During the New Year holiday break in Japan, I made the most of the opportunity to explore some of its beautiful and unique places.
I went to Gifu Prefecture, where I had my first snow experience at Shirakawa-go, rode the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway to reach an observation deck for a picturesque view of Japan’s Northern Alps, and visited Takayama, all of which offered stunning views of Japan’s winter landscape. I also explored Nagoya city in Aichi Prefecture, diving into the vibrant city life and Nabana no Sato in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture to witness the park’s vibrant display of lights during their winter illumination. To wrap it up, my New Year holiday in Japan provided a unique blend of adventure and cultural experiences, all while giving me the time to reflect and realign my aspirations for the years ahead. – JJ
This New Year’s, I explored Tokyo to experience local traditions firsthand.
In Ginza, I joined the festive crowds buying “fukubukuro” or mystery bags, a popular Japanese custom where shoppers purchase bags filled with surprise items at a discount. The excitement of uncovering hidden treasures was palpable, and the city’s vibrant decorations and sense of renewal made the experience unforgettable. Celebrating New Year’s in Tokyo gave me a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and the joy of community and new beginnings. – Anthony Ceazar
As someone who had never experienced snow before, I spent the New Year holiday visiting the winter wonderland of Shirakawa-go, Japan, and had the chance to enjoy snow for the first time.
Seeing Shirakawa-go in person was truly magical—it’s something that pictures and cameras just can’t capture. I also had the chance to meet some of my friends who were visiting Japan, and we enjoyed spending quality time together. Although it wasn’t the same Christmas and New Year holiday I’m used to in the Philippines, I embraced it as a beautiful memory that I will always treasure. – Lei
During the year-end break, I went to Tokyo DisneySea for the first time.
One day is not enough to explore every attraction and try all its rides. Nevertheless, it was a fun and magical experience despite the cold weather and long lines. – Jerimae
During my holiday break as a trainee in Osaka, I took the chance to visit other parts of Japan with my fellow trainees, Ace and Eljohn. I visited Kamakura, a city of history with the Great Buddha and appearances in anime and manga.
At Fujikawaguchiko we had beautiful views of Mount Fuji and the calm lake scenery. In Tokyo, we roamed around Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Shibuya, and each had its own charm. It was a great experience for me to be able to see other parts of Japan and how it combines the traditional and modern life. – Ralph
