New Years is a major holiday in Japan, which we did not realize.  Many families shut down their businesses for several days and hunker down at home.  Its also a time for prayer.  We heard a million people visit the Meiji Shintu shrine on New Years day, but it was the only day that worked with our schedule to visit.  The area is filled with vendors selling food, souvenirs etc.  While it was incredibly busy (and we didn't dare get into the line to get into the actual temple), it was a really fun day to  explore the area.