Here it is not even Halloween, and already people are making plans to tour local neighborhoods recognized for their lavish displays of year-end holiday lights. Those people are in charge of the sushi bus, an enterprising offspring of the Mikuni group of Japanese restaurants and sushi bars.

Here's how it's to work: Up to 12 people charter the bus, file on at the chain's Fair Oaks restaurant, and for the next three or four hours "ooh" and "ahh" over the animated Santas, Eiffel Tower trees and other industrious yule exhibits they will see as the bus makes its rounds.

Between stops, a sushi chef prepares and serves assorted sushi rolls, including, presumably the signature "Santa Claus," a veritable toy bag of fried soft-shell crab and spicy tuna. A four-hour tour Friday and Saturday nights costs $1,150, a three-hour tour other evenings $995. The cost includes tour, sushi, soft drinks, gratuity and tax. Alcoholic beverages are sold separately, and a $25 "gas surcharge" is levied on each group. Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance, and bookings are being taken: (916) 236-5775.