Train situations on 12/31

i am visiting Fujikawaguchiko from Ikebukuro on 12/30 and checkout 12/31. What's the train situation on 12/31 coming back? Any thing I should be aware?

I don't think there is anything special to be aware of. Trains should be running normally, and the passenger volume should not be too high. The New Year travel rush peaks a few days earlier and mainly in the opposite direction.

I can�ft speak to that specific train, but yes, 31/Dec is very quiet because it�fs the day you are with family. So somewhat similar to Xmas day in Europe probably.

That said the express train to Fujikawaguchiko does sell out frequently. There are slower local train options but you might want to reserve the train before.

I haven't been moving around on New Years Eve in recent years, but isn't it still the day when residents ride trains for last minute grocery shopping and then, later in the evening, for hatsumode worshipping and partying? For those reasons, a lot of trains in central Tokyo has still been running all night long on Dec 31.

I wouldn't say the trains should be packed, but you do need to keep in mind that there could be a lot of people in central Tokyo. To avoid crowd, for example, you may want to avoid using huge stations like Ikebukuro Station and use nearby stations like Kanamecho, only if your final destination is closer to those smaller stations.

Just for your reference, the (Japanese-language) link below shows extra trains that were scheduled for last New Years Eve.
https://www.train-times.net/article/newyear2026#toc3