With Japan adopting Christmas as a modern holiday without any of the religious traditions (unless you’re part of the Japanese Christian communities), how does Japan celebrate Christmas? For the most part, the Japanese are not Christian and often do not participate in the Christmas mass.
Christmas in Japan is more of a commercial and romantic holiday than it is a traditional or religious one, like Valentine’s Day.
Either way, it is still time for you to spend it with your partner, friends, or family. While it doesn’t have the same significance as the Japanese New Year, it still does have its own traditions. You’ll start to see Christmas decorations in stores in November, along with decorated trees in shopping malls. These days, Christmas markets have also gained popularity, most notably in Tokyo.
From eating KFC and seeing beautiful winter illuminations to going to European-inspired Christmas markets, these are all of the most common activities you can do for Christmas in Japan.
History of Christmas in Japan
Christmas found its way to Japan when Portuguese Catholics introduced Christianity to the country in 1549, with the first Christmas mass held in Yamaguchi prefecture in 1552. These celebrations continued until 1645, when the Tokugawa Shogunate banned the religion, effectively preventing traditions such as Christmas from spreading.
This was changed during the Meiji Restoration when the religion became legal again, and the celebration of Christmas resumed. The first modern Christmas tree appeared in Ginza around 1910, and was decorated with Japanese ornaments such as small fans and paper lanterns.
However, according to JSTOR Daily, Christmas did not really become widespread until around the 1960s, first gaining traction during the post-World War II years when the US occupation helped to push the holiday. The Japanese media, along with Western pop culture increasingly flowing into Japan, also helped to popularise Christmas. It was often associated with modernity, ushering in Christmas as a new, contemporary holiday, fitting in neatly with New Year’s and even the Japanese celebrations of the Winter solstice.
With the religious aspects stripped away, Japan saw Christmas as secular, new, and in some cases even symbolic of democracy. It somewhat represented Japan’s rapid development and embrace of modernization, which helped the holiday become a widespread tradition in the country.
Why People Eat KFC During Christmas in Japan
In Japan, Christmas is largely about store-bought food, and the popular choice is roast or fried chicken. But why do so many people choose to eat at KFC for Christmas?
It is in such high demand that pre-orders are as early as November. In 2019, sales during this period reached a record 7.1 billion yen. This tradition started in 1974 and, according to KFC Japan, was started by Takeshi Okawara, the manager of the first KFC in Japan.
He, apparently, overheard a few foreigners in his store lamenting about the lack of turkey in Japan for Christmas. So he decided to make fried chicken to fill that gap for Christmas. However, nowadays, you can find markets selling turkeys around festive seasons such as Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Other Things to Eat for Christmas in Japan
Other fast-food outlets have also tried capitalizing on the Christmas season, such as the pizza industry. In 2016, Domino’s Japan made headlines when it attempted to train reindeer to deliver their Christmas orders in Hokkaido.
This idea was abandoned when they discovered that reindeer are a little tricky to control. Major pizza outlets such as Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and Pizza-la have their own Christmas and winter special toppings, such as roast chicken and vegetables.
When it comes to dessert, the most popular Christmas food is “Christmas cake”. It is essentially a shortcake, dressed up with seasonal decorations. The Japanese shortcake consists of layers of sponge cake, layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, and topped with whipped cream frosting. The first Christmas cake was sold in 1910 at Fujiya, a European-style bakery in Yokohama.
At that time, it was a fruitcake with dried fruits and liquor covered with sugar and liqueur. The current style only emerged in the late 1950s, and more people were able to enjoy it after the country became more prosperous following World War II.
During this period of economic growth, western style cakes became even more popular.
So while the strawberry shortcake remains the most popular, the Christmas cake market has become quite competitive, with other options including Buche de Noel, a traditional French confectionery.
All this can be purchased from department stores, hotels, bakeries, supermarkets, and even convenience stores. Just be sure to put your order in early to avoid disappointment!
