Most people will be at home watching TV (there are a few popular shows like Kouhaku etc) or at a party, not at a temple.

2) New Year's day will be packed - mostly the shrines, not temples. Japanese go to shrines ("jinja" i.e. Shinto) on New Year's Day. While packed, still manageable - a must-see.

3) You'll find eating options round the clock UNLESS you're staying in a predominantly business area e.g. Shiodome. Those places - most restaurants shut a few days before and after New Year's as no office workers will be around.  On normal days, they close early as well around 9-ish. There's always the convenience store ("combini") or late-night donburi (beef bowl) fastfood.

4) Department/supermarkets stores don't usually close at 10. 8-9 more like it. Most will be closed on New Year's Day. Day after, they will start selling "mystery" grab bags called "fukubukuro" - you'll get some good deals but you won't know what's in the bag.

5) Winter will get you some of the clearest weather around - you can see Mt Fuji on some days from Tokyo. You will be able to see sunset and sunrise - news on TV will broadcast those times on weather forecast.

6) Don't forget to go to the Imperial palace on day after New Year's day - it opens only 2x a year. You'll get to see right-wingers shout banzai banzai when the Enperor appears. There's always a couple of them around.

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Added on November 15, 2011, 4:54 pm

Good luck! Will you be entering Japan on a long term social visit visa based on marriage?

You're right. I was there last 2 years during new year. Surprisingly, Japan's NY eve celebration is not as happening as KL. It was pretty empty at midnight! I did went out on 1st Jan and it wasn't THAT crowded. You'll be fine.

2 more weeks to go!!!!  Sayonara Malaysia!

Will you be there this NY?
Let's chill with obee-san below this post!

Morning can try go Fukuoka morning market at Nagahama walk walk....can see most fresh seafood and fruit. [ Must wake up very early in morning ]
Noon can try go Tenjin Underground Shopping Area at Chuo Ku...