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Spending the turning point of the new year in various parts of Japan is a great opportunity to get away from your daily routine and enjoy special experiences. In this article, we will introduce recommended tourist spots and experiences to visit during the New Year holidays, as well as local cultures and seasonal songs. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and flavors of Japan to the fullest while feeling the charm unique to this special season.

Cultures and seasonal songs from all over Japan to visit on your New Year’s holiday trip

Japan is a country where you can enjoy beautiful scenery that comes with the changing of the seasons, but the New Year’s holiday in particular is a special time when the customs and culture of each region are strongly expressed. By experiencing the unique cultures and events that can be experienced in various parts of Japan, you will be able to enjoy a memorable New Year’s Eve.

New Year’s first shrine visit at Omotesando in Tokyo

Omotesando in Tokyo is one of the symbolic spots that is filled with the mood of welcoming the New Year. The tree-lined streets leading from Aoyama-dori are lit up with gorgeous illuminations, and many people gather to celebrate the coming of the New Year. The area is dotted with shrines perfect for hatsumode, such as Meiji Shrine and Akasaka Hikawa Shrine, and both offer prayers for safety in the year in a solemn atmosphere. In addition, cafes and shops around Omotesando sell limited-edition New Year menus and goods, which are popular as a way to enjoy after visiting the shrine.

Visiting Kyoto’s Temples

The ancient capital of Kyoto is a special place whose beauty stands out even more during the New Year holidays. Many temples ring out New Year’s bells, and you can see preparations for the New Year in progress. In particular, Kiyomizu-dera Temple holds events to celebrate the coming of the New Year along with its magnificent scenery, attracting many visitors. The snow-covered appearance of Kinkaku-ji Temple and the tranquil atmosphere of the bamboo forest in Arashiyama provide soothing scenery befitting the start of a new year. Kyoto’s traditional Japanese sweet shops and teahouses also offer special items unique to this time of year, so it is recommended to enjoy them during your stroll.

Beautiful Japanese Scenery to Visit on a New Year’s Trip

Why not escape from your daily routine and seek out soothing scenery on your New Year’s trip? Beautiful scenery unique to this time of year spreads across Japan, where you can feel the richness of nature and the changing seasons.

Enjoy the Snow Scenery in Hokkaido

In Hokkaido, the northern land of Japan, the magnificent snow scenery attracts visitors. In particular, in Sapporo and Otaru, historic buildings are covered in silvery white snow, creating a fantastic atmosphere. There are also a wide variety of activities, such as the Snow Museum in Asahikawa and winter sports in the Niseko area. In addition, there are many hot springs in the prefecture, and a hot spring inn where you can relax while watching the snowy scenery is a luxurious experience unique to this time of year. During the New Year’s holidays, local New Year events and markets are sometimes held, allowing you to experience the unique culture of Hokkaido.

Interacting with deer in Nara Park

Nara Park is a popular spot for tourists due to its vast grounds and natural beauty, but it takes on a unique charm during the New Year holidays. The experience of interacting with the deer that roam freely in the park is a soothing experience that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. In addition, there are historical buildings such as Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Todaiji Temple around the park, where you can experience Japanese culture that has continued since ancient times. At Kasuga Taisha Shrine in particular, the sight of people visiting for the first shrine visit of the year is impressive, and you can celebrate the arrival of the New Year in a solemn atmosphere. Another attraction of the trip is enjoying persimmon leaf sushi and local tea and sweets that are unique to Nara.

Japanese gourmet spots to visit during your New Year trip

One of the joys of traveling is the food that is unique to the area. During the New Year holidays, why not try delicious local specialties and traditional dishes from all over Japan and have a dining experience that is appropriate for the start of the new year?

Taste white shrimp in Toyama Prefecture

White shrimp, known as the jewel of Toyama Bay, is a must-try delicacy when visiting the region. White shrimp, especially when eaten raw, stands out for its sweetness and delicate texture, making it the perfect dish for a New Year’s celebration. In addition, white shrimp is also popular in local dishes such as kakiage donburi and tempura. In Toyama Prefecture, you can enjoy special dishes using this ingredient at high-end restaurants, as well as casual menus at restaurants near the local fishing port. In addition, there are many spots where you can enjoy a meal while looking out at the beautiful scenery of Toyama Bay, making for a luxurious experience for both your eyes and your taste buds.

Taste shochu in Miyazaki Prefecture

Blessed with a mild tropical climate, Miyazaki Prefecture is known as a famous producer of shochu, one of Japan’s leading brands. Brands such as the locally loved “Yamaneko” are characterized by the rich flavor unique to potato shochu, making them perfect for a New Year’s toast. Miyazaki sometimes offers tours of sake breweries where you can enjoy locally produced shochu, and you can sample it while learning about the manufacturing process. The flavor is further enhanced when you enjoy shochu with local dishes that go perfectly with it, such as grilled Miyazaki beef or chicken nanban. A relaxing New Year’s holiday with a glass of local shochu in hand at a hot spring inn surrounded by Miyazaki’s rich nature will be a special memory.

Summary

The New Year’s holiday is a great opportunity to experience something out of the ordinary. In Japan, where the beauty of each season changes, culture, scenery, and cuisine that can only be experienced in special seasons await you. Use this article as a reference to make plans and enjoy a memorable trip to end this year and start the new year.

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