Cross the famous Nijubashi bridge from the Imperial Palace Plaza from 9:30 AM to 11:20  AM on December 23rd to be there when the Imperial family steps out onto a balcony to greets visitors at 10:20AM, 11:05AM and 11:40AM or sign the Greeting Book from 12:30PM to 3:30PM in front of the Imperial Household Building.

If you are spending Christmas in Tokyo, be one of the few who have stepped beyond the Imperial Palace Plaza onto the grounds where Japan's royalty have lived since 1868 when the capital was moved from Kyoto.  

Access the Imperial Palace (map) by taking the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Nijubashi-mae Station or one of the other stations located in the area.

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Nearly one-quarter of the nation's department stores and half of the 40 outlet malls throughout Japan are participating in the Yokoso Japan Weeks 2009 campaign. Various events, hands-on experience tours, and privilege campaigns will be hosted by nearly 600 stores throughout the country. A wide variety of services will be offered as well as free original gifts. 

This is a great opportunity to take advantage of discounts on shopping and accommodation and to learn more about the culture of Japan.  If you plan on being in the Tokyo area in early 2009, take some time to browse through the different events and discounts available for visitors to the Kanto Region.  Here are just a few of the great events going on: 

Modern Cultural Experiences: 

• Sign up for fashion tour of Harajuku,
• Check out the latest electronics in Akihabara,
• Take a helicopter tour of the city or,
• Wisit one of the city's great museums.  

Traditional Cultural Experiences:

• Take a calligraphy class,
• Learn how to make sushi,
• Create an Ikebana flower arrangement,
• Learn how to wear a Kimono,
• Take a ride in a Rickshaw or,
• Learn the way of Samurai and Ninja.  

There is so much to do and see during Yokoso Japan Weeks 2009 that you will want to stay for the whole month so that you can fit everything in!

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Along Roppongi Keyakizaka dori (street) you will find an avenue of trees awash in blue lights, the 66 Plaza has chosen a cheerful red and orange theme and countless presents line the Mori courtyard and the Museum Cone area.  Illuminations are open daily from 5PM through 11PM and are free to enjoy.

The best view of all comes from the top of the Mori Building which offers Tokyo City Views from 270 Meters above ground while surrounded by twinkling lights.  Visit the 52nd Floor to take in a 5 meter tall Casablanca Christmas Tree and live musical performaces from mid- December.

PLACE: Tokyo City View Observation Deck
HOURS:
Weekdays & Holidays: 10:00-23:00 (Last Admission 22:30)
Friday, Saturday and Day Before Holidays: 10:00-25:00 (Last Admission 24:00)
SKY DECK HOURS:
10:00-20:00 * open UNTIL 22:00 DURING 11/22-12/25 (Last Admission 30min.before closing)*
ADMISSION: ¥1,500

* closed on 11/13 & 11/19

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

In modern times people no longer dedicate a roster, they purchase kumade, decorative bamboo rakes, and otafuku, masks depicting a round-faced woman, from vendors who set up stalls on the grounds of the temple on the day of the fair.  Many believe that displaying a kumade will ensure a prosperous business and good luck in the upcoming year and that one must buy a larger kumade each year to ensure the effectiveness of your prayer.  As a result there are some very large and ornate kumade being carted off by the locals.  

Decorations that commonly adorn kumade include masks of lucky Gods, replicas of gold coins, the seven gods of good fortune (Shichi-Fuku-Jin), miniature treasure ships (Takarabune) and chests, bales of rice, sea bream and even small replicas of shrines.  The lively vendors hawk their beautiful wares until midnight and the silver and gold decorations on the kumade add a sparkle to the evening that is a sight to behold.

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler