The Most Magical Experiences To Wrap-up 2020

The year-end is coming and so too are some brilliant festivals and wintry events. From enchanting illuminations, year-end getaways and dazzling musical performances, dig out your best festive jumper and revel in these sparkling seasonal occasions around the Tokyo area.

With covid still posing a threat across Japan, especially in Tokyo, another great seasonal option is grabbing a tasty takeaway set for a celebration at home. Stay safe!

Here are some of Tokyo’s most magical year-end events and seasonal party sets to take home.

Andaz Tokyo’s White Christmas Igloo

Andaz Tokyo’s signature Christmas celebration, the luxurious White Christmas Igloo, returns for 2020. Set 250m above the city, indulge in a lunch or dinner course featuring a delectable array of local and seasonal dishes inside of a cozy clear igloo. Enjoy the unique experience with loved ones as you take in the sparkly season. As a bonus Andaz Tokyo is also offering Savvy Tokyo readers 20% off an early Festive Dinner Course at The Tavern – Grill & Lounge for reservations between Dec. 21 to 23.

Date: From December 24 to 27, 2020
Time: First Seating: 6p.m. – 8p.m. Second Seating: 8:30p.m. – 10:30p.m.
Price: ¥50,000 with wine pairing
Location: Andaz Tokyo, 1-23-4 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo
Reservations: Online or 03-6830-7739

Hyatt Centric Kanazawa’s New Year Getaway

The Hyatt Centric Kanazawa hotel is the perfect location to get away from Tokyo during the new year and experience Kanazawa’s well-preserved historical surroundings. The hotel’s Five Grill and Lounge will be offering a hearty lunch and dinner to celebrate the year’s end. Special treats such as the snowy white parfait or seasonal cakes using strawberries are recommended for sweet tooths. Tour Kanazawa by day and then finish the night off by cozying up with some hot winter cocktails at the Roof Terrace Bar and feel the warmth of “home” with loved ones to celebrate the new year.

Date: From December 26 to January 3, 2020
Price: Lunch ¥6,000 Dinner ¥12,500
Location: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa, 1-5-2 Hirooka Ishikawa-ken, Kanazawa
Reservations: Online or 07-6256-1234

Four Seasons Otemachi’s Sky High Holiday

Indulge in seasonal feasts, festive activities and special offers at the Four Seasons Otemachi. Come together with loved ones to sip, savor and indulge at their sky-high winter wonderland back dropped by panoramas of the Imperial Palace and Tokyo city. Enjoy a magical evening in the Virtu Lounge, where head bartender Joshua Perez brings you the best of holiday flavors with seasonal cocktails. Festive takeaway cakes filled with figs, hazelnuts, dark chocolate mousse and more are available for those celebrating at home too.

Date: From December 19 to 30, 2020
Time: Virtu Lounge 5p.m. – 10p.m.
Price: Cocktails from ¥2,800, Takeaway Christmas Cake ¥7,800
Location: Four Seasons Otemachi, 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Reservations: 03-6810-0655

Vino Buono’s Christmas For Women 2020

Enjoy a special Christmas themed girls night this eve at Vino Buono. Using three of the world’s major delicacies, caviar, foie gras and truffle, along with luxurious ingredients such as lobster, spend a seasonal night dedicated to the gals, with class. The special women-only set also comes with sparkling rose wine and dessert with free-flowing drinks.

Date: December 24, 2020
Time: 7p.m. – 9:30p.m.
Price: ¥9,000 per person
Location: Aoyama St. Grace Cathedral, 3 Chome-9-14 Kitaaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo
Reservations: Online or 03-5774-0758

Tokyo Park Hyatt Radio Around The World

Park Hyatt Tokyo will be holding their annual ‘Countdown Lounge’ New Year’s Eve celebration at The Peak Lounge & Bar. Celebrate the countdown to 2021 with the eclectic musical styles while overlooking the stunning panoramic night views of the glittering city lights from the 41st floor. DJ, Guy Perryman, will be offering an international ambiance and flair for their “Radio Around the World” theme. The sophisticated celebration, complete with appropriate precautionary measures, will bid farewell to 2020 and welcome a brighter future for 2021.

Date: December 31, 2020
Time: 9p.m. – 1a.m.
Price: The Peak Lounge Table ¥96,000 (table for two), ¥190,000 (table for four), The Peak Bar Table ¥90,000 (table for two), ¥180,000 (table for four)
Location: The Peak Lounge & Bar 41F, Park Hyatt Tokyo, 3-7-1-2, Nishishinjuku, Tokyo
Reservations: Online or 03-5323-3461

Christmas In The Sky 2020

Take your loved ones to see Tokyo’s skyline from Tokyo City View at Roppongi Hills. You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic starry sky view accompanied by music and sparkling lights this festive season. A special Christmas Observatory Party will be held on Dec. 24 and 25, and Christmas menu items will be available at The Moon restaurant on the 52nd floor as well.

