Have you ever visited Christmas markets in Japan before and loved the atmosphere but wished there was something vegan you could eat? Are you looking for eco-conscious, locally-made gifts for your friends and family? Then this is the article for you! Read on to find the best vegan and eco-friendly markets opening in Tokyo this winter.
Our Favourite Vegan, Eco-Friendly Christmas Markets in Tokyo
A few years ago, you would be surprised by any mention of a Christmas market with vegan options – but now, in recent years, more vegan establishments are opening and more small vendors are looking to provide Christmas cheer. Let’s dive in!
Christmas Fair at Alishan Park – 7th December
Image credits: Alishan Park Homepage
Visit Organic and vegetarian cafe Alishan Park near Yoyogi Park for a special Christmas Fair on Saturday 7th December. Alishan Park is an organic cafe and shop next to Yoyogi Park, run by Alishan Organic Center and is a perfect place to enjoy some delicious food after a morning stroll. They regularly hold crafting, wellness and eco events at the cafe space.
At the Fair, there will be tasty treats, popups from other shops and many activities to join. The cafe will serve a special Christmas menu of Christmas stew with roasted veggies, gingerbread vegan cheesecake, chewy brownies, hot apple cider, and more. At the shop, you can browse Christmas cards, knitted hats, and fresh produce, and Alishan products will have a 15% discount too!
Why not get in the Christmas mood by joining Alishan’s workshops? Refresh with some plogging in the park, join a parents & kids’ Christmas tea ceremony, partake in a vegan cooking class, renew your wardrobe at the clothes swap, get creative at the art fair, and join a talk show. There’s so much to do!
📅Date: Saturday, December 7th, 2024
🕒Time:
Cafe & Shop 11:00am-9:00pm
Pop-up & Workshops 11:30am-5:30pm *check out the link below for each workshop and pop-up time
📍Where: Alishan Park, Yoyogi Park (Map)
🎟️Free Entry (workshops are paid and require reservations)
🔗Alishan Park Homepage
Responsible Marché Xmas Edition – 14th December
Image credits: Responsbile Marché
Community co-working space Impact HUB will be hosting the Responsible Marché – Xmas Edition this December in Meguro. The Global Hub, with connections to over 100 cities around the world, brings together a diverse range of entrepreneurship, working styles, industries and cultures and holds various responsible eco-living events.
Visit the Responsible Marché for a festive holiday atmosphere, try some delicious vegan food, enjoy hot wine and hands-on workshops, and support local vendors and their handmade goods. There will be a selection of local vendors where you can buy vegan cheese, fair trade products handmade in the West Bank of Palestine, vegan cosmetics made in Japan and more. The outside space will host an organic farmer corner and bicycle maintenance station, so don’t miss out!
📅Date: Saturday, December 14th, 2024
🕒Time:
11:00am – 6:00pm
📍Where: Impact HUB, Meguro (Map)
🎟️Free Entry (workshops are paid and require reservations)
🔗Responsible Marché Instagram
Azabudai Hills Christmas Market
For something a little different, you can visit Azabudai Hills, a modern urban village filled with nature and greenery.
Where the above events are held on a specific day, promising a cosy, community-based atmosphere, the Azabudai Hills Christmas Market lasts a few weeks. While the market is similar to other mainstream Christmas markets (such as Roppongi and Ebisu), and the main focus isn’t centred around sustainability, it’s exciting to see a few vegan and ethical options at such a large event!
The Market, which will feature a huge LED bulb-lit Christmas tree, a visit from Santa, and food and drink stalls from various shops and restaurants selling Christmas items from multiple countries, will also include vegan soups, fir tree shaped stollen and spicy mulled wine by vegan restaurant 8ablish!
📅Date: Saturday, November 23rd ~ Wednesday, December 25th, 2024
🕒Time: 11:00 am- 9:00 pm
📍Where: Azabudai Hills, Minato City (Map)
🎟️Free Entry
🔗Azabudai Hills website
Which Vegan-Friendly Christmas Markets Will You Visit?
Which of the Christmas markets will you visit? I know I’m planning to visit them all! I hope to see you there!
Related articles:
- Christmas in Japan: Japanese Traditional Ways to Spend Christmas
- The Best Organic Supermarket in The Greater Tokyo Area
- Enjoying Japan With Dietary Restrictions and Food Allergies
- Top 6 Vegan Restaurants in Tokyo
What are the traditional ways to enjoy Christmas in Japan? Read this article to find out!
Christmas in Japan: Japanese Traditional Ways to Spend Christmas
Read our guide on enjoying Japan with dietary restrictions.
