As the year draws to a close, everywhere buzzes with preparations for the holidays, and Japan is no exception. Despite the cold winter weather, you can feel warmth in the scenery, decorations, and festive activities across the country. Let’s explore the unique experiences of holidays in Japan that many people dream of enjoying at least once in their lifetime!
Where should I go to enjoy this holiday?
If you are wondering where to go to embrace this holiday fully, Japan offers comforting and magical places. Each destination is shaped by nature, history, and gentle traditions passed down through generations. As you walk through these places, you do not just see beautiful sights, but also feel the quiet spirit of the land. You can explore, learn, relax, and connect with nature all at once. In Fujiyoshida, Mount Fuji rises calmly above the town, where you can visit an ancient shrine, stroll along quiet streets, enjoy exciting rides, and taste thick Yoshida udon.
Over in Shirakawa-go, prayer-shaped houses and snowy views glow softly beneath winter lights and mountain skies. At Kenroku-en Garden, peaceful paths guide you past shimmering ponds, elegant stone lanterns, and charming tea houses, all meticulously crafted. Meanwhile, Ginzan Onsen and Niseko welcome you with cozy wooden inns and snowy landscapes that feel calm and unforgettable.
What other unique places can I try?
For a truly special adventure, you must visit Shikaribetsuko Kotan in Hokkaido, a magical ice village built on a frozen lake. This one-of-a-kind spot began as a small winter event and evolved into a renowned seasonal attraction, crafted entirely from snow and ice. You can enter glowing ice domes, sit in an ice bar, and even try a hot spring surrounded by freezing air.
If your heart yearns for profound peace, consider a rotenburo, an outdoor hot spring steeped in ancient Japanese bathing traditions. These baths let you soak in warm water while surrounded by forests, mountains, or the peaceful sea under the open sky. It’s the perfect choice for relaxation and healing!
Why not try experiencing a cruise in Japan?
A cruise in Japan is a unique way to see the country from the water. From the chilly north to the calm southern coasts, cruises offer travelers a special perspective on Japan’s landscapes and traditions. Over time, these voyages have grown from practical shipping routes to exciting experiences that highlight history, wildlife, and festive local events. Along the journey, passengers can explore scenic ports, try onboard activities, and discover cultural highlights.
An excellent choice for a winter adventure is the Abashiri Icebreaker Cruise in Hokkaido. It takes visitors through stunning drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk. Powerful ships break the frozen surface while passengers watch seals, eagles, and orcas in their natural habitat. Aurora ships feature heated interiors, spacious decks, and underwater drone feeds, making the chilly adventure both safe and fascinating.
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What should I do to have a sparkling holiday?
A sparkling Japanese holiday begins where light and wonder meet the quiet of winter nights. Cities and parks transform into glowing dreamlands, each telling a story. From small beginnings inspired by distant lands, Japan’s winter illuminations now brighten streets, riversides, and squares, turning ordinary evenings into enchanting memories filled with gentle warmth and cheerful delight.
In Tokyo, for example, the Marunouchi Illumination fills historic streets with soft, golden lights that reflect on the red brick and cobblestones. Seasonal pop-up shops, music, and ice skating add joyful charm to every stroll. Nearby, Yomiuriland Jewellumination turns an entire amusement park into a jewel-colored wonderland, where fountains, tunnels, and rides sparkle in rhythm with music.
Not far away, in Yokohama, the Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market glows under a towering tree and a shimmering roof, offering festive food, live shows, and craft workshops. Each market corner carries history and joyful energy, making every visitor part of a shared celebration.
Which places can offer elegant dinners at the end of the year?
Of course, you can savor a warm and hearty dinner at home with friends and family, but for something unforgettable, Japan presents luxurious dining experiences during the holiday season. Elegant dinners here blend festive atmosphere, carefully prepared seasonal ingredients, and cozy settings that make the evening truly special. From buffets to multi-course meals, each brings joy and sophistication to year-end celebrations.
In Tokyo, you can visit the Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel, where a Christmas dinner buffet offers roast meats, fresh seafood, and delightful desserts. Live jazz fills the air, and the waterfront view adds a shining touch to the festive evening.
Further west in Fukuoka, THE LIVELY Hakata offers a course-style dinner featuring crab appetizers, tender venison, and seasonal vegetables. The modern, cozy dining space enhances the feeling of warmth and celebration, perfect for couples or small groups. Finally, at the Royal Park Hotel Iconic Nagoya, diners enjoy golden-eye snapper with caviar, foie gras, and snow-crab tagliolini while overlooking the city from a rooftop terrace.
Why are the holidays in Japan so fantastic?
Holidays in Japan are delightful since they open the door to gentle rhythms and unexpected discoveries. Everywhere you go, nature, history, and culture mingle to create a feeling of calm and curiosity. Quiet streets, sparkling lights, and cozy inns all carry their own stories, inviting travelers to pause and take them in.
These holidays also bring moments of joy and shared celebration. From bustling markets to serene hot springs, each experience feels alive yet soothing, offering both comfort and delight. Special meals, seasonal festivals, and scenic cruises reveal different layers of Japan, making every visit feel personal and memorable. So, which part of a holiday in Japan would make your heart happiest? Leave a comment to share your thoughts!