Date: Now through December 25, 2020
Time: 1p.m. – 10p.m.
Price: ¥500
Location: Roppongi Hills Observatory Tokyo City View Rooftop Sky Deck, 6−10−1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo

Yokoyama Cross Night Illumination Yorunoyo

Yokohama is a place where people, things, and cultures meet and weave in with history. The Yornoyo illuminations express the memories of those people and places in Yokohama with light. Whether alone, with a partner, or with family and friends, the Yorunoyo lights will make your holiday a little more special, joyful and warm.

Date: Now through December 26, 2020
Time: 6p.m. – 9:05p.m.
Price: Free!
Location: Shinko Central Square Surrounding Areas, 1-5 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa

Tokyo Sky Tree’s Dream Christmas 2020

Spend a memorable night with your loved ones with a sky-high view of winter in Tokyo from Japan’s tallest tower. The tower’s magical digital windows will be screening a special Christmas-only program from the inside, while the Sky Tree from the outside will be lit up red and green for everyone in the city to see. If you visit during the day, you can catch some Santa cleaners wiping the huge windows down too.

Date: Now through December 25, 2020
Time: 9a.m. – 9p.m.
Price: Free to stroll around Tokyo Solamachi, ¥3,100 Tokyo Sky Tree general combo ticket.
Location: Tokyo Sky Tree, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo

Maxell Aqua Park’s Bright Christmas Party

Spend a heartwarming time at Maxell Aqua Park’s night-only performance, where dolphins beautifully dance in a venue surrounded by stars and ornaments drawn up by projection mapping. There are four types of seasonal, limited menu items at the Coral Cafe Bar, where you can enjoy a drink while looking out at the aquarium. A starry night sky will color the exhibition area where illuminations and jellyfish unique to this season light up and dance along with the Christmas music.

Date: Now through December 25, 2020
Time: 10a.m. – 6:30p.m. Weekends until 8p.m.
Price: General entry ¥2,300, Dolphin Party ¥500
Location: Maxell Aqua Park, 4−10−30 Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo

White Kitte Marunouchi

Head over to Kitte Marunouchi to see a Christmas tree that uses modern technology to cultivate the hearts and minds of all who see it. Using over a thousand Mizuhiki crafts, an ancient Japanese art form that uses stiff rice paper cord to create three-dimensional sculptures, the tree shines in various colors according to those who step near it. Grab a group of friends and meet under the tree to share the glowing experience and make the tree shine together as one.

Date: Now through December 25, 2020
Time: 5:10p.m. – 9:10p.m.
Price: Free!
Location: Kitte Marunouchi 1F, 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo

The New Otani’s Santa Is Coming

The New Otani hotel has prepared a special Santa Claus themed accommodation plan that allows you to experience your childhood Christmas memories all over again. Look through the peephole and watch Santa Claus appear with a Ho Ho Ho! He’ll hand you your present and wish you a Merry Christmas. Although this plan is highly recommended for families with kids, friends and couples who want a visit from Santa are more than welcome to try it too!

Date: From December 24 to 25, 2020
Time: Santa room deliveries from 7:20p.m to 10:20p.m
Price: From ¥52,000 per room (Price includes meal coupons worth ￥5,000)
Location: The New Otani, 4-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Reservation: A week in advance Online or 06-6949-3232 (Santa’s presents must be delivered to the hotel by Dec. 21.)

Holiday Takeaways

Grand Hyatt’s Holiday Take Out Party Set

Experience a taste of the Grand Hyatt Tokyo at home with a new luxurious takeout party set that includes authentic roast beef from The Oak Door steakhouse, and The French Kitchen’s home-smoked salmon. Caviar and Champagne may be added as an option, and the roast beef and roast chicken can be purchased alone separately to the set too.

Date: Now through December 31, 2020
Time: Pick up between 11:30a.m. – 7p.m.
Price: From ¥34,000 (serves 4-6 people)
Location: Grand Hyatt Tokyo 1F, 6 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo
Reservation: Five days in advance Online or 03-4333-8713

Sarabeth’s Party Box

Enjoy a classic roast chicken seasonal dinner at home. Sarabeth’s party box for takeout features a special dinner with the taste of an authentic restaurant, refined with the essence of New York. The roast chicken feast is perfect for the year-end home parties with friends and gorgeous family gatherings.

Date: Now through January 30, 2021
Time: Pick up between 10:30a.m. – 6p.m.
Price: ¥7,000
Location: Grand Hyatt Tokyo 1F, 6 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo
Reservation: Three days in advance Online or 03-6206-3551

Roast Chicken House’s Christmas Set

This reasonably priced Christmas set includes a hearty roast chicken already cut up for eating alongside warm dishes that are perfect for winter. Spend the holiday season with your family and loved ones at home with this special takeaway set from the Roast Chicken House.

Date: From December 24 to 25, 2020
Time: Pick up before 10p.m.
Price: ¥8,000
Location: Shin-Tokyo Building B1F, 3−3−1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
Reservation: Before Dec. 21 Online or 03-5220-5588

How are you spending your year end holidays? Let us know in the comments below. 

Also don’t forget to tag us in your Instagram seasonal shenanigans @SavvyTokyo and #SavvyTokyo