So I got my ticket..

[b0rdpladen]

As the topic says, I'm the happy owner of a ticket to Japan, and I'll be arriving late december. So my question is if any of you know a carnival, or something like that going on The last two weeks of december.
Also, where would be great to experience fireworks the 31. December?
If Japanese hold New Years Eve that is? Confusing myself now I am.

 

[Ewok85]

Yeah, new years is great Go to one of the big temples (Meiji, Narita.... i forget the other one) in the new year to see some huge crowds.

 

[b0rdpladen]

I'll write that down, behind someones ear. =P
Where are these temples located? Anywhere near Tokyo?

Oh, Narita, that's where I'll land, if it's the Narita in Tokyo with an airstrip ?

 

[Keiichi]

Sounds like you really need to do some research! Narita Airport's not exactly in Tokyo, ya know! You don't wanna go there feeling lost.
Check out Jref's guides: Practical

Keiichi

 

[b0rdpladen]

I will, although Narita and Tokyo are kinda connected ?

 

[RockLee]

wich date will u arrive in narita ??? I will on the 18th of december Japanese time ...but 7.30 pm I'l leave for Sapporo....so I won't be able to visit Tokyo


Narita is at the border of Tokyo hehe

 

[Kamisama]

Don't forget to take lots of pictures and send them to us!!

 

[Ewok85]

Narita is a fair way from Tokyo

Narita temple is at the station, Narita. Meiji is in the heart of Tokyo, near/in Harajuku if my memory is right. You can also go to the temple at Asakusa.

 

[Apollo]

Have nice trip to Japan! I am going myself around this time.
About fireworks on New Year's Eve: In Japan, fireworks are only used during summer festivals and it is not a tradition to use them in Japan. In Japan, New Year's is celebrated quietly, with family and friends, some go to temples and shrines, and eat mochi on New Year's day.

I found a great link about visiting Japan during New Year's:
Visiting Japan during New Year

 

[wintersweet]

Get a guidebook and read it. It'll help a lot. For example, a lot of museums and shops are going to be closed for the holiday (New Year's is a BIG DEAL in Japan). On the other hand, there will be special decorations, special foods, and all the young women in gorgeous holiday kimono. (We went over New Year's 2004.) Have fun!

 

[Mike Cash]

I will, although Narita and Tokyo are kinda connected ?

They're on the same island.

 

[Ewok85]

Watch the TV, they have some good specials on... anyone see the one with that weird little comedian and they had him doing all sorts of weird stuff like crossing a tightrope wearing only his undies and he fell in the freezing cold water about 5 times
Cracked me up, but after the amount I had drunk anything would have...