Why spend New Year’s 2023–2024 in Japan with StoGranTour

Why, that still doesn’t convince you? Fair enough—here are even more great reasons to travel with us to the Land of the Rising Sun

Yes, we know. Trips to Japan are usually recommended at other times of the year, perhaps in early spring so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms, one of the most beautiful sights the Land of the Rising Sun has to offer (though unfortunately now extremely popular with mass tourism).

Or in autumn, the season also known as Momijigari, a time that highlights the natural beauty of many Japanese landscapes.

We’ll take you there during those times too. But in this article, we’d like to suggest something different: join us in Japan for the upcoming New Year, because this wonderful country has so much to offer, no matter which season you choose to visit.

Here are the reasons why you simply can’t say no to our proposal.

Read also: What to see in Lapland in winter (and not only)

Because exploring Japan’s cities feels like traveling through time

Tokyo: skyscrapers, technology, and fish!

Tokyo isn’t just a city—it’s a parallel universe!

From Ginza, the kingdom of shopping, to Akihabara, the mecca for geeks, all the way to the chaotic and iconic Shibuya Crossing, where crowds stream from one side of the street to the other day after day.

And of course, once you’re in Shibuya, you can’t miss a quick visit to the Hachiko statue, the most loyal dog in history.

And let’s not forget the Tsukiji Market, a true paradise for seafood lovers!

It’s something you absolutely have to see at least once in your life—and the food is amazing too.

Nikko: so beautiful we’ll have to drag you away when the visit is over

Tokyo is incredible, but after a while all that technology and modernity can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why during our tour we also head to Nikko, where history meets nature.

UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site—and rightly so.

Nikko is a picturesque little town full of stunning temples and shrines, just like the kind you imagine when you think of the classic landscapes of feudal Japan. And everything is framed by woods, streams, and unspoiled nature.

Can you feel that fresh, pure air?

Kyoto: traditions, shrines, and a building entirely covered in gold!

For lovers of Japanese history, in addition to Nikko, Kyoto, the ancient capital, is an absolute must. It allows us to step back in time and see the Land of the Rising Sun as it looked decades and decades ago.

Every corner of the city tells a story, and as you wander through its narrow streets, you may need someone to help you pick your jaw up off the ground every time you come across an ancient temple, a traditional teahouse, or perhaps the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji: an astonishing sight, completely covered in gold and built beside a pond that... well, you just have to see it for yourself. Words aren’t enough to describe what it feels like to stand before such a wonder.

Because our extra activities are amazing

During our tour in Japan, we’ll treat you to plenty of unforgettable experiences, such as:

• staying in a ryokan. You know those typical traditional Japanese houses? Tatami floors, rooms divided by sliding wooden-and-paper doors, beautiful gardens, and futons instead of our very ordinary beds? Well, ryokans are inns designed exactly this way, welcoming guests in the spirit of tradition. And that includes the food too, with typical dishes and of course the ever-present tea. How amazing is that?;
• staying in a capsule hotel. Yes, we’re still talking about sleeping, but the truth is that when it comes to accommodation, the Japanese really come up with everything—even fitting guests into tiny pods with just enough space for one person to lie down. That’s exactly what capsule hotels are, and since we love giving you unusual experiences, we’ll have you stay in one at least once;
• sleeping on a premium orthopedic mattress. Just kidding! Enough with sleeping—we need something more adrenaline-filled, like a thrilling go-kart ride through the Shibuya district in Tokyo. And we don’t mean on a dedicated indoor track: no, right through the city streets, because yes, you can actually do that here!

Read also: What does a park ranger do? Everything you need to know

Because what we’ve described here is only a small taste of what you’ll experience

To show you everything included in our 12-day tour of Japan, we would have had to write many more articles. If you want an overview, take a look at this page and tell us where else you’ll find a trip this exciting.

So, have you decided? Will you join us for the next New Year?

Get everything ready, pack your backpack, and let’s go!