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/