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IHG ANA HOTELS in Japan. Check it out.
Here,we introduce hot sightseeing spots and cultural information from the areas
close to IHG ANA HOTELS in Japan. Check it out! |
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 The winter season (December to February) in Japan has traditionally been a very busy time, mostly because of the numerous cultural festivities during New Years. Although not a national holiday in Japan, the seasonal activities often begin in December with Christmas, celebrating with decorations, gift giving, hotel dinners, and parties. Ordering Christmas cakes from famous pastry shops and going out to see extravagant displays of light is especially popular. Along with these celebrations, there are also the bonnenkai (end-of-the-year parties) all during December as a time to drink, usually with friends or co-workers.
Then at last, the year-end and New Years activities come around. Beginning with sending nengajo (New Years cards) to friends, family, and co-workers, traditions include eating osechi ryori (New Years cuisine), toshikoshi soba (New Years Eve buckwheat noodles), and ozouni (rice cake soup), watching Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red-and-White Song Festival) and Hakone Ekiden (New Years long-distance relay) on television, viewing the hatsu-hinode (the first sunrise of the new year), and hatsumoude (visiting shrines). Recently, there are also those who look forward to pushing through crazed shoppers at hatsu-uri (first sale) and fukubukuro (surprise item grab bag) sales at boutiques, toy stores, supermarkets, etc. Although not all families or individuals participate in all these customs, they are still an important part of the Japanese winter season.
If you would rather step away from the city, a snowboarding or downhill skiing trip to areas such as Hokkaido, Nagano, or Niigata is a fun-filled option. Skiing in Japan is more than just about great ski resorts but also delicious food and apres ski activities such as relaxing in the local hot springs. For those who want to take plenty of time to enjoy viewing JapanĚs great outdoors, finding a snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, or hiking course is an option. A more adventurous winter outdoor activity is to camp in a kamakura (snow hut) heated by a hibachi (charcoal grill), where friends and/or family can bake rice cakes or drink hot sake. Another unique activity in Hokkaido, besides the world-famous snow sculpting Sapporo Snow Festival, is to participate in a ryuhyo (floating glacial ice) cruise in the Sea of Okhotsk.
However, knowing that Japan has much more to offer during the winter season, perhaps just a short day or weekend trip might not satisfy. For those who are interested in experiencing it all, the Seishun 18 Kippu (ĹYouth 18? five day unlimited nationwide travel ticket) will serve your needs. From Hokkaido to Kyushu, you can enjoy the often retro train rides while watching the winter scenery from the wide windows and enjoying delicious ekiben (boxed lunches sold at train stations). Besides going to tourist spots, be sure to enjoy seasonal dishes such as nabe (hot pots), oden (fish cake stew) and delicious seafood including hairy, king, and snow crabs, salmon roe, shishamo smelt, salmon, and codfish.
Lastly, for those who want to expand their long trip and escape the cold, an additional trip to Okinawa will provide a different winter experience. Although cooler than the summer months, since the islands will not be as crowded with tourists, it will be a good time for diving in its beautiful beaches, and of course, experiencing the unique culture through various tourist spots, local entertainment, and food.
From northern JapanĚs severe snow fall to southern JapanĚs mild winters, whether it is winter cultural customs that are similar throughout the country, or different region specific winter activities and food, there are many facets of Japan to explore. |
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