Illuminations and More Christmas Traditions in Japan!

Christmas in Japan is a special time, full of excitement, joy, and good food. Some unique customs and things are done differently, which might confuse you. Don’t worry; we’re here to help! Let’s look at illuminations and other events you can enjoy this year!

What is the history of Christmas in Japan?

Christmas has been celebrated in Japan since the 16th century, but it wasn’t widely celebrated until the Meiji Restoration (1868-1889), when the country opened again to foreigners. It became more popular after World War II, thanks to American soldiers who brought Western traditions. 

As we mentioned before, Christmas in Japan looks different. For starters, the season is short compared to in Western countries. Christmas marketing and decorations last until December 25 and then stop. Instead, they switch to the New Year, a bigger deal in Japanese culture. 

Christmas is also more of a secular holiday than a religious one since there are fewer Christians in Japan. Finally, Christmas Eve is all about love. Like Valentine’s Day, couples eat dinner together, go out on dates, and exchange gifts on December 24. 

What are some popular Japanese Christmas traditions?

When you think of Christmas food, you probably think of turkey. Well, in Japan, Kentucky Fried Chicken is the go-to Christmas meal. An estimated 3.6 million Japanese families order KFC party buckets each year. It’s so popular you need to order them six weeks in advance!  

Japanese Christmas cake is another classic. This sponge cake comes with strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, both on top of the cake and in between the layers. It used to be too expensive to buy or bake, but now you’ll find it at most family Christmas dinners.

Finally, there isn’t a push to give presents during Christmas. Most people, especially coworkers, wait until New Year instead. But don’t worry – Santa Claus always brings children one Christmas present.

Fun Activities for Japanese Christmas!

Christmas Markets

If you’re in Japan this December, visit the Tokyo Christmas Market at the Meiji Jingu Gaien. There, you’ll find vendors selling mulled wine and stollen, live German Christmas music, and the Christmas Pyramid, a 46-foot (45-meter) tall tree shipped from Germany. The dates for 2024 are TBA. 

Then there’s the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market. This year (2024), it is celebrating its 15th anniversary! It also has impressive decorations, including a tree with 20,000 LEDs and the Hütte where the market occurs. The dates for 2024 are November 22 to December 25.

Tokyo Disneyland 

We can’t forget Tokyo Disneyland’s Christmas parade! There are two: the daytime parade combines storytime and musical performances, and the nighttime one (Dreamlights) features brightly lit floats with characters from beloved Disney films. Both parades run from November 15 to December 25, 2024.

Are you looking for cute accessories to bring while you look at illuminations this year? Check out YumeTwins! YumeTwins sends all kinds of kawaii character goods – from Japanese plushies to stationery – right to your door so that you can enjoy your best kawaii lifestyle on your way!

Japanese Illuminations to Visit in the Winter!

Winter in Japan isn’t complete without breathtaking illuminations. Here are some of our favorites.

Tokyo Midtown

Every Christmas, there’s something new here. 2024’s display will have 560,000 lights and an installation with soap bubbles and snowflakes. Inside the Suntory Museum of Art is a Christmas tree with 1600 Santas. 

Dates: November 14-December 25, 2024

Times: 5-11 pm

Fee: Free

Nabana no Sato 

This plant nursery comes alive with over 5.8 million LED lights. There are also giant flower gardens and hot springs to enjoy. If you can’t make it during winter, don’t worry. The lights are lovely in the springtime, too.  

Dates: October 19, 2024-June 1, 2025 (closed some days)

Times: Sunset to 9:00 pm (10:00 pm some days) 

Fee: 1500-2500 JPY ($10-$16 USD)

Huis Ten Bosch

This theme park goes all out for Christmas, especially with its Kingdom of Lights. It also has amazing projection mapping and a stunning light-and-music show. And the fireworks are incredible! 

Dates: November 8, 2024-January 6, 2025

Times: 9 am to 9 pm Mondays to Thursdays, 9 am to 10 pm, weekends and holidays

Fee: 7400 JPY ($48 USD) for a 1-day pass

Why should I check out Christmas illuminations?

If you go to Japan for Christmas, you’ll see sights that might not be found in your home country. Dazzling illuminations at a park or shopping center are perfect for a photoshoot or romantic date. 

Then there’s the food. Japanese Christmas has a different menu, with fried chicken and strawberry-topped cake. You’ll love this new Christmas Eve meal, even if you miss pumpkin pie and turkey stuffing.

Finally, these traditions open you up to new experiences. You might spend more time with family instead of shopping. Or you’ll visit different places instead of the same old destinations. If you’re open and curious, this might be your best Christmas ever.

Christmas in Japan is a particular time, focusing on loved ones, brilliant displays, and mouthwatering goodies. While it might take time to adjust to these changes, you’ll come away with an appreciation for what’s important this season, especially illuminations! We hope you get to experience all this and more during the holidays. What is your favorite Japanese Christmas tradition? Share with us in the comments.