Cozy joys of winter: A year-end reset, Japan-style

Finding Sublime

As 2022 came to a close, we decided to make the most of colder, darker days, and to really revel in the ways Japan’s wintertime traditions bring opportunities to reset and revive the body and soul.

We started off December with a trip to the heart of Hokkaido, where we stayed at EN - The Suites Furano. The pristine snowy landscapes gave us a sense of endless possibilities as we imagined the year ahead, while also giving us some quiet moments to reflect on all that we’d gone through these past 12 months.

Japan has its own ways of celebrating the Solstice, Christmas, and the New Year, so we got into the spirit of the season and made the most of our holiday break with some good old house cleaning, cooking, eating, and resting.

We also enjoyed heading to some of our favorite places in Tokyo to relax, including Rinshi no Mori park (article here) and Shinjuku Gyoen (video here).

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ABOUT THE PODCAST

Finding Sublime is a mindful journey of discovery in Japan, brought to you by hosts Michele Laudig and Jason Garcia. It’s about slowing down to savor moments of everyday joy and carving out the time for calm, whether basking in nature, appreciating cultural gems, tasting Japanese tradition, or connecting with creative souls.

Japan has so much magic to offer. No matter where you’re from, we hope to inspire you and help you tap into your own sense of awe.

Join us as we explore beautiful, delicious, and delightful facets of Japan through personal stories and meaningful experiences via our website, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.