It’s that time of year again. The Christmas season is in full swing now and while autumn is still here and the leaves are still beautiful, almost all of the Christmas Illuminations have been put up. You can walk almost anywhere in Tokyo and you will see something regarding Christmas. Last year I talked about all of the Christmas lights in Tokyo and how things have grown. This year, my goal is to go and see as many of the Christmas decorations as possible. I will be busy with work but I will do my best to take a look at each of the major areas. While I may not be able to see the lights at night, I will at least try to see them during the daytime at the very least. My adventure has already started with the Yurakucho area. I will be posting photos as often as I can on Instagram as I have just started using it. Think of it as a photo blog. I will also be posting updates here with photos that I take around Tokyo. While many of the photos will be from my phone, I’ll do my best to bring a nice camera with me when I go around. For now, just read up about my past holiday posts and you’ll get a good idea on what Christmas is like in Japan.
Happy Holidays 2012 is part of a series of posts each year talking about the year–end holiday season in Japan. To read more, please venture to the other posts below:
- Happy Holidays 2011
- Happy Holidays (2010)
- Happy Holidays (2009)
- Happy New Year (2009)
- Merry Christmas (2008)
Christmas in Tokyo 2012
- Christmas at Tokyo Sky Tree
- Christmas in Kinshicho
- Christmas in Shinbashi and Shiodome
- Christmas in Marunouchi
- Christmas in Ginza
- Christmas in Roppongi
- Christmas in Shinjuku
Information:
- Rurubu Winter Illumination Map (Japanese Only – Best resource, to be honest)
- Japan Guide
- About.com
My favourite is the paper lamps they display at the Wadakura Fountain Park in Marunouchi. The lamps are painted by school children, and each year has a different theme.
I went on a lightpedition last year. I froze my butt off, despite wearing two ski jackets on top of each other (oy, I’m from Africa, not Canada!), but it was so beautiful!
I’ll try to check it out. Might have time really soon, but need more time to write about it. You might have to go to Facebook to see the photos, but I’ll probably link it.
BTW, went to Sky Tree the other day. The Christmas Market is a bit of a joke. Well, just very Japanese. Lots of alcohol and food only. No ornaments to be found. 🙁
No ornaments? Eeeeeeh?! (That was a Japanese eh.)
Darn, Dru, you’re going to force me to join Facebook, eh? (That was a Canadian eh.)
🙂 Yes, I will. Well, you joined Twitter, but I’ll comment on that elsewhere.
Besides, you can easily get the photos on FB from the web. You don’t have to sign up after you follow the link.
I saw the illumination at Sensoji in 2010 with paper lamps lining up the pavement with drawings, which I suppose by children too. Are those put up yearly?
I never saw any information about Sensoji this year. I should look into it. I heard they do a similar thing in the Wadakura Park next to the Imperial Palace. Not sure if they are changing it there. I may not have time to go there this year.