Christmas is approaching and even though Christmas in Japan might not be a religious holiday like many other countries, it surprisingly has quite the range of its own traditional foods and activities to do on this day special.
Christmas in many places is generally celebrated amongst loved ones and family, while Christmas in Japan is mostly considered a romantic occasion to exchange gifts and spend some time with their significant others.
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How to Celebrate Christmas in Japan
Eating Out
Japan is traditionally a Shintoist and Buddhist country, Christmas is not seen as a major holiday in Japan, so the 24th and 25th are typically regular working days. Generally people will book reservations at restaurants in advance as many popular spots get booked pretty quickly during this time of year. Some major hotels like ANA Continental hold holiday buffets that guests and visitors can book in advance.
Illuminations
Illuminations are a big part of welcoming winter, especially in Japan. Places like Omotesando and Roppongi Hills offer some of the best and most beautiful illuminations in Tokyo. While other places come with Christmas Markets where you can get into the Christmas spirit and shop for all kinds of Christmas goods.
Read more:
The Best Tokyo Christmas Illumination Installations of 2024/2025
What to Eat on Christmas in Japan?
Fried Chicken
Some families and friends will hold a Christmas party in the comfort of their own home which typically consists of having fried chicken. KFC has become the “traditional” Christmas meal in Japan to have on Christmas, that orders need to be booked in advance.
This years sales are predicted to exceed previous years, due to their wide range of offers on their menu.
Nowadays the popularity of fried chicken for Christmas has risen so much that even popular convenience stores and fast food chains are starting offering Christmas special menus and combos.
Christmas Cake
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After having the main meal, its time for some dessert! A simple sponge cake layered with strawberries and whipped cream is one of the most common Christmas desserts. Bookings for “kurisumasu keeki” (Christmas cake) start as early as the end of November and remain the favorite dessert of choice.
Other popular desserts to have on Christmas are log cake or Buche de Noel, pudding, mont blanc, and seasonal wagashi.
Christmas Decorations in Japan
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Christmas in Japan although not a recognized holiday, is often an exciting time for many. Major cities like Tokyo, will offer many illumination events as well as Christmas markets for the public to enjoy. When it comes to decorating at home, it really depends on the person and size of the home. Most people in apartments opt for small size Christmas trees as the space is limited, while others choose a regular size tree. As you walk the streets you may find homes and apartments with Christmas decorations as well as lights, it also depends on the rules of the apartment, whether or not decorations are allowed.
Spend Christmas in Japan
Spending Christmas in Japan doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot find a piece of the holiday here, but allows you to see bits and pieces of what you’d typically find at home mixed in with other traditions. How will you be spending Christmas?
Related Articles:
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- The Best Tokyo Christmas Illumination Installations of 2024/2025
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- Best Christmas Markets in Tokyo 2024
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