In 1887 local entrepreneurs built a beer brewery amongst the farmland and forested hills on the outskirts of Tokyo. They named their beer Yebisu, after a god of good fortune. A freight terminal was built to ship their wares. A community developed around the factory, and the train station and new district adopted the brewery’s name – Ebisu.
The brewery and freight station closed in 1982, making way for the Yebisu Garden Place. This European-style city within a city is now home to high-rise office buildings, Michelin-star restaurants, department stores and the Yebisu Beer Museum. The winter illuminations, now on full display, is just one of the must-visit events happening in Tokyo that will quench the holiday spirit.
Yebisu Garden Place Winter Illumination
One of Tokyo’s longest-running illuminations, and one of its most elegant, Baccarat Eternal Lights is highlighted by a spectacular, five-meter tall chandelier and towering Christmas tree.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Beloved by audiences all over the world, this classic fairytale performed by the National Ballet of Japan combines Wayne Eagling’s contemporary choreography with rich, colorful set and costume design.
Christmas Market by Craft Park
Selected craft creators from across the country sell Christmas-themed keepsakes at this weeklong festive market held on the 8th floor of Shibuya Hikarie.
Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo Christmas Celebration
Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo welcomes guests for its first holiday season. Along with bonenkai parties, wine pairings and a festive Christmas dinner set menu, NAMIKI667 bartender Kazuya Nishimura adds a festive touch with an original cocktail, the 667 Kir Royal.
Swan & Lion Special Christmas Lunch
Beetroot- & kinobi gin-cured salmon, roast chestnut & sage soup and roast turkey – Swan & Lion host a hearty British-style Christmas feast this Sunday at Brewdog Roppongi.
Tricot Live in Shibuya
Of course Japanese musicians have mastered math rock, an oxymoron to be sure. But Kyoto-based quartet Tricot seamlessly meld pop harmonies with complex rhythms. It’s not surprising these disciples of the quiet-loud dynamic supported The Pixies on tour. Catch Tricot Friday night at WWW X.
“Chicken Ramen Woman – Masako Ando” Special Exhibition
It is said Masako Ando, wife of the inventor of cup ramen, showed her husband how to flash-fry noodles. Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama, which is a must-visit anyway, has curated a special exhibition celebrating the ups and downs of Masako’s life, which is also currently being depicted on an NHK drama.
Museum Of Bad Art Exhibition
This exhibition glorifies works where something has gone wrong in the creative process (usually due to a lack of skills or technical know-how). Found at yard sales, thrift stores and garbage piles, 100 works from MOBA’s notorious and ever-popular collection come to Japan for the first time.
