The final countdown

KANSAI — It’s not all about Christmas this month of course. Come Dec 26, all the X’mas decorations will be torn down and replaced with New Year trappings. To see in the new year and remember little of it the day after, there are countdown parties happening across Kansai on the 31st, from the smallest bars to the super clubs. For a Kyoto night out, Club Butterfly in Kyoto promises a glittering good time in its recently refurbished LED wonderland (butterfly-kyoto.com). In Osaka, Club Pure will be delivering an all-youcan- drink countdown special (pure-osaka.com) and Zerro, celebrating its 8th anniversary this month, will have special DJ countdown party.

If you prefer a more sober way to welcome the new year, World Express travel agency (www.wexp.co.jp/e-index.htm) is offering a special hiking tour to watch the sunrise from the top of Mt. Hakusan in Hyogo (see ad on p.28).