Christmas and KFC

If you haven't heard, the popular Christmas dinner of choice in Japan is KFC! Families have to reserve a chicken meal months in advance!

While Christmas isn't as big or as religious as it is over here, it still is popular for the decorations, foods, and LOVE. Yes, this is a popular night to become engaged to that special someone. Or give jewelry to the one you love.

New Years is a bigger holiday for Japan and when Christmas is over, the preparations for the New Year begins!

Plain but informative website about Japanese Christmastime.
A travel website explains Christmas in Japan.
The Smithsonian explains Japan's obsession with KFC.

When to buy that airline ticket?

A round trip ticket to Japan is always going to cost you at LEAST $1,000. I have never seen it drop below that, and I find myself checking at least 3-4 times a year, just to get a feel for when prices are lowest, what departure day is cheapest, and how far in advance to buy a ticket. Here's a great website that explains when to buy a plane ticket. To summarize:

• Buy your ticket online on Tuesday afternoons
• Buy your international ticket 5.5 or 1.5 months before departure
• Buy your tickets one at a time, not for multiple people in one big order
• Fly out on a Tuesday or Wednesday, but never Fridays or Saturdays

http://www.farecompare.com/travel-advice/tips-from-air-travel-insiders/

Festivals and events

There are festivals going on all over Japan. Going during a certain season? Here's a handy website that will help find events and festivals during your time in Japan!

Seasonal Traditions & Japanese Culture

Attention non-meat eaters going to Japan!

I'm not sure how long they will be around for, but McDonalds in Japan has recently started serving tofu and white fish nuggets. Due to a contaminated meat scare, chicken nuggets were taken away from the fast food chain.

Kotaku and Business Insider both have articles about it.

Tokyo foodstuffs: Monja

So, I will admit to have never heard of it before, but it sounds like a goopier version of okonomiyaki: Monjayaki
But Danny Choo makes this area sound like a fun, food, side-trip! It has more than just Monja, and is nearby the Tokyo Tower.

Also, here's a fun little article about which is better: Okonomiyaki or Monjayaki?

Hidden Airline Fees

Hidden Airline Fees

This could be helpful!!  I thought I'd post it here, otherwise it'd get lost in all my bookmarks!

Setsubun: Throw some beans to ward off evil!

February 3 marks the start of a new season. Distract those demons by throwing beans and shouting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" (Demons out! Luck in!). This ritual is called Mamemaki.
Enjoy these links with more info about Setsubun!
Wikipedia: Setsubun
Anime News Network
Danny Choo (of course)