Japanese cities are filled with colorful illuminations in December. Christmas tree decorations are usually taken down after December 25 in Japan, but holiday illuminations can be viewed in many places. Visit a illumination event near you.

Related Content:

Holiday Illuminations in Japan

Great Christmas Trees in Tokyo

Christmas in Japan Tokyo Marunouchi Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.com Inc.

Japanese gift-giving at the end of the year is called oseibo which is not the same as Chrismas gifts. Most of gifts are between 2,000 yen and 5,000 yen, and many people choose food gifts for oseibo. Japanese Department stores offer a wide variety of oseibo items in December, so it might be fun to look at the selections of gifts at the stores.

Related Content:

• About Oseibo
• Japanese Gift Ideas
• Shopping in Tokyo

Oseibo Gifts Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.com

Are you getting around Japan by plane? Japanese airlines have begun tightening carry-on baggage regulations for domestic flight this month. The size of your carry-on baggage is measured at security check points, so make sure your carry-on baggage fits within the new size limit in advance. To carry oversized baggage on board with you, you are required to pay extra fee.

Related Content:

• Cheap Airfare in Japan
• Airports in Japan
  
• Japanese Airlines
• Packing for Japan
  
• Cheap Flight to Japan

Tokyo Haneda Airport Photo by Shizuko Mishima

The Tsukiji Market in Tokyo is Japan's largest wholesale market. There are hundreds of small shops in the inner market (Jonai-shijo) and the outer market (Jogai-shijo) where you can eat or buy delicious seafood, sushi, and lots more. Tsukiji is a place to go for good breakfast or lunch. Please note that the tuna auctions at the Tsukiji fish market are off-limits to visitors from December 10, 2009 to January 23, 2010 for safety reasons since it's the market's busiest time of the year. The tuna auction area reopens on January 25, 2010, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan government.

Related Content:

• Popular Sushi Restaurants in Tsukiji
• Tsukiji Pictures

Tsukiji Inner Market Photo by Shizuko Mishima