In Japan, Christmas is widely celebrated more as a seasonal event than a religious occasion. December 25th is not a national holiday, and schools and businesses operate as usual, but the streets are adorned with spectacular illuminations that signal the arrival of winter.
At home, families gather around tables with chicken and shortcakes, while couples and friends exchange gifts, spending warm and peaceful time together. Christmas Eve is especially considered a special night for couples, with restaurants and hotels throughout the city bustling with many pairs.
This article provides a detailed explanation of Japan’s unique Christmas culture, which has taken root as a day to feel connected with others, free from religious constraints.
1. Is Christmas Celebrated in Japan?
Christmas is widely enjoyed in Japan as well, but it is not a religious occasion like in the West. Since December 25th is not a holiday in Japan, schools and companies operate as usual. On the other hand, the streets are brightened with illuminations, restaurants prepare special menus, and many people enjoy the seasonal event.
Christmas in Japan is less of a family-centered occasion and more strongly associated with a romantic day spent with lovers or friends. Especially on Christmas Eve, many people tend to plan dates with dinner and small gifts. International visitors can fully enjoy the lively winter atmosphere by incorporating street walks and night view sightseeing around the 24th.
2. Japanese Christmas Traditions
Japanese streets at Christmas shine with illuminations, and bakeries display strawberry shortcakes. Japan-style celebrations have taken root across the country, including couples dining out, small gift exchanges, and families sharing chicken and sweets.
Here we introduce how Christmas is spent in Japan.
2-1. Japanese Christmas Cakes
When it comes to Japanese Christmas cakes, the standard is shortcake topped with pure white whipped cream and vibrant strawberries. Layering light, sweet cream on fluffy sponge cake, it is both visually and tastefully gorgeous, cherished as a winter tradition.
It is common for families and couples to gather around cakes on Christmas Eve, with patisseries and convenience stores starting reservations from November. Variations are becoming richer each year, including chocolate flavor and pistachio flavor.
2-2. KFC
Surprisingly, the essential Christmas food in Japan is “fried chicken.” Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in particular has become established as a Christmas dinner staple. This originated from a KFC campaign in the 1970s, “Kentucky for Christmas,” and now many households reserve chicken buckets to enjoy.
On Christmas day, long lines form in front of stores, and reservations are sometimes closed more than a month in advance. Since it allows people to easily enjoy a party atmosphere at home rather than dining out, this custom is supported by people of all ages. International visitors can also experience a Japanese-style “chicken Christmas” in their hotel rooms by making advance reservations.
2-3. Winter Illuminations
What symbolizes Japanese winter are the illuminations held throughout the country. From mid-November to around February, street trees, parks, and shopping malls shine with millions of LED lights.
Illuminations are also popular as date spots for couples, where you can enjoy a romantic night unique to Japan. Since it’s a severely cold season, make sure to go out with proper cold-weather protection such as gloves and scarves.
2-4. Japanese Christmas Markets
Japanese Christmas markets are events modeled after traditional German markets and are gaining popularity year by year. Wooden stalls display hot wine, sausages, baked goods, ornaments, and more, warmly welcoming visitors.
Authentic markets are held throughout Japan, where you can enjoy a European atmosphere just as it is. Many venues offer free admission, and it’s recommended to visit them together with evening illuminations. Cute miscellaneous goods and winter-limited sweets make perfect souvenirs and will be an unforgettable experience for international visitors.
2-5. Christmas Gifts for Couples and Friends
In Japan, Christmas is known as a “lovers’ day.” Christmas Eve in particular is considered a special night, when couples exchange gifts and enjoy dinner at restaurants. Popular gifts include accessories, perfume, scarves, and sweets, with preference given to heartfelt gifts that are not too flashy.
Among friends, a culture of exchanging small gifts such as miscellaneous goods and sweets has also spread. Christmas gifts are warmly embraced in Japan as an opportunity to convey feelings to important people.
2-6. Tokyo Disneyland
The Christmas season at Tokyo Disneyland is truly a magical world.From early November to December 25th, the entire park transforms into Christmas mode, featuring tree lightings, limited shows, and character costumes.
At night, illuminations light up, allowing you to spend a special day in a fantastical atmosphere. If you want to avoid crowds, weekday or morning entry is recommended. Since tickets are date-specific, be sure to book early. With abundant limited goods and sweets, it’s a perfect spot for family and couple trips.
2-7. Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)
At Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka, Christmas events are held from mid-November to early January. The park is decorated with giant trees and illuminations, enveloped in a gorgeous atmosphere day and night. Christmas shows featuring characters like Minions, Snoopy, and Sesame Street are enjoyable for everyone from children to adults.
Christmas at USJ is a special winter experience unique to Japan, fusing entertainment with fantastical production.
3. Christmas Weather in Japan
Christmas weather in Japan varies greatly by region. From early December, cold air masses strengthen their southward movement, and especially on the Sea of Japan side, snow clouds tend to develop, with white Christmases sometimes occurring in Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Hokuriku. Meanwhile, in Pacific-side cities like Tokyo and Osaka, clear weather continues and snow rarely falls.
Temperatures are around 10°C during the day, dropping to below 5°C at night in some areas. When enjoying illuminations and markets outdoors, be sure to protect against the cold with coats, scarves, and gloves. Especially warming “neck, wrists, and ankles” helps prevent the whole body from getting cold. Since cold transfers from the feet, tights, thick socks, and kairo warmers are also useful.
Japanese winter has clear air, making night views and light decorations even more beautiful. With proper cold-weather preparations, you can comfortably enjoy Japan’s fantastical Christmas unique to winter.
Conclusion
Japanese Christmas has developed in its own style while incorporating Western traditions. Homely customs of enjoying Kentucky Fried Chicken chicken and strawberry shortcakes, romantic time spent with lovers and friends, and illuminations decorating the entire country are loved by many as winter traditions. Especially in urban areas, it’s popular as a date spot, while in Hokkaido and Hokuriku, you can enjoy white Christmas in snowy landscapes. This season when entire cities are wrapped in light is a special time that symbolizes Japanese winter.
With proper cold-weather preparations, wearing gloves and scarves when going out, you can comfortably enjoy fantastical night views and markets. Please fully savor Japanese Christmas, where culture and seasonal beauty merge.
*This article is based on information available as of November 2025.
