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November in Japan is a time when the cooler weather finally arrives, and people become aware that the end of the year is approaching.  Halloween has slowly become part of Japanese culture during recent years.  "Trick or treat" activities by children do not occur, however, many Japanese will purchase Halloween-style decorations (bats, Jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, etc.) to display in their homes.  It has also become common for young people to dress-up in costumes and congregate in city entertainment districts for late-night partying.  Once Halloween has passed, the focus shifts to Japan's version of Christmas.  During the first weeks of November, large numbers of decorative Christmas/holiday lights will be strung-up on trees, buildings, and other structures -- they are called "Illuminations".  In the past, as part of celebrating the Christmas season, foreigners living in Japan would string colorful lights on their front porches or apartment balconies, and this served as an inspiration for the growth of Japan's Illumination displays.  The advent of cheaper LED lights also enabled things by reducing electricity costs.  But what makes the Illuminations in Japan different is that they are not really tied to Christmas per se and have more of a "year-end-celebration" feel, and some will stay in-place & lit-up until early-February of the new year.  In Yokosuka, trees near the Y-Deck & main downtown street areas are decorated with Illumination lights.  Also, a large and beautiful illumination display can be enjoyed at Very Park -- very nice for peaceful evening walks.  See the links below for more information.  Of note, there are some really large and spectacular Illuminations up in Yokohama and Tokyo, and the link at the bottom describes them.  We hope you can enjoy Japanese illuminations, and please consider decorating your own home with holiday lights as well.          

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LINKS:

Y-Deck and Yokosuka Chuo Station Area
Y-Deck｜Off Base Housing Yokosuka | IINO REAL ESTATE is for rental housing in Yokosuka Japan...Civilian, Military house agency

Yokosuka's Verny Park
Verny Park near Yokosuka base｜Off Base Housing Yokosuka | IINO REAL ESTATE is for rental housing in Yokosuka Japan...Civilian, Military house agency

Illumination Displays in Tokyo and Yokohama
Metropolis Japan