Formal Christmas Dinner Courses in Tokyo & Surrounding Areas
If you’re not a fan of fried chicken, pizza, or other comfort foods, there are plenty of fine dining options for a more ceremonial Christmas celebration. Many restaurants and hotels have special Christmas dinner courses. Below is a very non-exhaustive list of deliciously wonderful courses:
1. Christmas Dinner at Grand Hyatt Tokyo
This year, at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, there will be Christmas cakes and bread, Christmas market afternoon tea, and Christmas dinner. Christmas dinner courses, featuring both Western and Japanese cuisines, will be available at restaurants and bars during the Christmas period.
- When: December 20 – December 25
- Price: ¥19,800 and above
2. Ana Intercontinental
They’re offering a Christmas and New Year premium buffet; this comes with options for champagne free flow, wine free flow or soft drink free slow (90 minutes). You can see a sample menu here. This is available between December and January.
Shooters Sports Bar & Grill in Nagoya
This has been a place for ex-pats to celebrate Christmas in Nagoya for over 20 years. Every year, they offer seasonal holiday dinner plates (with all the trimmings). Along with their eat-in dinner plates, they also offer fully cooked roast dinners for takeout.
When: December 23 – December 27
Christmas Illuminations in Japan
Winter illuminations around Christmas and New Year have become a popular part of the holiday period in Japan. The illuminations are usually displayed between November and December, but some run longer.
The first light show in Japan was Kobe’s Luminarie, held to commemorate the victims of the 1995 Kobe earthquake.
1. Tokyo Midtown Christmas (Tokyo)
Tokyo Midtown returns with its annual winter illumination as part of Midtown Christmas 2025. The event includes spectacular light and sound displays in the Midtown Garden, interactive installations, and one of Tokyo’s largest outdoor ice skating rinks set in a festive landscape. The theme changes yearly but always blends artistic lighting with winter holiday charm.
- Access: Direct from Roppongi Station (Exit 8)
- Dates: November 13 – December 25, 2025
- Hours: 17:00 – 23:00 (ice rink 11:00–21:00, seasonal)
- Admission: Free for garden illuminations (ice skating requires a ticket)
2. Marunouchi Illumination (Tokyo)
A classic winter illumination along Marunouchi’s Nakadori Avenue near Tokyo Station, where thousands of champagne-gold LEDs decorate the trees and streets, creating a refined and festive mood popular with couples and families alike.
- Access: A short walk from Tokyo Station (Marunouchi Exit)
- Dates: November 13, 2025 – February 15, 2026
- Hours: 16:00 – 23:00 (until midnight in December)
- Admission: Free
3. Shinjuku Southern Terrace Winter Illumination (Tokyo)
The southern exit area of Shinjuku Station, including Takashimaya Times Square and Southern Terrace, is lit with warm winter lighting and decorative installations. The illumination path connects several plazas and is ideal for an evening stroll after shopping or dinner.
Access: Walk from Shinjuku Station (South Exit)
Dates: November 12, 2025 – February 15, 2026
Hours: 17:00 – 23:00
Admission: Free
4. Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination (Tokyo)
Also called Ao no Dokutsu, this popular blue LED light tunnel decorates the pedestrian stretch near NHK and connects toward Yoyogi Park. It creates a shimmering, otherworldly effect that’s become a favorite photo spot each winter.
- Access: 1-minute from Shibuya Station
- Dates: December 4 – December 25, 2025
- Hours: 17:00 – 22:00
- Admission: Free
5. Tokyo Mega Illumination (Tokyo)
Tokyo Mega Illumination at Oi Racecourse is one of the largest light events in the Tokyo area, featuring millions of LEDs across several themed areas. It often includes Twinkle Tunnel and seasonal collaborations, enhancing the immersive experience with AR and color-changing LED landscapes.
