JapanQuest Journeys
Let JapanQuest Journeys expertly lead you on an unforgettable and compelling trip full of intimate discoveries through the real Japan, through the seasons of a country traditional yet modern, and rich in scenic beauty and cultural heritage.

Our clients represent high-end travelers worldwide
; discerning individuals who want platinum service and desire to go beyond the surface and immerse themselves in Japan.

We also work with high-end travel agents and consultants worldwide.

New Year in Japan

Kyoto UmbrellaKyoto Bell
New Year in Japan is Steeped in Spiritual and Cultural Traditions

by Mitsuna Satooka

Executive Director

New Years is the most important holiday in Japan and is steeped in spiritual and cultural traditions that have existed for centuries. Japan was originally an agrarian society and New Years was a time for people to come together to pray for a bountiful harvest for the coming year. Even now, the Emperor will participate in a harvest related rite on New Year's Day.

While the vast majority of Japanese families are no longer involved with agriculture, New Year celebrations in Japan continue to hear
kHirano Shrineen back to the ways of the past. New Years is a time for families to gather together, to reflect on the past year and to pray for an auspicious coming year. While the New Year holiday retains an aura of solemnity, it is also an occasion to witness Japan at one of its most colorful times as women bedecked in their finest kimonos venture forth with their families to pay their first shrine or temple visit of the year. In addition, special and delicious foods rich in symbolism are enjoyed, such as toshi-koshi soba representing a long life and osechi ryori, a bento box like assortment of foods each of which symbolizes an auspicious event.

Unlike the West where New Year celebrations are limited to New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, the New Year period in Japan extends from New Year's Eve through January 4th. A visit to Japan during New Years is a visit unlike any other time of year. You can not only see but can feel the connection to the past as you set forth during this period which in many ways is like entering a time warp.

With our deep insider knowledge gained through decades of first-hand experience and with our extensive network of personally selected experts and guides, JapanQuest Journeys gives you unsurpassed access by leading you to the hidden spots of authentic Japan elusive to all but the locals. We will show you the most exciting and timeless places that remain off well-trodden paths, and offer you the chance to explore Japan's mysteries and delights undisturbed and in-depth, unlocking century-old secrets one by one throughout your journey.

Contact Us

Visit our Website, call us today at 202-455-0095 or Email Us to begin planning your bespoke luxury journey to Japan.


With offices in Washington, DC and Tokyo, Japan, JapanQuest Journeys' in-country presence brings the best of Japan to you.
About Us 

JapanQuest Journeys is a boutique firm specializing in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury journeys to Japan with an unparalleled and undiluted single-country focus. With offices in the US and Japan, we deliver a wealth of unique Japanese expertise based upon decades of first-hand experiences and an intimate understanding of the cultural, historic and modern landscape. We will share extraordinary experiences and insider access -- making available the "real" Japan through an extensive network of locally cultivated relationships.
Website: http://www.japanquestjourneys.com  I
Email: info@japanquestjourneys.com

Phone:
202-455-0095
  Google Voice            

Find us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  View our profile on LinkedIn 

flickr icon

©Copyright 2010 JapanQuest Journeys.
All Rights Reserved.



       Seasons Greetings From JapanQuest Journeys!