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 vegan Christmas market – but now, in recent years, there are more vegan establishments opening and more small vendors looking to provide Christmas cheer. Let’s dive in!
Vegan Christmas Market by Vegan Market JP at the Hive Jinnan – 11th December
Image credits: @veganmarketjp
Vegan Market JP will host their Vegan Christmas Market at The Hive Jinnan in Shibuya again for the second time running. Vegan Market JP is a community with a passion for creating animal and earth-friendly markets in Japan. The location, The Hive Jinnan is a beautiful co-working space with a variety of membership plans available, they hold regular events there too!
There will be a variety of different vegan food and drinks, as well as cruelty-free gifts and live music with collaboration from over 20 vendors! Vegan Market JP will also be raising money for Meat free Monday All Japan‘s Vege Aid project with a charity raffle table where you can win vegan gifts donated by various companies.
It’s free to join, and no reservations are required, but if you’d like to make sure there’s enough yummy food very everyone – why not click “Going” on the Facebook event page to let the vendors know how much to prepare?
📅Date: Sunday, December 11th, 2022
🕒Time: 11:00am to 6:00pm
📍Where: The Hive Jinnan, Shibuya (Map)
🎟️Free Entry
🔗Vegan Christmas Market Facebook
Christmas Fair at Alishan Park – 17th December
Image credits: Alishan Park Homepage
Organic and vegetarian cafe Alishan Park near Yoyogi Park are opening up their whole building for a special Christmas Fair on 17th December. Alishan Park is an organic cafe and shop right next to Yoyogi Park, run by Alishan Organic Center. Alishan Park 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 lots of activities to join. The cafe will serve a special Christmas menu with vegan meatballs, hot spice apple juice and more veggie and vegan yummy food. At the shop, you can browse Christmas gifts, wreaths, cards, baked goods and eco-friendly home products. Entry to the fair is free, and reservations are not required!
Why not get in the Christmas mood by joining Alishan’s workshops? Start the day with a Plogging (jogging x rubbish clearing) event with Alishan and THE WELLNESS LABORATORY. Then, throughout the day, Alishan will be hosting vegan baking, card-making, and candle arrangement workshops, perfect to bring in the holiday spirit. To join the workshops, check out the Alishan homepage and reserve to grab your spot.
📅Date: Saturday, December 17th, 2022
🕒Time: 10:00am to 6:00pm
📍Where: Alishan Park, Yoyogi Park (Map)
🎟️Free Entry
🔗Alishan Park Homepage
Christmas Market at Slow Ecolab – 17th December
Image credits: @slow_ecolab on Instagram
Vegan cafe and community Slow Ecolab will be hosting a Christmas Market this December in their cafe in Otsuka. Slow Ecolab is a vegan cafe and community space run by Ekolokal, a site providing useful information for eco-friendly living. The friendly, welcoming community holds various eco-living events and screens at the cafe (bookswaps, clothes swaps, eco markets etc.).
Visit Slow Ecolab Market to enjoy a festive Christmas atmosphere, try some delicious vegan food, and support local vendors and their handmade goods. There are opportunities to donate to charities too, and partake in the holiday spirit of giving.
Local vendors and their wares include
- Stephen Kissick – handmade wood-fired ceramics
- Wisteria Soap – handmade natural soaps
- Couture 4 Cameleon – vintage tenugui reusable bowl covers, bento bags, waterproof soap pouch (whose proceeds will go to Cameleon Association France fighting for children’s rights in France and in the Philippines)
- Yoga 4 Ukraine Project – a variety of items with Ukrainian designs like bags and shirts (whose proceeds will go to Razom For Ukraine to support the people of Ukraine. You can also support them by joining upcoming yoga classes – the next one is Sat 10th Dec in collaboration with Slow Ecolab: info here)
- Slow Ecolab – vegan food & drinks including Christmas limited edition menu items, bulk items
And who can say no to some delicious home-brewed mulled wine? It’s free to join the market, no reservation is required!
📅Date: Saturday, December 17th, 2022
🕒Time: 11:00am to 5:00pm
📍Where: Slow Ecolab, Minamiotsuka (Map)
🎟️Free Entry
🔗Slow Ecolab Instagram
Which Vegan-Friendly Christmas Markets Will You Visit?
Will you visit all of the above? I know I will! The Vegan Christmas Market at Jinnan is this weekend; there’s still time to clear your schedule! The markets are Alishan Park, and Slow Ecolab are both on 17th December next week, and I’m definitely planning to cover them both in one day for all the Christmas joy!
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.
