How to Celebrate Christmas in Japan: Unique Traditions and Food

Do they celebrate Christmas in Japan? That is for sure. Though Christmas is not a traditional Japanese festival, the locals, especially couples, still love to get into the Christmas spirit every year. Like Christmas in the UK or the USA, Christmas in Japan also falls on December 25th, after Christmas Eve on December 24th.

But is Christmas big in Japan? You’ll see glittering lights and decorated Christmas trees in lots of streets and shops in cities like Tokyo, Sapporo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Restaurants, shopping malls, and onsen resorts will offer special Christmas events.

If you plan a winter trip to Japan during Christmas, it is good to know the unique Christmas traditions in Japan, such as KFC Christmas Dinner and Christmas Cake, and how to say Merry Christmas in Japanese. With our guide, you can also visit the best places in Japan with a Christmas atmosphere.

History of Christmas in Japan: Religious vs Cultural Aspects

As early as the end of the 19th century, Christmas was introduced to Japan by foreign missionaries Francis Xavier and merchants at the time. However, it was initially celebrated only within the Christian community. During the Edo period (1635 - 1853), when the shogunate imposed a ban on Christianity, Christmas was restricted, and only a small number of people secretly celebrated it.

In 1900, after the Meiji era lifted the ban on Christmas celebrations in Japan, the department store "Meijiya" first launched Christmas commercial promotions. After World War II, during the American occupation period, Japanese culture was further influenced by the West. As a result, department stores began to use Christmas for promotional activities, introducing Christmas trees, decorations, and gifts. In particular, in the 1970s, KFC's "Christmas Fried Chicken Campaign" became the most important modern Japanese Christmas tradition.

So, is it Christmas celebration in Japan related to religion? No actually. In Japan, the number of Christians is less than 2%, so most people do not consider Christmas a religious festival. However, 90% of young people celebrate Christmas in Japan, which is more like a date for couples, a gathering for friends, or a day of family togetherness.

When is Christmas in Japan?

Christmas Day

The date of Christmas in Japan is also December 25th. The festive atmosphere begins in mid-December - shopping malls, streets, and tourist attractions will set up Christmas lights and decorations in advance - and continues until the New Year.

Christmas Eve

In Japan, Christmas Eve, which falls on December 24th, is even more significant than Christmas Day itself. For couples, it is the most romantic day of the year - even the Tokyo Tower lights up to celebrate. Couples will spend the romantic night at the upscale restaurants, exchange Christmas gifts, and admire the Christmas illuminations. Therefore, there is a high possibility of heavy traffic at night, and the last subway train will extend its operation time thoughtfully.

Christmas Weather & What to Wear

Like other countries in the Northern Hemisphere, in Japan, during Christmas, it is winter and the temperature in most areas ranges from 0°C to 10°C. The average temperature in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region is around 5°C to -1°C, and there may be snowfall. In Tokyo, Osaka, and some other places, the weather is relatively mild, with an average temperature ranging from 2°C to 10°C.

We suggest that you and the children wear thick down jackets, waterproof snow boots, warm gloves, and hats in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. In Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, wear thick coats or down jackets, scarves, and gloves.

How Do They Celebrate Christmas in Japan: Top 7 Christmas Traditions

Around the world, Christmas brings people together. It anchors them in the happiest moment. If you are traveling to Japan, you can experience a few fun and unique Christmas Traditions in Japan.

KFC Christmas Dinner

Can you imagine eating KFC on Christmas in Japan? This is a special tradition in Japan - eating fried chicken on Christmas, especially KFC's fried chicken. This custom originated from KFC's advertising campaign in 1974. Due to this successful marketing, the KFC fried chicken feast has now become a must-have meal for Christmas in Japan.

Exaggeratedly, KFC sells approximately 3.6 million chicken buckets every December 24-25. Many people will make reservations weeks in advance; otherwise, they might have to wait in long queues for several hours.

Christmas Cake

At Christmas gatherings among couples, families, and friends, cakes are always a must. Christmas cakes in Japan are usually soft sponge cakes, covered with fresh cream and strawberries. The red and white color scheme symbolizes snow and the romance of winter. According to consumption data, Japan consumes 8 million Christmas cakes nationwide every December 24th.

Fantastic Christmas Illuminations & Decorations

From the end of November to the end of December, major cities in Japan will hold spectacular light shows, which are among the best places for couples to date, and are also highly favored by families and tourists. The most famous and popular ones include Marunouchi in Tokyo, Tokyo Midtown Hills, Osaka Midosuji, and the White Lantern Festival in Sapporo etc.

Christmas Eve as Date Night

In Japan, Christmas Eve is the most important date for couples throughout the year, just like Valentine's Day. Approximately 80% of couples choose to have their date on December 24th.

