Best Things in Japan On Christmas

Posted on 12/23/2022 Last updated on 01/11/2024

Christmas in Japan is celebrated in a very different way compared to other countries. How do we celebrate Christmas in Japan? What are the best things to do on Christmas?

Since only one percent (1%) of the whole population is Christian, December 25th is not a National Holiday. But that does not mean that we can not feel the spirit of Christmas. As a matter of fact, in Japan as early as November, we can already see the main streets dressed up with colorful Christmas lights. Although they commonly call these as Winter Illuminations, these have been popular attractions around Christmas until New Year in all of the main cities in Japan. And I recommend going out and exploring the streets of Japan during the Holiday Season.

Christmas Lights

Photo provided by W.A. Hori

In the Tokyo area, we can witness beautiful illumination displays in Shibuya at Miyashita Park’s Rooftop Garden. There’s a beautiful huge Christmas Tree and Purple lights. And closer to Shibuya is Harajuku’s Omohara Christmas Illumination where there are more than 20,000 lightbulbs formed like a starry forest and shooting stars.

Omotesando Illumination is also famous for its champagne-coloured led lights. But there’s a lot more in Tokyo aside from what I have mentioned. You just have to search and find your top picks because most of the areas that have bright illumination displays are shopping and dining places as well. Yes, Christmas in Japan is also about shopping, eating and drinking.

Photo provided by W.A. Hori

But if you prefer to visit and spend the Holiday Season in the countryside like Osaka, there’s the famous Midosuji Illumination, the perfect place also for shopping for your favorite luxury brands. I have not been to other Illumination displays except those that I have shared with you, but one thing for sure, almost all of the prefectures have a lot to offer every Christmas in Japan.

Not far from Tokyo is the Jewellumination at Yomiuri Land where we can witness the different colors and themes and a dance show in lights and music. Try exploring those places too.

Christmas Cakes

Photo provided by W.A. Hori

On Christmas day, they give presents to their loved ones and have Christmas meals with family members or friends. Japanese people have Christmas cakes on the table. After work on the 24th of December, we can see a lot of people in a queue in a cake shop, all buying a cake.

And these are not ordinary cakes. These are specially designed for Christmas. You can see beautifully and artistically done Christmas themed cakes in different flavors. And this is one of my most awaited moments on Christmas in Japan. I have to enjoy tasting different kinds of Christmas Cakes. Good thing, cakes in Japan are not that sweet. We can manage our sugar intake.

Christmas Dinner

Photo by cheetahさん

Have you heard about KFC Fried Chicken on Christmas in Japan? Yes, it is a big thing on Christmas for children. This week, I had Reading Comprehension and Writing in my English Class in 2nd Grade Class in Junior High School. The Japanese Teacher asked me to write three simple paragraphs about what it is like Christmas in the Philippines.

They were so amazed about the food that the Filipinos prepare for Christmas dinner. It was so strange for them to have those various traditional foods on the table. Then after that, it was their turn to write something about Christmas in Japan. I was thrilled to know that KFC Fried Chicken is their popular food for Christmas dinner aside from their Christmas Cake. They usually buy a Christmas Party Bucket.

Christmas in Japan may be different from my country’s usual traditions, but there is one thing I noticed. It has the same spirit of merry-making, gift-giving, and spreading happiness and love to all.

Merry Christmas, and a happy holiday season!

Ready to spend next Christmas in Japan yourself? You can in 2023 by becoming an Assistant Language Teacher with Borderlink! Even if you’re living overseas, there’s still time to apply!

Photo Credits:

Top Photo: pandaloveさん on PhotoAC

“Christmas Dinner” photo by cheetahさん on PhotoAC

All additional images provided by the original author, used with permission