How to celebrate Christmas in Japan: Essential tips and highlights for the holiday season

Japan during Christmas comes alive with breathtaking illuminations, charming customs, and delicious dining experiences. From exploring festive markets and relaxing in onsens to indulging in the famous KFC tradition, this guide will show you the most exciting ways to enjoy the season. Let's make this holiday season in Japan one to remember!

Did you know Christmas isn’t even a national holiday in Japan?

Still, if you’re in Japan during Christmas, you’ll feel the holiday magic everywhere.

The country has taken Western Christmas traditions, added its own twist, and turned the season into an unforgettable celebration!

This guide will walk you through the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Japan, from dazzling light displays to unique holiday traditions, ensuring you experience the season like a local!

The History of Christmas in Japan
Japan’s Christmas story started back in the 16th century when Jesuit missionaries brought it over. But it wasn’t until after World War II, with the country’s growing global influence, that Christmas really took off. Even though Christmas has Christian roots, only about 1% of Japan’s population identifies as Christian, so today, it’s all about fun celebrations, festive shopping, and social get-togethers, minus religious ties.

Celebrate Christmas in Japan like locals!

Explore the gorgeous Christmas lights

An illuminated tunnel of twinkling golden lights with people walking through.Pin
image: Japantravel.com

Christmas lights in Japan are whole works of art rather than merely ordinary decorations! 

From the countryside to Tokyo, cities are transformed into dazzling winter wonderlands with breathtaking light displays that will wow you. 

Mid-November marks the beginning of the enchanted illumination season, which lasts until New Year’s. 

You can sense the electrifying buzz of delight and joyful sentiments created by these lights, which are more than just gorgeous.

Top spots to see the magic:

  • Tokyo Midtown: Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, this place hosts one of the coolest light shows around. The “Starlight Garden” fuses cutting-edge tech with artistic design that makes it one of the city’s top spots for a light-filled evening.
  • Roppongi Hills: If you’re in for something a bit more romantic, Roppongi Hills has a lot to please you! With families and couples having a good time along the bright Keyakizaka Street and the Tokyo Tower in the distance, this is the ideal spot to get into the Christmas spirit.
  • Shibuya Ao no Dokutsu (Blue Cave): Have you ever dreamed of walking through a tunnel of light? Well, now you can at Ao no Dokutsu! Thousands of mesmerizing blue LED lights illuminate a magical pathway right in the heart of Shibuya. It’s like entering a whole new world!
  • Nabana no Sato (Mie Prefecture): Have you heard about Nabana no Sato? It is known as one of Japan’s most famous illumination events, where millions of LED lights come together to create breathtaking themed displays. It sounds intriguing, doesn’t it?

Pro Tips for Enjoying the Lights:

  • Nights in Japan can get pretty chilly, so don’t skimp on that cozy jacket or scarf!
  • If you want a bit of peace and quiet, visit earlier in the evening before the crowds flood in.
  • You’ll definitely want to snap a pic of these incredible lights. Just a heads-up but no flash photography, please!

Recommended Reading


Fun Fact
The lights don’t just stop at Christmas. In fact, many of these displays stick around through New Year’s, so you can ring in the new year surrounded by twinkling magic!

You can even take a day trip if you want to skip the Christmas crowd! Get away from Tokyo and explore Japan’s natural wonders, including the World Heritage Sites of Mount Fuji and Hakone, in a single day

Make your Christmas Eve romantic

 a couple are having a romantic dinnerPin

In Japan, Christmas Eve is often considered the most romantic day of the year, akin to Valentine’s Day in the West. 

It’s a day for couples to enjoy intimate dinners, stroll through illuminated streets, and even spend the night in a luxurious hotel.

Ideas for a romantic Christmas Eve:

  • Book a fancy dinner: Many upscale restaurants in Japan offer special Christmas courses, usually with French or Italian cuisine. Try something like roasted meats, delicate pastries, and perfectly paired wines. Remember, it’s best to book in advance, as places fill up quickly during the festive season.
  • Take in city views: Why not enjoy a romantic moment with a view with your beloved? Tokyo Skytree or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers fantastic observation decks where you can take in the panoramic skyline, especially with the city glowing below.
  • Take a walk through illuminated streets: Take a hand-in-hand walk through places like Marunouchi or Omotesando. These areas, with their high-end shops and festive lights, provide a magical backdrop for a Christmas Eve date.

Local Insight
In Japan, Christmas Eve dates are a big deal for couples. Many also exchange gifts on this day, making it one of the most cherished times of the year for romantic gestures.

Take a full-day Tokyo bus tour with your loved ones! But if you have less time, you can even take the 6-hour Tokyo tour
You can also explore Tokyo on a go-kart tour. It is a fun way to wander around the city. 

Savor a traditional Japan Christmas food: KFC

 Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) advertisement for a "Kentucky Christmas" meal promotion in Japan.Pin
image: Fodors.com

In Japan, one of the quirkiest Christmas traditions is eating KFC. 

Thanks to a wildly successful marketing campaign in the 1970s, KFC became a symbol of Christmas celebrations in Japan. 

It’s so popular that many people order their festive meals months in advance!

