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How to Spend the New Year’s Eve in Japan

New Year’s Eve in Kansai — Closing the Year, Quietly and Gracefully In Japan, New Year’s Eve is not defined by fireworks or loud countdowns. It is a night of stillness — a moment to close the year with care, and to welcome the next one with a calm, attentive heart. Cleaning, a simple bowl of soba, the deep resonance of temple bells, and a quiet visit to a shrine or temple — these understated acts form the essence of how Japan greets the New Year. This article introduces the cultural meaning of Japanese New Year’s Eve, and where to experience it in Kansai, both traditionally and in modern ways. […]

Events, Events-Kyoto, Events-Others, Events-Shiga, Tips, Tips-Kyoto, Tips-Others, Tips-Shiga

The Winter Illumination in Kansai

Kansai Winter Illuminations From late December through early January, Kansai reveals a quieter beauty after sunset. Rather than overwhelming spectacle, winter illumination here is about atmosphere— experienced through calm walks, city lights, and reflective nights. Kyoto｜Refined Light in the Ancient Capital Heian Shrine｜Winter Light Art Located in Kyoto’s Okazaki cultural district, Heian Shrine is known for its spacious gardens and classical design. In winter, subtle illumination transforms the grounds into a serene nightscape where tradition and modern expression quietly meet. Period: Mid December – Mid January Admission: Paid (approx. ¥1,500–¥2,000) Kyoto Botanical Gardens｜Light Cycles Kyoto Just north of central Kyoto, this expansive botanical garden becomes an immersive nighttime art space.

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7 Paradise Islands from Okinawa Main Island | Toru Tour 🌺 Okinawa’s 7 Paradise Islands You Can Visit from the Main Island 沖縄本島から行ける離島特集 Staying on Okinawa Main Island (沖縄本島) but craving island vibes? You’re in luck — turquoise seas, coral beaches, and slow island life are just a short ferry ride or a scenic bridge away. This guide (EN + JA labels) includes must-see spots, famous eats, and Google Maps for both islands and restaurants. Let’s island-hop! 🌴 1️⃣ Kudaka Island (久高島) — The Island of Gods 安座真港から高速船で約25分。琉球神話ゆかりの“神の島”。静寂のビーチと聖地巡りで心も整う。 🌿 Highlights / 見どころ Habyan Cape (カベール岬) Isiki Beach (イシキ浜) Yagurgaa Spring (ヤグルガー) 🍜 Dining / お店 お食事処 とくじん (Oshokujidokoro Tokujin) Irabu

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Okinawa~Discovering Sightseeing Spots and Local Food~

OKINAWA MAIN ISLAND / TORU TOUR Okinawa Main Island — Complete Guide to Highlights, Local Gems & Must-Eat Food Cross the bridge and the colors deepen—sea, forest, castle, and night alleys. Classics are unmissable, but local moments turn a trip into a story. Emerald Drive Tropical Blue Island Sunset Contents: Famous Spots / Local Hidden Gems / Must-Eat Dishes / Photo Gallery / Map / FAQ / Contact Top 5 Famous Spots Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium（美ら海水族館） Rain-day aceMega tank Why it’s great: The “Kuroshio Sea” with whale sharks & manta rays—an immersive way to learn Okinawa’s marine layers. Best time: Morning / rainy   Time needed: 2–4h   Note: Pair with

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The Private Tour operated by Toru Tour

TORU TOUR · Private Car Experience KANSAI 2-DAY BESPOKE JOURNEY From Osaka to Nara, Shiga, and Kyoto — experience Japan’s cultural heart in total comfort and privacy. With TORU TOUR’s private car and expert timing, you avoid crowds and queues, enjoying a journey that’s unhurried, elegant, and exclusively yours. Book Your Journey Pricing Why TORU TOUR Private Car Crowd-Avoidance Door-to-Door Comfort Photography-Ready Day 1 · Heritage, Shopping & Serenity From Osaka to Nara and Shiga, your private chauffeur takes you seamlessly through Japan’s history, flavor, and calm scenery — perfectly timed to avoid the crowds. 08:00 Hotel Pick-up (Namba, Osaka) 09:30 Nara Sightseeing 11:30 Lunch in Naramachi 14:00 Mitsui Outlet

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Fireworks in Autumn~Stunning Flower at Night in Kansai ~

