Revisiting Tokyo in December

[dorkysan]

Hello All,

Just wondering if there are any special events happening in December? I'm returning to Tokyo for approx 2 weeks (dec 12-27). Have been here before (March 2007 - 4 days, and july of this year - 9 days).

we decided to return to Tokyo just to hang out around christmas. are there a lot of lights/displays setup? where is the best place to see them. shinjuku terrace? tokyo tower?

I also plan to visit the setagaya festival on dec 15/16 and visit the imperial palace on dec 23 when it's open to the public.

was also thinking of picking up a grutt pass for the museums/etc.
oh and we've already been to nikko and hakone, so this time we will probably take day trips to yokohama, kamakura, and kawagoe. not planning on getting a jr rail pass as we will mostly just spend time shopping (and eating!! ) in tokyo.

any ideas would be appreciated...thanks!
dorkysan

[Nagoyankee]

I would recommend the Marunouchi Illumination, which uses 850,000 light bulbs. 17:00-24:00 Dec. 1 thru 31.

Shinjuku Terrace will be nice, too. 17:00-24:00 Nov. 11 thru Feb. 14.

Odaiba would be my next choice. 17:030-24:00 around Christmas.

Lastly, the Omote-Sando Illumination. 17:00-22:00 Dec. 1 thru Jan.10

[dorkysan]

Thanks very much/Domo Arigato Nagoyankee!

I'm also planning to visit the imperial palace on dec23, i think it's one of 2 days that it's open to the public. Are there any tours? or is it basically just go in wave the flag and view the royal family, or is there anything else to see/do when there?

[Nagoyankee]

The Greeting on Dec. 23 and regular tours are two separate things. There wil be no tours on Dec. 23.

For regular tours, go to Visit Guide

For Dec. 23, go to Birthday Greeting to the Emperor - The Imperial Household Agency