Tokyo Christmas Market: Visit to have a cozy end-of-year time

メリークリスマス — or meriokurisumasu! Every year on December, several Tokyo Christmas markets start popping up. Despite not celebrating Christmas as a religious holiday, Japan has been influenced by European and Western countries.

Today, the Japanese are celebrating Christmas as an occasion of happiness. Aside from their own Christmas traditions, such as eating Kentucky Fried Chicken, it is also a day popular among couples.

Japanese treat Christmas eve, December 24, similar to Valentine’s day. Friends also get together and exchange gifts during this season of gifting.

Don’t miss out on this jolly season and read on to find out more about the Christmas market in Japan!

Want to know how else to enjoy Christmas in Japan? Check out our article for the 10 best winter illuminations in Tokyo!

Tokyo Christmas Market

True to its name, Tokyo Christmas Market is not to be missed out on. Held annually since 2015, it is currently the largest Christmas market in Tokyo with a huge variety of stalls. 

Backed up by the German Tourism Association and German Embassy, it is highly influenced by the European way of Christmas celebrations. Aside from the many European-style decorations and festival treats, Tokyo Christmas Market also features a 14 meters tall Christmas pyramid.

Live musical performances can also be found on the site, adding to the festive atmosphere. Of course, when shopping at such a place, you will definitely be spoiled for choice with many stalls offering decorations and gifts.

It is the perfect place to do some Christmas shopping and soak up the holiday spirit. The admission fee costs 1,000 yen per person and comes with a complimentary novelty mug.

Date: December 9–25
Location: Hibiya Park 1, Hibiyakoen, Chiyoda-ku

Yokohama Red Brick House Christmas Market

Another vastly popular Christmas Market in Japan, the Yokohama Red Brick House Christmas Market has been around since 2009. A traditional German-style market, it brings you straight to Europe with the ten-meter Christmas tree and decorative ornaments.

It is recommended to visit after 4 pm so as to watch the whole place light up and feel the magic of Christmas time.

Some dates require an entrance fee of 300 yen, so do make sure to check beforehand and make your relevant reservations. It is also conveniently located right beside an ice rink, perfect for those who want to engage in fun activities.

Date: November 25 – December 25
Hours: 11am – 9pm
Location: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, 1-1 Shinko, Naka-ku

Roppongi Hills Christmas Market

Dating back to 2006, Roppongi Hills Christmas Market is the oldest one in Tokyo. Representing the Christmas market in Stuttgart, Germany, it carries the German tradition and boasts a huge wooden pyramid display with dolls and animals rotating on it.

There is no place better than to shop here in this shopping complex that even offers a Christmas tree shop, located on the first floor. It is your one-stop shop for all your Christmas shopping needs with the market offering wreaths, ornaments, and any other decorations you could possibly need.

Behind Roppongi Hills is a 400-meter stretch known as Keyakizaka Street, famous for its illumination that lights up from November 10 starting from 5 pm onwards.

Admission to both locations is free. Be sure to check out the breathtaking sight and enjoy the festivals by taking a stroll after your Christmas shopping for an unforgettable experience.

Date: Until December 25
Hours: 11am – 9pm 
Location: O-Yane Plaza, Roppongi Hills, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku

Akasaka Ark Hills Christmas

This year, the Akasaka Ark Hill complex imported its giant Christmas tree all the way from Hokkaido. In addition, they will be holding a Christmas market at the main square during the month of December. 

The Christmas concert at Karajan Square and their very own Christmas Hamper event are also ongoing celebratory events. During this period, the Hills Marche Market held on Saturdays will be transformed into a Christmas market, where you can find seasonal treats and decorations available.

No entry fee is required, but it is recommended to go after 8 pm as you do not want to miss out on the illuminations.

Date: November 19 – December 25
Hours: 8pm – 11pm (light-up period)
Location: Ark Hills, 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku

Yebisu Garden Place

Yebisu Garden Place is known for their old-European architecture, which makes it the perfect place to project a traditional Christmas market.

The front square will have various stands selling Christmas goods and seasonal food. However, the biggest show-stopper is the huge Baccarat crystal chandelier, made from over 8,000 crystal pieces and 250 lights, and a large Christmas tree in the center.

Date: Cancelled in 2022


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