Suggestions for Spending the New Year Holidays by Okinawa-Based Blogger @owncolorstravel, Who Shares Travel and Lifestyle Stories Through Photos and Videos
This year, Japan’s New Year holidays can stretch up to 9 days for those with longer breaks, making it a perfect opportunity to consider traveling abroad. Drawing from my own travel experiences, I’ve selected a few destinations and will share my recommendations in a ranked list. Let’s dive in!
・10th place Southern France/Cote d’Azur
Nice
January Weather: Highs of 15°C, Lows of 8°C
On warmer days, temperatures can even exceed 20°C.
Located in southeastern France along the Mediterranean coast (the French Riviera), Nice is home to beautiful cityscapes and luxury resort towns like Cannes and Monaco. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it relatively mild even in winter. It’s a convenient destination from Paris, with flights to Côte d’Azur Airport taking approximately 1.5 hours.
While Paris can be chilly during the winter, southern France offers a warmer alternative for those who aren’t fans of the cold. This makes it a fantastic option for enjoying a French getaway during this season.
In December, the Christmas season in Nice transforms Place Masséna with festive lights, a seasonal Ferris wheel, and a charming Christmas market. The city’s illuminations create a magical holiday atmosphere, perfect for visitors seeking a blend of relaxation and festive cheer.
You can enjoy a tranquil trip during this off-peak season, taking your time to explore museums at a relaxed pace and savor exquisite French cuisine. The lack of large crowds allows for a more peaceful and immersive experience, making it an ideal destination for a calm and enriching getaway.
・9th place Los Angeles
January maximum temperature 20℃, minimum temperature 9℃
Although there are temperature fluctuations, it’s not quite “summer,” but Los Angeles is warmer than Japan. Okinawa can also reach over 20°C in January, so the weather is probably similar.
This means you can likely spend the day comfortably with just a sweatshirt or hoodie, making it easy to pack light.
One of my favorite areas in LA is Venice, home to Venice Beach, located about 10 minutes from Santa Monica. It’s also close to the airport, making it convenient. The area offers a relaxed beach vibe, stylish cafés, and fun street shopping, making it a highly recommended spot to explore.
For accommodations, the Venice Breeze Suites, located along Venice Beach, is a fantastic choice with its ocean-view rooms and amazing atmosphere. Staying here feels like renting an apartment by the beach, offering a truly unique and cozy experience.
The hotel is equipped with a kitchen and refrigerator, making it perfect for a longer stay. With the beach just steps away, it’s also an ideal option for surfers looking for convenience and comfort.
A short 30-minute drive will take you to Hollywood, making LA an appealing destination for movie lovers as well. Spending the New Year holidays here would surely create unforgettable memories.
That said, considering the cost of living, I’d rank LA in 9th place as a travel destination for this season.
・8th place South Korea
Eighth place goes to a trip to Seoul, South Korea, which is close to Japan and worth visiting despite the cold.
The appeal lies in K-pop, beauty, and, of course, Korean cuisine!
Personally, I find the local dishes and street food scene irresistible, making it a destination I’d visit repeatedly, even in the cold.
When I used to visit Seoul frequently, I often stayed in Myeongdong. Every time I went, I made sure to have Seolleongtang at Sinseon Seolleongtang Myeongdong. It’s a must for me!
Seolleongtang is a light beef bone soup, often enjoyed with rice added into the bowl or paired with kimchi. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up during Korea’s cold winters.
Just be careful not to get too carried away with excitement! The roads can get dangerously slippery in the heart of winter.
The hotel I often stay at in Myeongdong is the Metro Hotel Myeongdong, known for its convenient location. The nearest station is Euljiro 1-ga (Uljiro) Station on the Myeongdong line.
It’s just a short walk to Sinseon Seolleongtang Myeongdong, making it super easy to grab a warm bowl of Seolleongtang!
Itaewon, a popular drama setting, is an international hotspot with many travelers from Western countries and beyond, making it the perfect place for an exciting New Year’s countdown!
Korea’s biggest appeal is how close it is to Japan, meaning minimal flight fatigue. It’s an ideal destination for a fun and festive New Year’s trip!