Many couples will even make reservations for high-end restaurants two to three months in advance to enjoy a romantic dinner on Christmas Eve. The exchange of meaningful gifts is an important part of the dinner. They may also book a romantic hotel package.

Of course, they will also go to watch the winter light show and visit the Christmas markets, among other things.

Christmas Markets

Big cities in Japan hold German-style Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkt), which is also one of the Christmas traditions in Japan. They sell mulled wine (Glühwein), German sausages, gingerbread, Christmas decorations, and handicrafts. If you are interested, the Outer Gardens of the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo and the Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama are the best places to visit. The markets often feature live music and lighting decorations, allowing you to experience a rich European festive atmosphere in Japan.

Japanese Santa Claus

Apart from the traditional Western version of Santa Claus, Japan also has its own version of Santa. Hoteiosho is a figure resembling the Buddhist Bodhisattva with a big belly and a smiling face, carrying a cloth bag and delivering gifts to children. There are also Santa Clauses dressed in kimonos.

Disney's Christmas Season and Theme Events

Every year, when the Christmas season arrives, Tokyo Disneyland offers special parades such as the Mickey's Magical Winter Fantasy Parade. There are also the Winter Magic Light Show at Hogwarts Castle and themed fireworks displays.

For families traveling in Japan with kids, and looking for more theme parks, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is also a nice place to enjoy various Christmas-themed activities.

Food for Christmas in Japan

What to eat at Christmas in Japan? Compared with the Western turkey feast, the Christmas delicacies in Japan are influenced by local traditions and culture.

Most Popular Christmas Meal

The previous text mentioned that KFC Christmas Chicken is the most typical food for Christmas in Japan, and is called "Japanese-style Christmas Turkey" - served with strawberry cream cake and even champagne.

In recent years, Christmas Pizza has also gradually gained popularity among young people and families in Japan, serving as part of the Christmas meal.

Steaks, pasta, or set meals are also popular Christmas meals. In big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, most Western restaurants will offer special Christmas menus. Some families or couples may choose this more "international" way to celebrate Christmas.

Of course, Japanese local food — sushi — is also commonly found at Christmas parties.

Christmas Market Treats

There are also many Christmas snacks at the Christmas market, such as Christmas pudding, chocolate, candy, pastries, stollen bread, and German sausage.

Christmas Decorations in Japan

Christmas Tree Ornaments

In Japan, Christmas tree decorations are often seen in homes, shopping malls, and cafes. Combining Western traditions with Japanese aesthetics, in addition to the usual Western Christmas tree decorations such as colored lights, bells, snowflake ornaments, and mini gift boxes, Japanese Christmas trees also incorporate unique Japanese cartoon elements such as Doraemon, Pikachu, and Hello Kitty. Glass balls with Japanese element patterns like Mount Fuji, Lucky Money Cat (Manekineko), and Bodhisattva, as well as handmade paper decorations in the shapes of paper cranes and folding fans, are also very popular.

Where to buy: MUJI, Tokyu Hands, LOFT, Don Quijote (Don Quixote), and Christmas pop-up markets.

Various Christmas Decorations

Cities' parks, shopping streets, and iconic buildings, such as Harajuku in Tokyo, Shibuya in Ikebukuro, Namba Park in Osaka, and Nagoya's Nagoya Grand Building in Nagoya, are decorated with lights, Christmas trees, or giant snowflakes.

During Christmas in Japan, it seems like a huge cartoon world. Cat-themed decorations can be seen everywhere. There are cat Christmas tree decorations, cat paw pendants, cat light strings, cat pop-up greeting cards, or little cat figurines wearing Christmas hats.

Christmas Clothes in Japan

Christmas also drives fashion trends in Japan. Young couples like to wear red and green sweaters paired with checkered scarves, Christmas hats, and elk hair headbands. Girls prefer the Christmas JK uniform, which consists of a checkered skirt and a Christmas-themed bow tie. Mini Christmas outfits for pets have also become part of the fashion - there are many cat Christmas costumes as well as Christmas hats for dogs and cats.

Where to buy: Uniqlo, GU, H&M, ZARA, Shibuya 109, Harajuku Laforet, Shinjuku OPA, as well as some pet fashion stores.

Christmas greetings: How to Say Merry Christmas in Japan

Where to Spend Christmas in Japan

Recommended Tokyo Kyoto Osaka Tour Packages:
★ 9-Day Japan Highlights Tour: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka
★ 11-Day Golden Route of Japan Tour with Hiroshima

White Christmas in Japan

Difference from Western Christmas Celebrations

The Christmas celebration in Japan is quite different from the traditional Christmas customs in European and American countries. It more prominently showcases the unique culture of Japan.

Planning Your Trip to Japan during Christmas with Hi Five Trip

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