Spots perfect to spending New Year’s Holidays in Asakusa, Osaka, Sapporo

Located in the heart of cities in and out of Japan, all of ‘Hotel Gracery’ are within 5 mins’ walking distance from the nearest stations. This time, we’re introducing 3 areas perfect to a trip during New Year’s Holidays among ones around Hotel Gracery.

2 spots in Asakusa making you feel warm inside

It can be said that Asakusa with a nostalgic atmosphere is one of the representative downtown of Tokyo. On the last day of the year, Asakusa Hanayashiki, Japan’s oldest amusement park, will hold “Hanayashiki Countdown 2020.” The park will be lit up to cherry blossom color by about 500,000 bulbs, and you can not only enjoy rides but also watch a live comedy show. “Sensoji Temple,” the oldest temple in Tokyo which is a 3-minute walk from Hanayashiki, is recommended for the first temple visit of the New Year. Walking to the main hall with drinking Amazake (a fermented rice drink) which is sold on Nakamise Street, you will be surrounded by a pleasant scent of incense and feel the New Year’s mood fully. There will be food stalls around the main hall, and you will be able to see a performance by monkeys of Nikko Saru Gundan in Tochigi prefecture if you are lucky.

Temple&Shrine-hopping allowing you to feel old history of Osaka

Osaka has many historical temples and shrines, such as ‘Osaka Tenmangu Shrine with about 1,400 years of history and ‘Toyokuni Shrine’ dedicated to the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Visiting “Shitennoji Temple” featuring a five‐storied pagoda on the last day of the year, you can have an experience of ringing New Year’s Eve Bells. At two bell towers out of three, anyone can ring a bell until 3:00AM after performing the tolling of a bell for 108 times, so don’t be disappointed even if you miss getting a numbered ticket. “Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine” built approximately 1,800 years ago is recommended for the first shrine visit of the next year, where there are buildings designated as a national treasure and  important cultural properties. Being famous as a spiritual spot where visitors can get energy, this shrine is suitable for the beginning of the New Year.

2 observation decks with a panoramic view of Sapporo draped in light of the first sunrise

Why not see the first sunrise of 2020 on New Year’s Day? The observation deck, T38, on the 38th floor of Sapporo JR Tower adjacent to JR Sapporo station will hold 2 events, “Sora no Toshikoshi” and “Sora no Hatsuhinode.” You will be able to enjoy live music while seeing a night view of Sapporo and drinking Champagne on New Year’s Eve, and you can see the first sunrise of the year on New Year’s Day. If you want to see the first sunrise while feeling clear air, “Mt. Moiwa” at an altitude of 531 meters. When you head to the top of the mountain by ropeway, stunning scenery of Sapporo city and Ishikari Bay illuminated by the first sunrise of the year will take your breath away.