・7th place Hong Kong
Temperature in Hong Kong in January: maximum 20℃, minimum 12℃
Hong Kong’s mild climate is a definite plus.
You can indulge in delicious Chinese cuisine, try your luck at Macau’s casinos, and enjoy spectacular fireworks—perfect for experiencing a big-city New Year’s countdown!
When it comes to Hong Kong, the night view of Victoria Harbour is iconic!
The illuminated skyline of towering buildings is truly breathtaking. It’s just a 5-hour flight from Tokyo or about 2 hours and 45 minutes direct from Okinawa, bringing you straight to a city where you can savor authentic Cantonese cuisine!
・6th place Taiwan
Just a 1 hour 40-minute direct flight from Okinawa, Taipei is even closer than Tokyo or Osaka!
The mild weather, similar to Okinawa’s, adds to its appeal. Plus, you can enjoy delicious Taiwanese cuisine like xiao long bao and more.
Since the food portions are great for sharing, I personally recommend visiting with friends or family rather than solo. Taipei’s cityscape is quite similar to Tokyo, offering a modern vibe with friendly locals, making it easy and enjoyable to explore. It’s a very welcoming destination for Japanese travelers!
Visiting Lungshan Temple for hatsumōde (the first shrine visit of the New Year) could be a unique way to start the year, seeking blessings and good fortune in a culturally rich setting. It’s an interesting twist on the traditional New Year experience!
・5th place: Hawaii 4th place: Guam
When it comes to New Year’s overseas travel, Hawaii, particularly Waikiki, is often the first destination that comes to mind due to its popularity. It’s such a well-loved spot that it almost doesn’t need an introduction. Warm weather, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect getaway for the holidays!
It’s true that with the current exchange rate, many Japanese travelers may feel that a New Year’s trip to Hawaii is just out of reach. Even my American friends say that while Hawaii is great, the high cost of living there makes them appreciate Okinawa more!
However, Okinawa isn’t ideal for swimming in the beach during December and January, so traveling to a tropical resort like Hawaii or Guam during this winter period really feels like a luxurious and enviable escape! The warm weather and stunning beaches make it the perfect winter getaway.
・3rd place Phuket, Thailand
3rd Place: Phuket, Thailand
Like the capital Bangkok, it’s the dry season, making it perfect for enjoying a beach resort with plenty of sunny days!
Although the exchange rate is around 1 baht = 4.45 yen, and it’s not as cheap as it once was, the average high temperature of 32°C and low of 22°C are simply ideal.
With the possibility of layovers, this is a great resort destination to consider during a long holiday.
The most vibrant area in Phuket is Patong Beach.
If you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere, head further south to Karon Beach or Kata Beach, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of Patong. Choosing the right area is essential for your stay.
With numerous resort hotels available, it’s perfect for those who enjoy resort-style stays!
I stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort, which boasts a prime location close to both the beach and the lively downtown area, making it easy to find dining options. The expansive, open pool area is a highlight, and you can order drinks from the poolside bar—everything you need for a truly relaxing experience.
You can also indulge in fresh seafood and classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai.
Day trips to popular spots like Phi Phi Islands are highly recommended, offering a great way to explore the stunning surroundings. Be sure to join one for an unforgettable experience!
Recommendation:
Consider a combined trip where you enjoy the urban excitement of Bangkok for a few days before heading to Phuket for a relaxing resort stay. It’s the perfect way to experience both the vibrant city life and serene beach vibes!
・2nd place Vietnam
I’ve covered Vietnam travel in detail in a previous post, but here’s a quick tip: Central Vietnam destinations like Da Nang and Hoi An are in their rainy season during winter, so if you’re planning a trip around New Year’s, I recommend heading to Ho Chi Minh City or Phu Quoc Island, where it’s dry and pleasant.
One of the reasons I highly recommend Vietnam is the cost-effectiveness. Staying in a Vietnamese hotel can be more affordable than domestic hotels in Japan, even when factoring in airfare.
Vietnam offers a budget-friendly resort experience with delicious food and warm, friendly locals. It’s become one of my favorite destinations, and I’d love to visit again!