According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. And this Sunday, January 22nd, we’re looking forward to ushering in the new year. Whether you were born in the year of rabbit, you’re embracing Chinese New Year’s traditions, or simply looking for a fresh start to 2023, join us in celebrating the year of the rabbit.   

@woutvanacker

The Chinese zodiac 

How does the Chinese zodiac work? This ancient zodiac assigns each person an animal based on the year they were born. The 12 animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Each animal is linked to certain characteristics, much like the western zodiac. The animals also rotate each year. So, 2022 was the year of the tiger, 2024 will be the year of the dragon, and the symbol of 2023 is the rabbit.   

@pablomp

Year of the rabbit  

According to the Chinese zodiac, if your birth year falls in the year of the rabbit (2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, and 1927), you’re gentle, kind, a seeker of tranquility and have a grounded outlook on life. Rabbits are also said to be quick and skillful. Considering those aspects of their personality, we also dug into what’s to come for rabbits in 2023. 

@eastonmok

What rabbits can expect in 2023   

Some astrologists say rabbits should be prepared for adversity and ready to face challenges head on. 2023 may not be a smooth year, but because the sign of the rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity in Chinese culture, 2023 is also predicted to be a year of hope. Rabbits, while you may face the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in 2023, you can ride out the storms with your upbeat attitude. Perhaps a trip to one of our calm destinations will keep the positive energy going. 

Another outlook for rabbits 

However, other astrologists predict that 2023 will be a lucky year for rabbits with success in all areas and a time when they will come into their own. After commitment and dedication, they can expect advancements, achievements as a result of their efforts, and may see a boost in their career. Rabbits’ sharp financial sense also makes 2023 a good year to take a financial risk. In general, the year of the rabbit is an auspicious year for risk-takers. 

@sharonmccutcheon

In terms of relationships, this is the time for rabbits to follow their heart to start new romantic relationships as well as a year when they can expect existing relationships to deepen and achieve more harmony. It’s also a good year for rabbits to get married or have children. Similarly, because the rabbit is a symbol of fertility, 2023 is also a good year to start a new business or creative endeavor. Rabbits’ flexibility puts them in a good position to try anything unfamiliar. Rabbits should also focus their energy on their health and maintaining a balanced lifestyle for this year of healing. In summary, rabbits, this is the time you will see the results of your efforts. 

@ninjason

Welcome Chinese New Year 

No matter your sign, you can adopt the Chinese New Year traditions to ring in the new year. The Chinese New Year, or the Lunar New Year, is a time to say “goodbye” to the past year and welcome in the luck and prosperity of a new year. So, it’s no surprise that a common practice leading up to the new year is cleaning. By sweeping away the past and eliminating any old bad luck, you’re ushering in a fresh start and good luck. But be sure to finish your cleaning by new year’s day, as that’s a day of celebration and enjoyment. 

@hngstrm

Celebrate New Year

Now that your space is tidy, put up decorations. Fresh flowers and cumquats are said to bring prosperity. And because red is the Chinese color of wealth and good fortune, you’ll find red lanterns decorating many homes and shops that celebrate Chinese New Year. Gifts of money – crisp, clean bills only – are also given in red envelopes. To celebrate, families and friends join to offer sacrifices to ancestors and feast on a reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve. If you happen to be near a Chinese New Year festival, enjoy a performance of the dragon and lion dances. 

@yuweishaw

Festive foods 

One of the easiest and most fun ways to celebrate the Chinese New Year is feasting on festive foods. Long noodles, or longevity noodles, are a popular dish symbolic of living a long life. Spring rolls and dumplings are also eaten for good fortune. If your mouth isn’t watering from these Chinese dishes yet and you’re still dreaming of your next trip to Asia, check out some of Asia’s best food towns. 

@charlesdeluvio

Still thinking about how to welcome 2023? These are other New Year’s Celebrations around the world. 

What is Kobe beef? You may have seen it on the menu of your favorite restaurant, or perhaps even tried it. If you’re planning your next adventure, you may have the opportunity to try Kobe’s finest on our Majestic Japan journey. Let’s take a look at the mystery and myths behind this luxury meat and how it has become a sought-after feature of fine dining. 

Related content: A journey of a lifetime: unearthing Majestic Japan, with Luxury Gold

Kobe Beef, defined 

Kobe beef is an exceptionally marbled, rich type of Wagyu beef from a particular type of cattle breed born and raised in the Hyogo Prefecture of Japan. Cows that produce Kobe beef are from the Tajima cattle strain of the Japanese Black breed. How is Kobe beef raised? To qualify, the cattle must be between the ages of 28 to 60 months, as well as born, raised and slaughtered in Hyogo Prefecture.  

