Any plans for the upcoming holidays?

Manami TMK

Manami TMK

Tokyo Escort, fully vaccinated
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So holiday season is coming.
Since I am not working during Christmas, I will most likely stay home and get bored.
However, it may be not so bad idea to escape from Tokyo for a few days for relaxation.
I have been traveling outside of Japan every month since May including this month so I am more interested in a domestic travel for 3-4 days during Christmas or/and new year's day.

Have you ever watched the TV program called "Yukutoshi-Kurutoshi" that is on air from 11:45pm to 0:15am on December 31st since 1927? Basically they live on the air random temples and shrines from Hokkaido to Okinawa and show you how everyday people in Japan spend new year's eve. Some places like Meiji shrine or Ise shrine are crazy packed, some very small local temple and shrine in the middle of mountains are almost varied with 2 meters of snow and less than 10 families living in a village visit there in total silence. All you hear is the bell that purges your 108 earthly desires.
Although I am totally attracted by visiting one of those not famous at all but people have found a home in for centuries, I don't think those village has any hotel near by plus it is fairly difficult to get to without driving.

I am looking for a destination where is relatively easy to travel to by public transportations, not freaking cold like Abashiri prison in northern Hokkaido, yet can feel winter, can feel like you are in Japan. Good local food is a plus. Money is not an issue for me but it does not have to be a super luxury trip. I am thinking about Kanazawa or maybe Nagasaki but if you have better ideas, please share.
It is ironic that me, total Japanese, never live outside of Japan, asking you guys where in Japan I should travel to but it seems like many of you travel a lot in Japan. Advice wanted.
 
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I've spent the year-end holidays once in Kansai. Went to Koya-san with a friend. This was my 2nd winter trip here. Was relatively calm and quiet compared to summer. Very relaxing. Stayed at hostels in Osaka though.

Nagasaki is cool if you want to hear mass at the old church there. I've only been there on a summer vacation.
 
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Takayama is nice, usually lots of snow there, but it is so pretty with all the old buildings they have. The local style food is great and you see so many ladies wearing kimonos.

I think it has a "winter wonderland" vibe to it.
 
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I'd suggest the island of Sado, but it's hard to get around there unless you rent a car or know a local who will show you around. There is bus service but only once per hour on the main lines.

How about Aomori? It's cold but not as cold as Abashiri, there are a few onsens easy accessible by train (Asamushi, Owani, Kuroishi) and you could watch the winter scenery at the Tsugaru Strait.
 
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Goshogawara said:
I'd suggest the island of Sado, but it's hard to get around there unless you rent a car or know a local who will show you around. There is bus service but only once per hour on the main lines.
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You'd have to be a masochist to go to Sado Island in winter!

Sorry, couldn't resist.

How about Aomori? It's cold but not as cold as Abashiri, there are a few onsens easy accessible by train (Asamushi, Owani, Kuroishi) and you could watch the winter scenery at the Tsugaru Strait.
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I've spent a couple of winters in Aomori and there are some nice small town places and a few interesting onsens up there. Everything is easy to get to and the Shinkansen runs to Aomori City.

You might want to rent a car once you are up there though. I always enjoyed driving up there, the traffic is rarely bad and there are some very scenic places.

I always liked Aomori City, not too big, not too small. However, the last time I was there in 2013, a lot of the good restaurants had gone out of business and the once thriving entertainment district was a ghost of itself.

The "rent a car and go exploring" kind of trip isn't much fun unless you have a companion with you.
 
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im considering visiting Enoshima in early January to take photographs and possibly enjoy an onsen. Any advice about the weather there?
 
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I actually grabbed. Guidebook for Sado. But as you mentioned, you will be struck if you don't drive.

In Japan, you have to be 18 y.o. or older to get a drivers license.
When I turned 18, I was already in Tokyo so just didn't have the reason to spend extra 3,000USD to get the license which I don't use.

I thought about Hiraizumi as well but again, it is not easy to travel in any city in Tohoku.
All I want to do is wearing Kimono all the time during a trip; I have quite a few collection due to my previous job, staying at some traditional ryokan, enjoying the full set of Kaiseki meal, Onsen and walk around at night in woods or river side.

Thank you everybody for your tips!!
 
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I just picked up my passport so I may head out while work is on a break to visit for just a few days, no real holiday plans though, just a gift exchange with college buddies and relaxing at the house, put on some Christmas records : o)
 
User#8628 said:
Were you a geisha?
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Are there any geishas younger than 70 years old anymore? :p

My guess would be one of the high-end Ginza clubs.
 
Shirakawa-go and possibly go through the Tateyama Kurobe alpine route in early January. Shirakawa-go was cool in the summer, but it looks more interesting in winter.
 
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Manami TMK said:
I actually grabbed. Guidebook for Sado. But as you mentioned, you will be struck if you don't drive.

In Japan, you have to be 18 y.o. or older to get a drivers license.
When I turned 18, I was already in Tokyo so just didn't have the reason to spend extra 3,000USD to get the license which I don't use.

I thought about Hiraizumi as well but again, it is not easy to travel in any city in Tohoku.
All I want to do is wearing Kimono all the time during a trip; I have quite a few collection due to my previous job, staying at some traditional ryokan, enjoying the full set of Kaiseki meal, Onsen and walk around at night in woods or river side.

Thank you everybody for your tips!!
Click to expand...

I visited Hiraizumi in the fall a couple years back. It was beautiful, as the trees were all different colors and there were quite a few of them.
 
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