Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, compiled and reported by Ren Xiang
The Lunar New Year is just around the corner, and with the six-day holiday upon us, have you planned your travel itinerary? Following the travel boom to Japan in 2013, Japan remains a great winter getaway option.
In recent years, as more people visit Japan, travel styles have become increasingly diverse. Aside from joining various winter festivals, travelers can hop on sightseeing trains and enjoy the snowy landscapes through the warmth of the train cabins, then spend the night in traditional Japanese houses to experience authentic culture.
Stay in a Nostalgic Time Capsule
The Japanese, who are always committed to preserving their traditional culture, continuously seek a balance between modernity and tradition. Historic buildings from the Edo and Meiji periods have been transformed into hotels, allowing guests to step back in time like traveling through a time tunnel.
As a representative of old-world charm, Kyoto hides many traditional homes, and Koyado Fukuya is one of them. Located near Nijo Castle, this Meiji-era machiya (townhouse) features a Western-style café on the first floor and two guest rooms on the second, making it an affordable choice for staying in an old Kyoto house. When it comes to traditional architecture, the Kurashiki area—part of a Traditional Buildings Preservation District—is not to be missed. The Hotel Kurashiki is renovated from Edo-period buildings, with former sugar warehouses now transformed into uniquely designed guest rooms, showcasing the owner’s thoughtful touches. Marukoma Onsen, located north of Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido, was established in 1915 (Taisho 4) and has been around for nearly a century. Here, guests can enjoy traditional Japanese experiences and secluded hot spring baths while taking in breathtaking natural scenery. In southern Okinawa, homestays serve as a bridge between locals and travelers. Chaya Maneki Chinaru, a homestay with a 20-year-old building that miraculously survived WWII bombings, still bears visible bullet marks, adding to its historical charm.
【Info】
◎ Koyado Fukuya
Address: 28 Komeyamachi, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto (uphill from Marutamachi and Marutamachi-dori, near Aburanokoji)
Phone: +81-75-211-8109
◎ Hotel Kurashiki
Address: 4-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki, Okayama
Phone: +81-8-6422-0730
◎ Marukoma Onsen
Address: 7 Horomiuchi, Lake Shikotsu, Chitose City
Phone: +81123252341
◎ Chaya Maneki Chinaru
Address: [Incomplete or corrupted address text]
Phone: +81989973207
Strolling through the heart of Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Quarter, it’s hard not to be drawn to Hotel Kurashiki, a historic gem facing the Kurashiki River (Photo provided by Mook Editorial Department)
Discover Railway Travel Scenery
When traveling in Japan, the railway network is absolutely essential. In addition to regular trains, there are numerous seasonal and special trains for passengers to choose from, each with its own unique character, turning the journey itself into an adventure.
The Yufuin-no-Mori train is like a green sprite hidden in the mountains, leading travelers to the hot spring town. (Photo provided by JR Kyushu)
Winter Festivals
Winter in Hokkaido brings to mind the image of powdery snow falling from the sky—an unforgettable scene for travelers. Hokkaido in winter is truly a festival haven, with countless carnivals such as the Sapporo Snow Festival, Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, and Abashiri Drift Ice Festival. Beyond Hokkaido, streets across Japan are illuminated with dazzling lights, creating enchanting atmospheres that captivate visitors.
Held every February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s largest celebrations and the most iconic international snow festival representing Hokkaido. (Photo provided by the Sapporo Tourism Association)
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