Travel over Japanese New Year

Am planning a first trip to Japan from 28th December 2019. Considering this websites suggested 14 Day Itinerary. I have read that most businesses close down from 1 - 3 January for Japanese New Year. Is there a place that it would be best to be during holiday period ( for atmosphere ). Or, anywhere we should particularly avoid due to major attractions being closed. ( We are not big shoppers ). Thanks.

Check the "New Year" page on this website (use the search bar). It has a good overview of what to expect.

Temples and shrines are some of the few attractions that don't close down over New Year, as it is a religious holiday. So, somewhere with lots of temples and shrines to visit (or where they are the main attraction) would be a good choice - e.g. Kyoto. Just be prepared for large crowds at temples around midnight, and shrines the next day.

The 14-day schedules from this site moves between locations frequently (last time I looked), often better to stay two or even three nights in some locations. Plus, if the schedule you are looking at has train trips on the busiest parts of the network at peak time, you will have trouble getting reserved seats if using a rail pass.