“My husband and I plan to visit Japan Dec 28-Jan 12. Ive read that New Year’s is a big deal and most places are closed 12/31-1/3 outside of Tokyo. Would it make more sense to spend time in Tokyo first (through at least Jan 2), or spend some time in a resort up in Hokkaido or Kyoto, and then travel to Tokyo at the end of the vacation? Thanks in advance!”

Starting in Kyoto for your trip to Japan sounds like a great plan, especially around the New Year! The city is magical during the year-end festivals, and you’ll get to see many traditional events that really showcase Japanese culture. While it’s true that some shops close for the New Year holidays, you’ll find that in Kyoto, as well as other big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, plenty still remain open. Plus, the New Year’s atmosphere is something truly special to experience in Japan. After enjoying Kyoto, you can head over to Tokyo and maybe even Hokkaido for a complete winter wonderland experience!

What Japanese People Actually Do

Most locals are familiar with this topic and handle it naturally in their daily lives.

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