Tokyo Christmas Markets

Our second time attending this event!

After returning to Tokyo after our trip, I end up getting sick again (the same thing happened after we returned from Bali).  My body doesn't appreciate the 50+ degree temperature change - in Tokyo winter has definitely settled in.  Then we have Tahoe's cancer and death to deal with, so the first half of December is rough for us.

Each "cottage" has different decorations on its roof.

The start of the Christmas season helps to distract us and gets us out of the apartment, where Tahoe's absence leaves a hole in our hearts.  We're able to attend the German Christmas Market, our first repeat event in Tokyo.  

Taking a selfie while waiting in line for food and beer.

It's similar to last year - it's in Hibiya Park and there are mostly food and drink stalls.  They do have more shopping booths this year, about seven.  It's not quite the same as the Christmas markets in Germany!  However, it's still fun and we enjoy the German beer and sausages along with the beautiful weather.

Almost 50 feet high!

There's wooden a German Christmas "pyramid" as the centerpiece of the festival.  It's custom-made and stands almost 50 feet high.  There's a policeman standing guard next to it. 

Photo fun!

Being Tokyo, you always find something unusual...like a guy walking his pet bunny.  But I think it's the same rabbit I've seen at other festivals over the past year...

I think I've seen him before...

                                             There are pretty sewer covers at the park.

Nice design

Christmas tree of lights and gifts

We also visit the Roppongi Hills Christmas market.  This one lasts longer than the one at Hibiya Park (the one at the park runs about ten days, and the one at Roppongi Hills is open for most of December).  It's smaller though, with only about ten vendors. 

The rooftop displays are more ornate at Roppongi Hills.

Obviously, a German tradition.

There's a German Christmas pyramid here, too, but it's only about four feet high.  No guards, either - just a screen to prevent anyone from touching it.

Steve has fun with the mascot display - we don't know what it's advertising, because it's all in Japanese.

A Rudolph mascot?

We enjoy another Christmas tradition here, though - the pop up whiskey bar. We stop in for some snacks and to try some whiskey flights.  I find one (Bowmore Small Batch) that I like a little bit (meaning I don't make my normal choking sound when I swallow the whiskey)...maybe my taste buds are starting to adjust.

Whiskey cocktail

Lots of whiskey to sample!

Our last stop is at Tokyo Midtown.  Its market is even smaller, but they have a fun event every Christmas season - a big wine tasting!  It's fun to try, but....we don't find any wines we really like.  Still, it's nice to have a chance to sit for a bit after walking around.  There's Christmas decorations, and even children singing Christmas carols, so it's very festive.

Steve, I think we've seen this pose before.

I like the Santa Claus hats!

Our sommelier, trying to find us a wine we like!