chistmas/new years in tokyo

Hi

To make a long story short. Me and my girlfriend will spend New Years and Christmas in Tokyo. Because of our work, we rarely get lots of time together. So, I am wondering what is the best way to surprise her? Any good restaurants or activities people do in Tokyo ? I heard Disneysea and Disneyland is popular but it is very full (also not very creative). I would really like to wow her. Or is it better to take her to another city? I heard Kobe has Illumination during Christmas. Yes, I know it is early, I�fm planning ahead. Better now then at the last minute.

Thank you

Kobe illuminations are spectacular but somehow I don't think that you want to stand in cold weather for a couple of hours in a huge huge crowd! not too romantic!

You'll have to make reservations early to book a good restaurant for Christmas Eve. It's kind of a tradition for young couples. Roppongi Hills is one of the most romantic places at Christmas because of the lighting display.

New Years Eve/Day are pretty quiet. It's a time fo spend with family. But Ikebukuro is usually lively on New Year's Day--it's one of the only places that's open for business.

re kobe illumination.

i doubt the illumination will be on christmas thru new years. it seems to start the first week of dec and run for a week. can anyone find the dates for this year? the yokoso page hasn`t been updated since 04 or 05.

Try Excel Air (www.excel-air.com) or Asahi Helicopter(www.ashi-heli.co.jp) book ahead very popular on Valentine's day and christmas.

Very romantic

2008 Kobe Luminarie festival is from December 4 to 15

hey michael,
just in case you still don�Lt know what to do. what about a sightseeing flight over tokyo!?
www.helicopter-sightseeing-tokyo.com/

Hi, we arrived in Japan a week ago, we are travelling around Tokyo at the moment. We understand the holiday period is for family and is quiet, but is there is anywhere that would be open for a night of celebration?

We are staying in a hostel near ueno, we have a jr pass.

many thanks

Jess

There are major celebrations and festivals at some major shrines and temples. And of course your major entertainment areas, bars, izakayas etc will be open all night as well. In Tokyo, major JR lines will run all night (though at intermitted schedules).