- Access: Oi Keibajo-Mae Station (Tokyo Monorail) + buses
- Dates: Typically October – January (exact schedule varies)
- Hours: ~16:30 – 21:00
- Admission: Paid (varies by date)
6. Sagamiko Illumillion (Kanagawa)
One of the largest and longest illumination events in the Kanto area, Sagamiko Illumillion covers expansive grounds with interactive displays, light tunnels, animated shows, and music-synchronized lighting. The 2025 – 2026 event has a music-based theme across multiple zones.
- Access: Kanachu Bus from Sagamiko Station to Pleasure Forest
- Dates: Mid-November 2025 – early May 2026
- Hours: ~16:00 – 21:00
- Admission: Paid (varies)
7. Yomiuriland Jewellumination (Kanagawa)
The Yomiuriland amusement park is home to one of the largest illumination displays in the Tokyo area. It consists of 5 sections with different colors and themes, lit up by 4 million LEDs. Highlights of this event include the illuminated giant Ferris wheel and the light tunnel decorated in sapphire tones.
- Access: Keio Yomiuriland or Odakyu Yomiuriland Station
- Dates: October 23, 2025 – April 5, 2026
- Hours: 16:00 – ~20:30 (varies)
- Admission: Paid (entrance fee)
8. Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi)
One of Japan’s most iconic winter illuminations, Flower Fantasy at Ashikaga Flower Park uses millions of lights to depict seasonal flowers, creating pastoral landscapes that feel almost alive. It’s one of the region’s most photographed illumination events.
- Access: 3-minute walk from Ashikaga Flower Park Station (JR Ryomo Line)
- Dates: Mid-October 2025 – mid-February 2026
- Hours: 15:30 – ~20:30 (extended on weekends/holidays)
- Admission: Paid
9. Nabana no Sato (Kansai)
One of Mie Prefecture’s most well-known attractions, Nabana no Sato is a giant flower garden known for its variety of flowers and vegetation. In winter, it is transformed with over 8 million LEDs across 5 different sections, all with different colors and themes. The iconic part of this event is the 200m “tunnel of light”, with over 1.2 million lights across.
Access: Shuttle or bus from Nagashima Station
Dates: October 18, 2025 – May 31, 2026
Hours: ~Sunset to late evening
Admission: Paid (varies by season and special dates)
10. Huis Ten Bosch (Nagasaki)
In Nagasaki, Huis Ten Bosch hosts one of Japan’s largest illumination events, “Kingdom of Light,” featuring over 13 million bulbs across the recreated Dutch town, with seasonal shows, Christmas markets, and dynamic light programs that have won national acclaim.
- Access: Huis Ten Bosch Station
- Dates: Winter season (typically November–February)
- Hours: ~Evening to night (varies)
- Admission: Paid
Christmas Markets in Japan
German-style Christmas markets, particularly in Tokyo, have been popping up everywhere and are decorated with illuminations, Christmas trees, shops selling Christmas goods, and food stalls selling hot food and drinks.
1. The Peninsula Tokyo Christmas Market
The Peninsula Tokyo Christmas Market returns for the 2025 holiday season at the elegant Nakadori Café terrace right outside the hotel on Naka Dori Avenue. The market features holiday sweets, warm drinks, festive gifts, and even original items for dogs this year, perfect for pet lovers. There are also interactive family-friendly activities like gingerbread house decorating workshops (held on specific weekends) and a special letter-writing station where visitors can send holiday messages on exclusive postcards. The hotel’s beloved mascot, Pen Bear, will make appearances during select dates in December to add extra festive charm.
- Dates: Nov 1–Dec 28 (select days through the period)
- Hours: 12:00–18:00 (extended to 20:00 on December 23 – 25)
- Location: Nakadori Café – The Terrace, The Peninsula Tokyo, 1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku
2. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market
One of Japan’s most beloved Christmas markets returns for its 16th year with the theme “Time,” celebrating the long history of the historic Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse area. The event fills the Event Plaza and Red Brick Park with authentic German-style huts offering seasonal foods like sausages, mulled wine, stollen, waffles, and other festive treats. A massive 12-meter real fir Christmas tree decorated with more than 20,000 LED lights stands at the center, and light shows occur regularly throughout the evening. New areas like the Christmas Gate and Christmas Village offer additional decorations, photo spots, and food trucks.