🍂 If the leaves no longer burn red, chase the blooms in the night sky — and taste the flavors of fall When the maples fade and the crimson trails turn golden brown, Kansai still glows. The colors rise to the sky — soft, fleeting, unforgettable. Trade fallen leaves for fireworks, and after the show, savor Japan’s autumn flavors: matsutake, Ōmi beef, and warm sake under a starry chill. 🍁🎇🍶 紅葉が終わっても、関西の秋はまだそこにあります。 木々の色が消えても、夜空に光の花が咲き、舌には秋の味覚が残る。 夜の大輪と旬の香りを一緒に味わいに行きませんか？ 🚐 Hotel Pickup & 🍱 Traditional Dinner — Toru Tour Concierge Door-to-door: Kyoto/Osaka hotel pickup and drop-off (private car or premium van) Curated Fireworks Viewing: Reserved area, bilingual host, timing & crowd control handled for you Seasonal

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Gifu~Discovering Sightseeing spots and Food~

15 Best Things to Do in Gifu (岐阜県 Gifu-ken) Thatched villages and castle towns, river cormorant fishing and mountain hot springs—Gifu is old-japan charm with alpine edges. This guide features 5 sights, 5 local foods, and 5 experiences. Each card includes Highlights, From Kyoto (rough route & time), local Access, and a Pro tip. 🏘 Shirakawa-go 🏯 Takayama Old Town ♨ Gero Onsen 🐟 Nagaragawa Ukai From Kyoto Station → Gifu Gateways (rough times) Gateway Typical Route Time* Notes Takayama Shinkansen → Nagoya → Ltd. Exp Hida → Takayama ~3h00–3h30 Base for Old Town, Hida Folk Village, buses to Shirakawa-go Gero Onsen Shinkansen → Nagoya → Ltd. Exp Hida →

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Niigata~Discovering Sightseeing spots and Food~

15 Best Things to Do in Niigata (新潟県 Niigata-ken) Rice fields and sake breweries, snowy mountains and hot springs, Sea of Japan views and island adventures—Niigata pairs hearty flavors with alpine energy. This guide features 5 sights, 5 local foods, and 5 hands-on experiences. Each card includes Highlights, From Kyoto (rough route & time), local Access, and a handy Pro tip. 🍚 Koshihikari rice 🍶 Sake culture 🎿 Snow resorts ⛩ Yahiko Shrine ⛴ Sado Island From Kyoto Station → Niigata Gateways (rough times) Gateway Typical Route Time* Notes Niigata Shinkansen → Tokyo → Jōetsu Shinkansen → Niigata ~4h00–4h30 Base for Bandai Bridge, Sake District, Sado ferries Echigo-Yuzawa Shinkansen →

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Nagano~Discovering Sightseeing Spots and Food~

15 Best Things to Do in Nagano (Alps, Snow Monkeys & More) Alpine peaks and hot springs, castles and post towns—Nagano blends timeless history with natural drama. This guide features 5 sights, 5 local foods, and 5 hands-on experiences. Each card includes Highlights, From Kyoto (rough route & time), local Access, and a handy Pro tip. 🏔 Japanese Alps 🐒 Snow Monkeys 🛀 Mountain Onsen From Kyoto Station → Nagano Gateways (rough times) Gateway Typical Route Time* Notes Nagano Tokaido Shinkansen → Tokyo → Hokuriku Shinkansen → Nagano ~3h05–3h30 Base for Zenkoji, Togakushi, Snow Monkeys Matsumoto Shinkansen → Nagoya (~35m) → Ltd. Exp. Shinano → Matsumoto ~2h30–2h50 Base for Castle,

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Yamanashi~Discovering Sightseeing spots and Food~

15 Best Things to Do in Yamanashi (山梨県 Yamanashi‑ken) Glassy lakes beneath Mt. Fuji, fruit‑laden hills, artisan noodles, and Japan’s wine country—Yamanashi is an easy escape with blockbuster scenery. This guide features 5 sights, 5 local foods, and 5 hands‑on experiences. Each card includes Highlights, From Kyoto (rough route & time), local Access, and a handy Pro tip. 🗻 Fuji panoramas 🍇 Koshu wine 🍑 Peaches & grapes From Kyoto Station → Yamanashi Gateways (rough times) Gateway Typical Route Time* Notes Kawaguchiko Shinkansen → Mishima → highway bus to Kawaguchiko or Shinkansen → Tokyo → JR Chuo → Otsuki → Fujikyu Railway ~3h45–4h30 Base for Fuji Five Lakes, Oishi Park,

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