Written by Hanana, with photo notes from Hanakiki
Hi, I’m Hanana! Christmas in Japan surprises many visitors. It isn’t a national holiday, and most people go to work or school as usual. But the whole country still gets into the holiday mood with lights, cakes, and, yes, fried chicken. Here’s a friendly guide to how Japan does Christmas.
At a glance
- Where: All over Japan, especially big cities like Tokyo
- When: Decorations go up in early November; the main celebration is on Christmas Eve, December 24
- Good to know: December 25 is a regular working day. New Year’s is the big family holiday in Japan
What to eat & try
Fried chicken on Christmas Eve
One of the most famous Japanese Christmas customs is eating fried chicken. Since turkey is hard to find in Japan, fried chicken became a popular, easy choice for a holiday dinner, helped along by advertising in the 1970s. Today, many families reserve a holiday chicken set weeks in advance, and you’ll see long lines at chicken shops on December 24.
- Try it like a local: Supermarkets, convenience stores, and department store food halls all sell holiday chicken in December. Pick some up and enjoy a picnic-style dinner at your hotel.
Christmas cake
The other must-have is the Christmas cake: a sponge cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Families often eat it on Christmas Eve after dinner. Bakeries start taking reservations in November, and the catalog of cake designs is a seasonal treat in itself. (Read more in our article on Tokyo’s winter lights and the Japanese Christmas cake.)
Other seasonal treats
- Stollen and panettone: European holiday breads have become popular at Japanese bakeries.
- Seasonal convenience store sweets: In December, convenience stores fill their shelves with limited-edition Christmas desserts. It’s fun to browse.
What to see
Illuminations everywhere
Japanese cities put a lot of effort into winter illuminations. Tree-lined streets, shopping districts, and theme parks shine from November through December, and some stay lit until February. Many people enjoy them on a date or with friends.
Christmas markets
German-style Christmas markets have become popular in Japan. You’ll find wooden huts, ornaments, hot drinks, and big Christmas trees in cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, and Sapporo.
Hanakiki’s photo spot
Hanakiki’s camera note: Department stores and train stations put up giant Christmas trees in their atriums and entrance halls. Indoor trees are easy to shoot even on a cold or rainy day. Step back and include the people walking by, without showing their faces up close, to capture the busy holiday mood.
Event info
Christmas in Japan isn’t one single event, but here is a general guide to the season:
- Early November: Decorations and illuminations begin; cake reservations open
- Late November: Christmas markets open in many cities
- December 24 (Christmas Eve): The main celebration day, especially for couples and families
- December 25–26: Christmas decorations come down quickly as the country gets ready for New Year’s (many illuminations stay lit into January or February)
Dates for each illumination and market change every year.
Each event has its own official website. For travel information across Japan, see the Japan National Tourism Organization: https://www.japan.travel/en/
Please check the official website for the latest information before you go.
Travel tips
- Christmas Eve is a “date night”: In Japan, Christmas Eve is a romantic night, like Valentine’s Day in the US. Popular restaurants book up weeks ahead.
- Reserve your chicken and cake: If you want to try the full Japanese Christmas experience, order ahead. Walk-in shoppers on December 24 may face long lines or sold-out shelves.
- Business as usual: Shops, museums, and trains run normally on December 25, so it’s a good day for sightseeing.
- Get ready for New Year’s: Right after Christmas, the decorations switch to New Year’s items like pine and bamboo. It’s fascinating to watch the change overnight.
Book your trip
- Rail travel: Japan Rail Pass (official site): https://japanrailpass.net/en/
- Plan your trip: Japan National Tourism Organization: https://www.japan.travel/en/
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