Travel advice for Japan around New Year's - first time!
Firstly I of course have done research and googled, but I would like opinions from actual people as the amount of information is quite overwhelming!
I am bringing my partner on a trip for his 30th birthday to Japan and I wanted to get some advice on where the best places for us to travel to based on our interests and the timing. I know a lot of places are closed for a few days around New Years, so maybe there are some cities / activites best done around that time then others? A couple of details below:
- His birthday is New Year's Eve, so I would ideally like to do something special that evening and night. Maybe something traditional but even just a night out. We both really like house music.
- Ideally would like to go for between 2-3 weeks but will have to look at what we are doing/budget
- We love spa's, so visiting an onsen spa or staying in a hotel with one would be great
- Food is a big part of travelling for us, so would love to know the regions with the best food!
- We want to see some different places, but don't want to do a massive amount of travelling around, we are more slow travellers
- We would love to visit at least one, small, very traditional japanese town
- A mix of some nature and cities would be ideal
I hope some kind people might be able to help and point me in the right direction! Very happy to do my own research of course but a bit of a personal reccomendation or direction would be amazing :)
EDIT: for example, if there isn't much going on in terms of major festivities, I heard that some people suggest a nice ryokan with onsen for new years eve, is there any really outstanding ones that have amazing views, onsen and food that would be appropriate for the occasion? I just want the night to be special so I don't mind spending a little extra!