Sonia

We'll be spending New Year's in Japan, and have a choice between Tokyo and Kyoto for New Year's Eve. Does anyone have any recommendations on which would be better, and what types of things there are to do that night? Also looking for rec's for New Year's Day. <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR>Sonia

Florence

Spent some New Years in both cities: <BR> <BR>Public transportation will be running all night long so that people can go to the buddhist temples for the sounding of the bells (108 strikes) around midnight. If you can ring the bell once, it means good luck, health and money for you and your family. Very often, in small temples, foreigners will be invited to ring the bell. <BR>All the temples and shinto shrines will be decorated and you'll find stalls for special new year food, good luck charms, souvenirs. <BR>On New Year day, temples and shrines will be crowded with people going for the first prayer of the year (for luck, health, and money). Be careful in big temples (like Asakusa Kannon) for pickpockets, but it's a moderate risk. Just carry the minimum money (but allways carry your passport with you in Japan). Small temples and shrines will have a flea market on that day. <BR> <BR>Ask the tourist office for a map of a "seven gods of fortune" circuit of temples near your hotel, and then follow the circuit. In Tokyo, try to find a hotel near a traditional area like Ueno, Yanaka, Asakusa. <BR> <BR>All in all, it's a very good period to be in Japan, have fun.

John

I spent New Year's Eve visiting a temple in Nara prefecture. There were many things going on near this temple plus a big bon fire which was interesting to see. I had gone with my girlfriend and her family and it was an experience that I would never forget. <BR> <BR>If I were you I'd spend New Year's Eve in Kyoto since there's such a rich history and many temples to visit such as the Golden temple(Kinkakuji temple). When you ring the bell you should throw in a small donation of 100 yen as everyone does. <BR> <BR>What would be very interesting is to find a truly Japanese restaurant to have a great meal then go to a temple. The good thing about Kyoto is it's not gigantic as Tokyo and it still has an historic feel to it unlike the modern Tokyo. <BR> <BR>Nara is much smaller and there are many other small cities in this prefecture besides Nara city. I was in Tenri City where there are a handful of events happening during New Year's Eve. But with Kyoto there will be much more going on and a lot of choices for accommodation. <BR> <BR>Also, you should visit a temple during New Year's day...You can make a small donation then pick up a small piece of paper tied to one of the trees on the grounds. This is for telling you your luck in this new year. <BR> <BR>In Tokyo...New Year's can be very slow with many shops closed. Most people leave to go back to their home towns to visit family. As most people in Tokyo have family outside of Tokyo the city can be sort of a ghost town asTokyo is concerned. (Asakusa Temple in Tokyo is okay, but doesn't compare with the better temples in the Kyoto area). <BR> <BR> Kyoto is extremely busy during the holiday season and because of this it'd be a better choice since everything will be open. And because of all that I have said you'll definitely have a better time in Kyoto.

Frank

I would say that Kyoto would be better as well due to the number of great temples and the history behind them. The atmosphere of Kyoto at New Y ear's Eve and the next day would be worth the vist much more than going to Tokyo. Tokyo is very quiet and boring during New Year... I would always leave Tokyo at this time because of this....Besides most of the great temples of Tokyo were destroyed by a earthquate in 1923, a fire and of course the bombings of World War II--leaving Tokyo with only a few decent temples..The thing about Asakusa temple is that it's alright but not great--located in not such a nice area of Tokyo... <BR> <BR> If you want to see some of the modern aspects of Japan you could take in a trip to Osaka(not that far from Kyoto on train). Nara is a good sidetrip as well. <BR> <BR>If you do get to visit Osaka try Okonomiyaki which is a local food of Osaka( there's also another variety of this food in Hiroshima). Okonomiyaki looks round and flat cooked with meat and/or vegetables with sauce--very tasty.

James

I agree Kyoto would be much better....Fly into Osaka and see a bit of the city and then travel by train to Kyoto....There you go!

Sonia

Excellent information folks, thanks much! Sounds like Kyoto is the hands-down favorite for New Year's. Anyone else with gems of travel advice about seeing Japan this time of year, feel free to email me directly or post more stuff here. These forums are a fabulous source of helpuful tips!! <BR> <BR>Do itashimashite, <BR>Sonia

Florence

Since you'll be in Kyoto, don't miss the big first flea market of the year at Toji temple, 15 minutes on foot from the south side of the station. Expect a full day of wonder, good, cheap, and surprising food, wonderful finds, but be wary of the little old ladies travelling in groups who will elbow you in order to be first in line to whatever there is to see, buy or eat. They are called "Obatarian" and you'll usually spot them by their cries of "Oku-San, Oku-San !" by which they signal their friends they have seen something worth pushing and shoving to see ... Do a search for "Obatarian" or "Obatalian" on the net, and you'll see what they are ... lots of fun actually. Some of the best bargains I've made are due to them, yelling at the merchant to lower the price for me because it was New Year and I was a foreigner, and congratulating me on my good taste, then sometimes offering me a drink. <BR> <BR>I disagree with those who think Tokyo is empty/lifeless/boring around New Year, but I agree Kyoto is much easier for tourists (and I have a biased look in favor of Tokyo anyway).

Florence

John, <BR>I've also seen the bon fire in Nara, in Kofuku-ji temple exactly. It is set up so that people can burn last year's good luck charms that have gathered all the evil they are supposed to protect you from. You are expected to buy a new one every year, devoid of any nasty influence. Neat trick, eh ?

Jennifer

Hi! ENJOY JAPAN! I went alone last spring for 10 days and had the time of my life! I was in Osaka and Kyoto area. Tokyo is a busy, crowded, fast paced New York style city. Kyoto is a quiet, elegant, traditional city with cobblestone streets and a definite Japanese feel to it. Many women wear still wear traditional clothes and there are many temples, shops and restaurants that are just gorgeous. I hope this helps you make a well informed decision about New Years. If you are a hard core partier, then Tokyo might be just the thing. But if you'd like something more quiet, Kyoto would be the place to be. Remember, much of Japan doesn't recognize our Western New Years. New Years doesn't come for them (as well as the rest of Asia) until the end of January/February. That's THEIR New Years. Have a fantastic time! My only advice to you? Spend some time alone. It's a fantastic experience.

Florence

Jennifer, <BR> <BR>The Japanese New Year is and has been for a long time the same as in Occident, contrary to the Chinese for example. <BR> <BR> I've been spending quite a number of New Year celebrations with Japanese friends in Tokyo, and the core of it has never been partying like in Europe. It is one of the most important family occasion to them, involving cleaning and decorating the house, preparing special foods, repaying debts whenever possible, visiting neighbours and sending gifts and cards to all acquaintances. <BR> <BR>On New Year's eve, there has always been a some kind of reunion between friends, family, members of an association or sports society, involving going to the temple to hear the bells toll and eating the special soba noodle (there's a pun on the word soba, which can mean noodle or happiness depending on the character used to write it). <BR> <BR>On New Year day, the families will gather together, and go to the temple for the first visit of the year, then spend the day eating the special New Year food, playing games, visiting or welcoming neighbours. <BR> <BR>There will be a special mail delivery of New Years cards, and you can judge someone's importance in the community by the number of bags they receive (my kendo teacher usually receives 4-5). <BR> <BR>Many people will leave the big cities to return to their hometown and spend a few days with their family.

Erica

I am also traveling back to Kyoto with my husband, who is Japanese, for the New Year's celebration! (We leave on Christmas day! yeah!!!) <BR> <BR>I must say that despite lack of central heat in the homes, it is one of the best times to be in Japan. Everyone is so festive, and although temples tend to be overly crowded on New Year's Eve, the hot sake will warm you and the happiness will definitely excite you! Have a great time! <BR> <BR>I used to live in Tokyo, and although I agree with Flo in saying that both are great in their own way, I am sure you will have a fabulous time in Kyoto.