Kobe beef must also have a Meat Quality Score between four and five. Other specific requirements include the pure lineage of the Tajima cow, weight requirements and the “Japanese Chrysanthemum” seal officially certifying it. Because of these guidelines, only 3,000–5,000 head of cattle meet these restrictions each year. 

@kobe_beef_official

Look, taste and texture 

Now that we know just how unique this beef is, let’s get to the good stuff: the taste. Kobe beef’s distinctive marbling is what makes it so desirable. In fact, it always has a Beef Marbling Score (BMS) of 6 or more. The high marbling also means that Kobe beef is fatty, similar to purebred Angus. This fatty marbling creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is enhanced when you thinly slice it to prepare Japanese dishes such as shabu shabu. 

@kobe_beef_official

Wagyu beef  

You may have heard the term “Wagyu” associated with Kobe. Wagyu means “Japanese beef.” (“Wa” refers to something Japanese while “gyu” means beef). The classification of Wagyu beef includes only four breeds of purebred cattle including Kuroge (Japanese Black), Akage (Japanese Brown), Nihon Tankaku (Japanese Shorthorn), and Mukaku (Japanese Polled). This classification was established in 1944. Wagyu, like Kobe, is also a highly marbled and tender beef. 

Kobe beef vs Wagyu beef       

“What is the difference between Kobe and Wagyu?” you might be wondering. Among the four cattle breeds of Wagyu beef, Taijima cows — that we learned earlier produce Kobe beef — are a type of Japanese Black cattle. So, all Kobe beef comes from Wagyu cattle, but not all Wagyu beef is Kobe. As a comparison, the Kobe beef classification is a little like the classification for Champagne among sparkling wine. Champagne is a type of sparkling wine. But only sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France can be classified as Champagne. 

Wagyu beef look, taste and texture   

Similar to the specific type of beef from Kobe, Wagyu is also rich, tender and fatty. People often describe it as having a smooth or buttery flavor. Because the fat coats your tongue on the first bite or two, the flavor diminishes as you eat more. That’s why Wagyu beef usually comes in small portions, often of three to four ounces. 

American Kobe beef 

Now that we looked at the difference between Kobe and Wagyu, you maybe be wondering what that fatty, succulent cut was that you had in the United States labeled “American Kobe,” “domestic Wagyu,” or “Kobe-style.” If you guessed that these aren’t pure Kobe, you’re probably correct. Cows outside of Japan aren’t regulated the way Japanese Wagyu is, so it’s rare to find authentic Kobe products outside of Japan. Even though some Wagyu cattle breeds have been brought to the United States and produce the same rich flavor, it is rare that it is pure Kobe or sometimes even Wagyu. Several restaurants have been called out for labeling beef from Kobe on their menus when it was in fact simply Wagyu. 

Myths about Kobe

When speaking of the highly prized beef, some say that the cows are massaged to help redistribute the fat. Some farmers do massage their cows, but it is usually to warm their muscles during a cold winter. Some use massage to relieve stress for cows who do not roam free. But because the Wagyu — and thus Kobe breed – of cows are a working breed, they typically roam freely. 

Destination Japan 

Should you find your mouth watering for this rich, marbled meat, or simply want to explore the country that produces it, we invite you to join us on our Majestic Japan journey. Not only will you enjoy a range of fine Japanese cuisine, but sample some of the nation’s other famed specialty, sake.    

What authentic cuisine do you want to try in Japan? 

Tokyo, Mount Fuji, the waterfalls of Oirase. Japan is a land of breathtaking natural beauty, where modernity and tradition sit side by side. If you are looking for your next journey of a lifetime, discover the delights that await on our Majestic Japan luxury tour.

Majestic Japan

We invite you to take the journey of a lifetime to Japan. See the majesty, curated for you with our 11-day Majestic Japan luxury guided tour. Explore Osaka and learn the delicate art of sushi making with a masterchef in Tokyo. Admire the geishas and Buddhist temples in Kyoto. Among the waterfalls and forests of Oirase, a rare invitation from a Sake brew master will share the secrets of his trade.

Ride the Bullet Train and cruise the sublime waters of Matsushima Bay. On a poignant visit to Hiroshima, meet with a survivor of the 1945 atomic bomb that changed the course of world history. From dramatic skylines to mountain views, stay in magnificent hotels and embark on the most tantalizing culinary journey you have ever experienced.

