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| Above, the clock tower of the Wako Dept. Store in Ginza decorated in holiday cheer. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
Two years ago, I took a trip to Japan in the month of December. I had good reason for going at that time, rather than waiting to the warmer spring season.
First, I went to do some promoting of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. Second, since December 2010 would be the first Christmas season without any living parents to enjoy it with, I felt that taking a trip to Japan then would serve as a spiritual lift. It did.
While there, I did note some Christmas decorations throughout Tokyo and some areas of Niigata. Ginza and Shibuya were all decked out in Christmas decorations. This was interesting, considering Japan has a Christian population of about 1-2%.
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has an article posted on "Winter Illuminations In Japan."
It starts with:
Here is a wonderful way to get rid of the Japanese winter doldrums: go to see some of the many locations that offer breathtaking nighttime illuminations! Most are on display from late autumn until the end of the year, and some through early next year. Many are free and easily accessible by public transportation. There are many beautiful illumination attractions in Japan, and here we've listed some of the most popular. Please check individual websites for details.
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| Above, Ginza Crossing in December 2010. Note the Christmas sign of the Mitsukoshi Dept. Store. Photo by Armand Vaquer. |
The places they spotlight weren't ones I visited during my trip, but they are worthy of one's consideration if a winter trip to Japan is on the agenda.
To read the article, go here.
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