January is the beginning of the low season at Tokyo Disney Resort. As a result, the parks have a lot to offer for the rest of the winter months!

• New Year’s Event (January 1 – 5, 2018)
  • Read our guide here
  • Watch my New Year’s Day vlog
• Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Fantasy (January 11 – March 19, 2018)
  • Read our guide here
• Star Wars “Feel the Force” (December 15, 2017 – March 19, 2018)
• Pixar Playtime (January 11 – March 19, 2018)
• Duffy’s Heartwarming Days (January 11 – March 19, 2018)

I’ll tell you the best/worst days to visit, how cold the weather is, what’s new for merchandise and food, and what to expect for attraction closures. You’ll want to bookmark this article and reference it while you’re in the parks.

Be mindful of the reduced park hours after the first week of January.

Table of Contents

• Food & Merchandise
• Crowds
• Weather
• Closures
• Today Guide

Food & Merchandise

While supplies last (usually only the first week of January) you can get this cute cup with a dessert. Available at the Sweetheart Cafe and Mamma Biscotti’s Bakery.

The low season doesn’t stop Tokyo Disney Resort (and the Disney Store) from pumping out the merchandise. With the start of the winter events at the parks, there are tons of new snacks to eat too!

• Tokyo Disney Resort January 2018 Merchandise & Snacks
• Japan Disney Store January 2018
• New Years 2018 (until January 5)
• Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Fantasy Merchandise & Snacks (available January 9)
• Pixar Playtime Merchandise & Snacks (available January 9)
• Duffy’s Heartwarming Days Merchandise & Snacks (available January 9)
• Star Wars “Feel the Force”

Merchandise is always while supplies last and some items do sell out. We are unable to check if specific items are still available. The Disney Store items stick around for a few months after release while event merchandise at Tokyo Disney Resort is gone once the event finishes (no options to buy elsewhere other than checking Nakano Broadway).

Stormtrooper Dumplings at Tokyo Disneyland

Read our updated list of Tokyo Disney Resort merchandise and how to buy it online. Another way to browse merchandise is the latest edition of the “Disney Fan” magazine. Even though it’s only in Japanese, the pictures are easy to follow and a great way to see what merchandise is available.

Crowds

In January, you’ll see some of the heaviest (the other is Golden Week) and lightest crowds of the year. The first week of January is the New Years event and everyone is still on holidays, which means a busy park. After January 8, is when you’ll see some of the lowest crowds of the year.

January 1 (New Year’s Day): First day of the year brings the crowds (January 2 and 3 are bank holidays too).

January 8 (Coming of Age Day): This day celebrates those who reach the age of 20 and happens on the second Monday of January. Expect lots of young men and women in traditional kimonos at both parks on this day for photo opts. After this day is when the crowds are at its lowest.

Here are the best days to visit to avoid predicted crowds in January:

• January 9 through 12, 15 to 19, 22 to 26, and 29 to 31

Buy your tickets in advance to avoid long lines. Consult the Tokyo Disneyland crowd calendar for the latest predictions. Also, read our guide to know the best and worst times to visit Tokyo Disney Resort.

Weather

The average temperature for January is 5°C (41°F). The days are cold (warm in the sun) and the evenings may chill to the bone in the wind. The best advice is to layer and wear mittens and scarves. Follow my tips on how to stay warm in the winter at Tokyo Disneyland.

Check our packing list, which covers items to bring with you for the weather.

Closures

Here are the closures and refurbishments for the month of January. Keep in mind that they stick to the schedule in most cases and things do not open early or late unless noted. For the most up-to-date list, consult the official website.

Read our update on the construction happening in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland for the Beauty and the Beast expansion.

Tokyo Disneyland

• “it’s a small world” (re-opens April 15, 2018, for the Tokyo Disney Resort 35th Anniversary “Happiest Celebration!”)
• Haunted Mansion: January 4, 2018 – April 3, 2018
• Chip ‘n Dale’s Treehouse: January 9, 2018 – January 23, 2018
• Donald’s Boat: January 9, 2018 – January 23, 2018
• Gadget’s Go Coaster: January 9, 2018 – February 8, 2018
• Peter Pan’s Flight: January 29, 2018 – February 9, 2018

Tokyo DisneySea

• Aquatopia: January 9, 2018 – January 20, 2018
• DisneySea Electric Railway (American Waterfront & Port Discovery): January 9, 2018 – March 29, 2018
• Indiana Jones® Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull: January 29, 2018 – March 9, 2018

Today Guide

The “Today Guide” is a useful fold-out informational guide for the latest entertainment, merchandise, food, and general information for both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Which changes on a monthly basis with new and updated information (and a cute collectible design). The only problem is, it’s offered only in Japanese.

There is an English guide map (along with other languages) but it only has general information and entertainment schedule. You miss out on crucial information that’s useful when you are in the park.

Each month we create a video that explains the latest Today Guide to help you plan our trip better. Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel to never miss the latest.

Start planning your trip to Tokyo Disneyland with our Ultimate Guide to Tokyo Disney Resort. It covers everything from tickets, hotels, and how to score discounts!

Keep up with the latest from Tokyo Disney Resort by joining our mailing list and following us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and subscribe to us on YouTube.