Discover this on: Majestic Japan

Meet a Saki brewmaster in Oirase

Oirase Gorge boasts some of the most picturesque surroundings you will have the delight to ever experience. The picturesque river valley in Northern Japan runs for 14km between Yakeyama and Nenokuchi, on the shore of Towada-ko (Lake Towada). Drawing visitors from far and wide, Oirase is one of Japan’s most-revered nature havens.

With an exclusive VIP invitation, meet master brewer Takumi Sato and discover the magic of sake. On a special guided tour of his brewery, learn the history and importance of this unique drink to Japanese culture. Entwined with many of the country’s traditions and customs, sake is inherent to the Japanese way of life, from the religious rites of thousands of years ago to the dinner table today.

Read more: Uncover the magic of sake, with master brewer Takumi Sato

Pay respects in Hiroshima

The name Hiroshima holds a pivotal and harrowing place in world history. Pay a somber visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Peace Memorial Park and Museum, the only structure left standing after the first atomic bomb was dropped during World War II on August 6^th, 1945. Here you will meet with a survivor who will openly share insights into this dark chapter in world history. A privileged and poignant encounter.

The geishas of Kyoto

Often referred to as Japan’s most beautiful city, Kyoto is packed full of temples, shrines and traditional gardens. Visit in March and April and the most spectacular display of cherry blossoms will greet you. Kyoto is also world famous for its Geishas, a fine art evolved over many centuries.

Travel to Japan with Luxury Gold and enjoy a performance by a Maiko, an apprentice geisha. Highly skilled entertainers and central to Kyoto culture, geishas are specializing in classical music, dance, conversation and games. Whilst the Maiko entertains, savor traditional Kyo-Kaiseki cuisine made of seasonal ingredients.

Read more: In 2022, why do we crave the golden era of travel more than aver before?

 The delicate art of sushi in Tokyo

The world’s most populous metropolis. A city where innovation meets tradition. Tokyo is known for its temples, bustling streets and cuisine. Highlights include the Senso-ji Buddhist Temple, the oldest and most-visited temple in Japan, Nakamise Street and Kappabashi, a local back-street known as Tokyo’s foodie hub.

We invite you to join an exclusive cooking class with a sushi masterchef to learn the delicate art of sushi making. Using the highest quality fish, discover why it takes ten years to become a Master Sushi Chef. Then savor a lunch of exquisite creations.

Read more: The world’s friendliest cities

Exceptional cuisine

Prepare for a culinary journey like no other. Honed over the centuries, the preparation of Japanese food is refined and elegant. Flavours are pure and delicate, celebrating the textures and colours of seasonal produce.

Travel to Japan and discover why Osaka is known as the kitchen of Japan. Stroll along Dotonbori Street with a Local Expert. Your taste buds will come alive as you sample specialties such as Takoyaki. This local favorite is made of wheat flour-based batter and is filled with minced or diced octopus. At the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Fuji, enjoy spectacular views of one of the most recognisable landmarks of Japan as you enjoy lunch made of fresh, seasonal ingredients at a local restaurant. Meet the owner of a traditional Inn in Matsushima Bay to dine on local seafood and, at a traditional teahouse, prepare the perfect cup of Matcha Green Tea.

Read more: From London to Tokyo: Where to sample the world’s best street food

Exquisite hotels

@hoshinoresorts.official

A country famous for its architecture, stare-of-the-art technology and exceptional service, we have hand selected some of the most magnificent hotels for the ultimate in Japan luxury travel. The grand Imperial Hotel Tokyo has welcomed royalty, heads of state and celebrities for over 120 years. Stay within walking distance of Tokyo’s most iconic attractions and enjoy award-winning dining, flawless Japanese hospitality and five-star facilities. The luxurious Imperial Hotel Osaka places you along the Okawa River in the heart of vibrant Osaka, one of Japan’s best cherry-blossom-viewing locations.

More than an exceptional hotel, the Hotel Granvia Kyoto features over a thousand modern and traditional artworks by local, Kyoto-based artists. And the Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel, exclusively situated on the banks of the Oirase Gorge, provides a stunning nature retreat.

Read more: 7 ways Luxury Gold makes your travel experience completely stress free

It you are looking for the ultimate vacation, why not book a luxury escape to Japan and make Majestic Japan your next journey of a lifetime?