Christmas in Japan is one of the most surprising cultural experiences for international travelers. While the holiday is not traditionally religious in Japan, it has evolved into a joyful, light-filled celebration filled with romance, family fun, and delicious seasonal trends. For many visitors, discovering how Japan interprets Christmas becomes a delightful part of winter travel. Here are some fascinating insights and fun facts about how Christmas is celebrated across the country.
If you’ve ever wondered how do Japanese celebrate Christmas, you might be surprised to learn that the holiday looks quite different from Western traditions.
- 1. Christmas in Japan Is Not a National Holiday
- 2. Christmas Eve Is Considered a Romantic Night
- 3. The Famous Christmas Meal: Kentucky Fried Chicken
- 4. Christmas Cakes: A Sweet Japanese Tradition
- 5. Illuminations: One of Japan’s Best Winter Experiences
- 6. Christmas Music and Decorations Everywhere
- 7. When Parents Become Santa in Japan
- 8. Christmas Markets Inspired by Europe
- 9. Disney, USJ, and Theme Parks Go All Out
- 10. Japan Shifts Quickly from Christmas to New Year
- Conclusion
1. Christmas in Japan Is Not a National Holiday
One of the most surprising facts is that December 25 is not a public holiday in Japan. Schools remain open, offices operate normally, and daily life proceeds as usual. Because Christmas never historically played a major religious role, the day has been shaped instead by pop culture, commercial trends, and modern family traditions.
Despite this, cities across Japan overflow with festive decorations, Christmas trees, and spectacular winter illuminations from late November through December. Even though it’s a regular working day, the Christmas spirit still feels remarkably alive.
2. Christmas Eve Is Considered a Romantic Night
In Western countries, Christmas Eve is often a time for family gatherings. In Japan, however, Christmas Eve is much closer to Valentine’s Day in spirit.
For many couples, December 24 is:
- A night for romantic dinners
- Viewing holiday illuminations
- Exchanging small gifts
- Staying at hotels that offer special “Christmas Eve packages”
Restaurant reservations—especially for Western-style or upscale dining—can be difficult to secure without advance planning. For international visitors, this romantic atmosphere can be a charming and unexpected cultural twist.
3. The Famous Christmas Meal: Kentucky Fried Chicken
Perhaps the most iconic Japanese Christmas tradition is eating KFC. This custom began in the 1970s when Kentucky Fried Chicken launched a highly successful marketing campaign titled “Kentucky for Christmas.”
Today:
- Families pre-order special “Christmas Party Barrels”
- Popular sets include fried chicken, cake, salad, and holiday-themed buckets
- KFC locations may have long lines or require advanced reservations
This tradition surprises many foreign visitors, but it has become so deeply rooted that for many Japanese families, it simply isn’t Christmas without KFC.
4. Christmas Cakes: A Sweet Japanese Tradition
Another unique custom is the Japanese Christmas cake—typically a fluffy sponge cake topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Why strawberries?
Because red and white are traditional colors of celebration and good fortune in Japan.
These cakes are:
- Sold in convenience stores, bakeries, and department store basements
- Often reserved weeks in advance
- A symbol of happiness and celebration
Many cafes and hotels also offer seasonal desserts such as Yule logs, mont blanc pastries, and limited-edition sweets available only in December.
5. Illuminations: One of Japan’s Best Winter Experiences
Christmas in Japan is incomplete without winter illuminations—massive light displays that transform city streets, shopping districts, and parks into glowing landscapes.
Some of the most famous illumination spots include:
- Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills
- Shibuya Blue Cave
- Shinjuku Southern Terrace
- Yokohama Minato Mirai
- Kobe Luminarie
These spectacular displays draw millions of visitors each year and are a highlight for travelers looking to capture magical nighttime photos.
6. Christmas Music and Decorations Everywhere
From late November, Japan becomes filled with:
- Christmas trees
- Wreaths and garlands
- Santa-themed displays
- Festive background music in cafes, malls, and train stations
While the holiday may not be religious for most people, the aesthetics of Christmas are enthusiastically embraced. Department stores in particular put significant effort into decorations, creating immersive holiday atmospheres.
7. When Parents Become Santa in Japan
In Japan, Christmas is often celebrated more as a joyful family event than a religious holiday, and one charming tradition is how parents take on the role of Santa Claus.
Instead of waiting for a real Santa to visit, Japanese parents secretly prepare gifts for their children, placing them beside the bed or under a small tree late at night. Kids wake up excited, believing Santa has arrived just for them.
Many families enjoy this warm tradition, creating magical memories at home. Even though Christmas isn’t an official holiday in Japan, the spirit of giving—and a little Christmas magic—lives on through parents who happily play Santa.
8. Christmas Markets Inspired by Europe
In recent years, European-style Christmas markets have become popular in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo.
These markets often feature:
- German sausages
- Mulled wine
- Handmade ornaments
- Holiday music
- Wooden huts and festive decorations
Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills and Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse host two of the most beloved Christmas markets in the country.
9. Disney, USJ, and Theme Parks Go All Out
Japan’s major theme parks become incredibly festive during the Christmas season.
At Tokyo Disney Resort, visitors enjoy:
- Holiday parades
- Christmas-themed shows
- Limited-edition merchandise
- Seasonal snacks and decorations
Universal Studios Japan in Osaka also hosts spectacular winter events and special nighttime shows. These parks are hugely popular with families, couples, and international visitors seeking holiday fun.
10. Japan Shifts Quickly from Christmas to New Year
Another surprising cultural detail:
On the morning of December 26, all Christmas decorations disappear.
Japan wastes no time transitioning into the country’s most important annual holiday—New Year’s (Oshogatsu). Decorations change from Christmas trees to traditional pine and bamboo ornaments called kadomatsu, symbolizing good fortune for the coming year.
For travelers, this sudden shift can be fascinating to watch.
Conclusion
Christmas in Japan is a unique blend of Western influences, local customs, and modern pop culture. It is not a religious holiday, nor a family-centered celebration, but rather a joyful and visually stunning season filled with romance, festive lights, delicious treats, and fun surprises. Whether you’re strolling through illuminated streets, enjoying a Christmas market, or trying Japan’s famous Christmas cake, the holiday season offers international travelers a warm and memorable experience.
