Many of us welcome the “bigger and brighter” beginnings that New Year’s Day brings, but there are also many wonderful traditions surrounding this important holiday in Japan. To commemorate this day, we explore a handful of some of the most popular.

If Ancient Japan were a single place it would be Nara Prefecture. Despite its vast uninhabitable area, Nara-ken has more temples designated as National Treasures, and more UNESCO World Heritage listings, than any other prefecture.

Tochigi may be most famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nikko National Park. But have you heard about its close connection to gyoza? Or the tale of its magical kitsune?

Thanksgiving in Japan isn’t solely connected to the produce of the autumn harvest, it’s also a day of gratitude for the working people of Japan. So, how do these two meanings complement one another?

In the heart of Japan’s main island, Aichi Prefecture is the place to go to nurture the wonderful geek within you!

Hiroshima’s harrowing history and tenacious spirit have helped it to become a beacon of hope for everyone.

Nagano Prefecture – and its many mountains – have many (sometimes surprising) delights to offer. It holds nine of Japan’s 12 tallest peaks and encompasses much of the areas of the Kita-Alps, Chuo-Alps and Minami-Alps.

With coastlines on both the Sea of Japan and the Seto Island Sea, many of Hyogos most distinguished locations are on the coast, including the home of Kobe Beef and Japan’s most spectacular castle.

Around a quarter of Yamanashi Prefecture is designated as National Parks, and two of Japan’s tallest mountains reside within one of them.

Whether its drift ice, onsen, skiing or snow festivals, Hokkaido knows how to do winters.