How to enjoy the KFC tradition:

  • Pre-order: KFC stores are packed during the Christmas season, so pre-ordering your festive bucket through the website or phone is crucial to avoid long waits.
  • Festive meal: The Christmas bucket often includes fried chicken, sides like mashed potatoes and coleslaw, and a special cake. It’s the Japanese version of a holiday feast.
  • Not Into Fried Chicken?: If you’re not a fan of fried chicken, check out department stores or supermarkets that offer roast chicken and turkey sets for a more familiar Christmas dinner.

Sweet tooth?

a sponge cake topped with fresh strawberries and whipped creamPin

Did you know that many Japanese bakeries also offer a traditional Christmas cake?! 

It’s a light sponge cake topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream – so delicious! 

This cake is a beloved holiday treat and is often enjoyed alongside the famous KFC meal.

Want to try authentic Japanese food? Try the Osaka food tour where your local guide will take you to a handful of hidden eateries that have been featured on the hit Netflix series “Somebody Feed Phil.” 

Explore Christmas markets for a European vibe

 people are roaming in the Christmas marketPin
image: En.activityjapan.com

Christmas markets in Japan bring an authentic European holiday charm. 

With wooden stalls, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and handmade goods, these markets make you feel like you’ve entered into a festive town square in Germany or Austria.

Notable markets to visit:

  • Tokyo Christmas Market (Hibiya Park): This lively market is one of Japan’s biggest and truly captures that cozy, German-style Christmas vibe. Savor the tasty treats, browse for charming ornaments, and warm up with a cup of hot mulled wine—it’s the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.
  • Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Market: Set right by the scenic waterfront, this market is a must-visit with its towering Christmas tree and an amazing range of handcrafted goods. The atmosphere is pure holiday magic, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
  • Osaka’s Umeda Sky Building Market: For a more cozy, intimate feel, head over to this charming spot. You’ll find authentic German wares, live performances, and mouthwatering seasonal snacks to make your holiday outing unforgettable.

What to do at the markets:

  • Taste seasonal treats: Try hot chocolate, sausages, or roasted chestnuts. Don’t forget to sip on mulled wine or hot cider to warm up!
  • Shop for gifts: Christmas markets are perfect for picking up unique souvenirs like handmade ornaments, wooden toys, and festive decorations.
  • Enjoy the entertainment: Many markets feature live entertainment such as carol singing and folk music, making it a joyful experience for all ages.

Fact Check:
In 2019, the Tokyo Christmas Market in Hibiya Park saw over 200,000 visitors, making it one of the top holiday destinations in the city for both locals and tourists alike!

Attend a Christmas concert or themed performance

children dressed up as Santa playing instruments on stagePin
image: Thechuggernauts.com

Japan is always bursting with excitement to celebrate the holiday season with music and performances! 

Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy the beautiful sounds of classical music, catchy pop tunes, or festive-themed shows. 

No matter what you enjoy, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this magical time of year in Japan. 

Concerts and shows to enjoy:

  • Classical Concerts: Head to venues like Suntory Hall or Tokyo Opera City for a Christmas concert featuring orchestras playing beloved carols. 
    Top-tier musicians usually perform these events, and they are perfect for those seeking a refined Christmas experience.
  • Theme park shows: Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan host enchanting Christmas parades, themed musical performances, and dazzling fireworks. 
    The holiday ambiance in these parks is unlike any other, with festive shows that bring your favorite characters to life.
  • Church services: If you’re looking for a more traditional experience, attend a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service at one of the local churches. 
    Many major cities, including Tokyo and Osaka, have English-speaking churches that welcome visitors to their services.

Sumo wrestling is an ancient tradition, possibly even older than Japan itself! Come and experience a thrilling sumo show that is perfect for both adults and children. Learn all about the rules and rituals of sumo wrestling with bilingual commentary.

Fun Fact
Did you know that Tokyo Disneyland is known for its extravagant Christmas parades? They incorporate everything from elaborate floats to dancers dressed as your favorite Disney characters, all set to festive music.

Get into Japanese winter traditions

 people are relaxing in the hot springs in snowy weather.Pin
image: weblogtheworld.com

Japan has its own winter traditions, many of which are tied to both Christmas and the New Year. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in these activities.

Winter traditions to experience:

  • Onsen Visits: Soak in a traditional Japanese hot spring (onsen) after a long day of sightseeing. 
    Popular onsen towns like Hakone or Kusatsu offer the ultimate winter relaxation experience.
  • Skiing and Snowboarding: If you love winter sports, Japan is famous for its ski resorts in places like Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps, where you’ll find some of the best powder snow in the world. 
  • Seasonal Foods: Winter in Japan is the season for hearty foods like nabe (hot pot), oden (a hot stew), and sweet yuzu-flavored treats. Make sure to try some local winter specialties while you’re here.


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Researched & written by
Ankita Gupta is passionate about travel and enjoys discovering new places. Her favorite way to explore the world is by visiting beaches. She finds joy in feeling the sand between her toes and watching the waves roll in. Each beach offers a new story and a fresh perspective. Ankita’s travel adventures take her to various coastal destinations where she immerses herself in local cultures. She captures moments that tell vibrant stories and shares them with others. Her love for beaches and travel shines through in her writing, making her stories both engaging and inspiring. Favorite travel movie: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Next destination: Kenya

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