- Dates: Nov 21 – Dec 25, 2025
- Hours: Nov 21: 17:00–21:00; Nov 22–Dec 5: 11:00–21:00; Dec 6–25: 11:00–22:00
- Location: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event Plaza & Red Brick Park, 1-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama
- Admission: ¥500 (some areas are free)
Christmas Eve Concerts & Festive Performances in Japan
Many hotels and venues in Tokyo host special Christmas concerts and dinner events around December 24–25. For example, The Peninsula Tokyo holds an annual “Christmas Concert with Tokyo Sinfonia” featuring seasonal music paired with a gourmet dinner program, a great option for those seeking a more elegant holiday experience
Christmas Ice Skating Rinks in Japan
During the Christmas period, numerous outdoor ice skating rinks open around Tokyo — from Roppongi Midtown to Yokohama’s Red Brick Warehouse and Tokyo Dome City. These pop-up rinks are festive places to enjoy winter weather and holiday lights while skating with friends, family, or that special someone. (This is a well-known seasonal activity, commonly associated with markets like Tokyo Christmas Market, featuring ice rinks as part of the holiday experience.
Charity & Festive Runs: Santa Run
If you’re looking for a different way to spend your holiday season, consider joining the Santa Run. It’s a charity event that started in Osaka in 2009 and now takes place in Tokyo at venues like Komazawa Olympic Park.
Participants can choose between a 4.3 km run or a 2 km walk along the jogging course. The fee is ¥3,300 (¥2,200 for university students and ¥1,100 for junior high school students and under), and it includes a handmade Santa costume.
The money goes towards gifts for hospitalized children in Japan and children who need medical care overseas. This makes for a fun and meaningful way to get into the Christmas spirit while supporting a good cause.
Conclusion: Spending Christmas in Japan Offers Endless Magical Experiences
Christmas in Japan may look a little different from Western traditions, but that’s what makes it so magical. From beautifully illuminated markets to festive food, charity runs, concerts, and winter pop-ups across Tokyo and Yokohama, there are endless ways to enjoy the holiday season.
If you’re hoping to enjoy these events even more, especially when chatting with vendors, navigating holiday crowds, or joining in seasonal activities, improving your Japanese can make a world of difference.
At Coto Academy, we offer practical, conversation-focused lessons that help you feel confident using Japanese in real-life situations, from casual small talk at Christmas markets to everyday communication. Our flexible part-time classes and full-time intensive courses are designed to match your goals and schedule so you can learn at your own pace.
If you want to make next year’s holiday season even more memorable, consider joining us at Coto Academy. Start your Japanese learning journey today by filling out the form below!
FAQs
Is Christmas a popular celebration in Japan?
While it has no cultural or religious significance, people in Japan celebrate Christmas and use it as a time to get together with their friends and family. Christmas Eve is considered a bigger deal than Christmas day over here.
Where should I go for Christmas in Tokyo?
There are a number of illuminations and markets you can visit in Tokyo. The Roppongi and Marunouchi Illumination are among the biggest illuminations, but you can always find them on the streets of Tokyo.
Is there snow at Christmas in Japan?
You can expect to see snow in Hokkaido and the northern parts of Honshu. However, it is very rare to have snow in Tokyo during Christmas.
Why do Japanese people eat KFC during Christmas in Japan?
Forty years ago, KFC Japan’s first manager, Takeshi Okawara, came up with the idea of selling “party bucket” on Christmas after he heard a couple of foreigners talk about how they missed fried chicken at this time of the year.
In 1974, KFC Japan launched a massive national Christmas marketing campaign and proved to be a huge success.
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