FOREIGN HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS

American Thanksgiving Dinner in Tokyo 2020 is Thursday, November 26th, 2020. Are you ready for Thanksgiving? Be sure not to miss out and to be able to relax by planning ahead.  To help make your Thanksgiving in Japan planning easier we have curated and updated a short list of restaurants …

The Yumenoshima 2020 Halloween Pumpkin Month celebration is on this year the pumpkins are huge. There will be over 100 ghost pumpkins from Hitachi Omiya City, Ibaraki prefecture that weigh 50 to 100 kilograms! You can visit the Yumenoshima Park and Botanical Gardens any time of the year but the …

Easter in Tokyo feels a lot different this year due to the pandemic and social distancing. We usually celebrate Easter surrounded by family and friends, but this year we find ourselves ordering in, crafting a lot more than usual, and attending services online. Spring some of the excellent services we …

Are you searching for a Tokyo English Easter Church service? We have develop a list of six Tokyo churches who are providing Holly Week services on line from Maudy Thursday to Easter Sunday. Below the list of Tokyo Churches we also have links to helpful Holy Week materials for families …

This 100 Yen Store Craft is a great Valentine`s Day gift from kids to parents, teachers, caregivers, family and friends. It`s a fun and simple craft that can be completed in less than an hour. The materials you`ll need can be found at any of the larger 100 yen shops. We …

Add a whimsical touch to any birthday cake with this 100 yen store craft idea. This project is really simple and I love that you can create anything you like – your child`s favorite characters, words, numbers, anything at all. Quick, simple and your kids will love it! Materials Needed: …

Yokohama Chinese New Year celebrations  in Yokohama run between January 25 – February 8, 2020. Great fun and food! Yokohama has one of the largest Chinatowns in the world with over 140 years of history.  Although this is still quite new vs. Manila’s Chinatown established in 1590 or London’s in …

If you are in Tokyo for the holidays, consider attending one of the many beautiful Tokyo English Christmas Church Services. We have listed seven churches in Tokyo, and a handful in Yokohama, Kyoto and Osaka. Some of my best memories of a child are attending services. Even if you are unable …

What is your New Year’s Resolution going to be? Talking to Japan-based friends the top New Year’s resolutions are pretty similar! We all need to remember that New Year’s Day is a day, just like all the other 364 days of the year. To fulfil your resolution you need to …

It can be a challenge finding Santa in Tokyo, but we have double check the list and can recommend these ten 2018 Tokyo Santa Claus meet & greet locations between now and Christmas. Not all places allow for sitting on Santa’s lap and personal photo opportunities but where allowed we have …

The holidays are here, and it is time to plan your Tokyo Christmas Dinner 2019. Are you ready? Whether you have been nasty or nice, you deserve a nice tasting Christmas dinner. Here are our top recommendations for Tokyo area families. Reserve early! Happy Holidays! If you have other recommendations …

Here is our 2019 Tokyo Holiday Guide. We`ve listed everything you need to get a start to the holiday season; where to purchase a Christmas tree and decorations, the best Christmas markets, where to see illuminations, and English Christmas church services in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto and Osaka. Happy Holidays! Tokyo …

Christmas is a month away, but some Christmas markets are already in full swing! Get into the holiday spirit and stop in one of the Best Tokyo Christmas markets! Bundle up and shop for food and gifts under the illumination. Happy Holidays! 1. Roppongi Hills Christmas Market – If you would like to …

Christmas is one month away, so it is time to deck the halls – here are our recommended top Japan Christmas Decoration Stores. From luxury, handcrafted ornaments to mass market lights and shiny balls you can find what you need for the holidays in Japan. If you are a DIYer, …

Wondering where to buy a Christmas Tree in Japan? Many people have asked recently about where to find a Christmas tree in Japan. First, you need to determine if you want a real tree or an artificial tree. There are pros and cons to both! Real trees smell amazing but …

If you are in Tokyo for the holidays, consider attending one of the many beautiful Tokyo English Christmas Church Services. We have listed seven churches in Tokyo, and a handful in Yokohama, Kyoto and Osaka. Some of my best memories of a child are attending services. Even if you are unable …

It can be a challenge finding Santa in Tokyo so we did the work for you and can recommend these five 2019 Tokyo Santa Claus meet & greet locations. We’ll add more to the list as information is available. Not all places allow for sitting on Santa’s lap and personal …

Looking for great English speaking photographers in Tokyo, Japan? Our first few years in Japan, we took our photos but as the number of children increased we decided the job was beyond us and have outsourced the annual ritual. I have used Kerry at Keyshots, but all of the photographers …

Tokyo Halloween Events, Costumes, Decorations and Candy resources. Halloween is one of my most favorite holidays, as it is for my children. The Japanese have officially embraced Halloween (maybe not the trick-or-treat part, but the home party). Ten years ago it was almost impossible to find costumes and decorations, but …

Great park to visit anytime of the year, but pre-Halloween you can see the giant pumpkins! Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse Dome is a botanical garden featuring 1,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants. At only 250 yen per adult (kids under 12 yrs old are free!) take a tour of their greenhouse …

Be prepared for Halloween in Tokyo by reviewing our Top 10 Halloween Trick-or-Treat Etiquette. Halloween is gaining popularity rapidly in Japan, especially in Tokyo. Many shopping areas, such as; Roppongi and Omotesando offer parades and stores give candy out to kids in costumes. Great way to drive a lot of foot traffic for …

Here are our Top Indoor Tokyo Birthday Party Venues for babies and kids (0 – 8 years). Looking for a great spot to celebrate your little ones birthday? Look no further. We have personally visited and/or celebrated at each of these venues and can recommend them all. Dates fill up quickly so …

Tokyo Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16th, 2019. Celebrate all that dads do with these great gift ideas and outings. Tokyo Father’s Day – Gift Ideas and Outings with Dad 1) Personalized Card from kids. Dads heart`s melt when receiving personalized Father`s Day cards from kids. Here are a few …

One of our favorite days of the year is this Sunday, May 13th – Mother’s Day!   We also have a short list of gifts, relaxing outings and places to eat this weekend that Moms will enjoy. Also check out our “Little things Moms in Tokyo Love” post and add your …

Here is our go to list of Tokyo 2016 Halloween Events, Costumes, Decorations and Candy resources. Halloween is one of my most favourite holidays, as it is for my children. The Japanese have officially embraced Halloween (maybe not the tricker treat part, but the home party). Ten years ago it …