Japan is largely a secular country, so it’s not surprising that religious Christmas traditions aren’t widely practised here. Instead, Japan has created its own unique customs and ways to celebrate the holiday. Christmas in Japan is different from celebrations in other countries, and if you happen to spend winter here, it’s worth exploring these fun and distinct traditions. Read on to discover six ways to celebrate Christmas in Japan!
If you’re interested in Japanese celebrations, you might also enjoy learning about New Year traditions in Japan, which are just as fascinating!
Imagine strolling around the city, with Christmas songs playing in every shop, Christmas lights brightening up every street, and festive, limited-edition products on display everywhere you go. That’s Christmas in Japan!
1. The Meaning of Christmas in Japan
In Japan, Christmas is not usually celebrated in a religious way. Most Japanese people don’t attend church or have traditional Christian Christmas decorations. Instead, the focus of Christmas in Japan is on dressing up, enjoying elaborate illumination shows, going on dates (more on this later), and indulging in seasonal treats.
Unlike many other countries, Christmas in Japan is not a national holiday, and schools and companies stay open on 25 December. Schools celebrate by educating students about the origins of Christmas and by organising fun activities, while most Japanese offices don’t observe any special Christmas celebrations. However, some foreign companies based in Japan do decorate for the holiday.
2. The Lengthy Christmas Season
As soon as Halloween ends, Christmas in Japan is in full swing! The change is dramatic; Halloween decorations vanish overnight, replaced by Christmas themes on 1 November. Although Christmas is still nearly two months away, the season is celebrated early and enthusiastically.
At places like Disneyland, special Halloween decorations are quickly swapped for Christmas themes, transforming the park into a holiday wonderland. Japan truly embraces the idea of getting into the Christmas spirit well in advance.
3. Christmas Edition Everything!
Japan has a fondness for seasonal and limited-edition items, and Christmas is no exception. Christmas-themed gifts, products, and promotional campaigns flood the market during the holiday season. No matter where you go, you’ll find Japanese food, drinks, and even beauty products with Christmas designs and flavours.
Department stores are lavishly decorated, with enormous Christmas displays and banners. Every shop seems to have a “Christmas corner” filled with holiday-themed items, and red decorations brighten up every corner of town. Christmas in Japan certainly brings out a festive and commercial flair!
4. Christmas Decorations and Illuminations
On the other hand, cities and companies go all out. Japan is famous for its spectacular illumination displays during the winter season. For months, huge illumination shows appear everywhere—from theme parks and shopping malls to entire streets. Here are some popular illuminations to see during Christmas in Japan:
Light Festival – A festival where trees along main roads in Tokyo are lit up, drawing crowds of visitors to admire the enchanting displays.
Tokyo Mega Illumi – A dazzling light show featuring a Rainbow Fountain of Light, a Large Tree of Light and Aurora, Sparkling Cherry Blossoms, and a 100-metre Tunnel of Light.
Tokyo Midtown – Located in the city centre, this display features approximately 190,000 LED lights and 100 LED balloons.
5. Eating KFC for Christmas
One of the most unusual Christmas traditions in Japan is eating KFC fried chicken as the centrepiece of Christmas dinner. This custom began in the 1970s when KFC Japan’s CEO dressed up as Santa Claus and handed out KFC chicken to a local kindergarten, sparking a craze that made KFC’s fried chicken a Christmas staple.
Today, people in Japan pre-order their “Christmas Chicken” months in advance to ensure their holiday meal is sorted. Other chicken-focused companies and even convenience stores have joined the trend, creating Christmas meal packages to cater to the demand. Pair your KFC Christmas feast with Japanese beer or sake for a festive evening!
6. A Romantic Christmas Season
Unlike Western cultures, where Christmas is often a time for family gatherings and New Year’s Eve is for friends, in Japan, Christmas is primarily a holiday for couples. Christmas in Japan is viewed as a romantic holiday, even more so than Valentine’s Day.
During this season, couples enjoy candle-lit dinners, romantic trips, and outings to theme parks and aquariums. To escape the winter cold, many couples travel to southern Japan or relax in onsen, the traditional hot springs known for their mineral-rich waters.
Embracing Christmas in Japan
Christmas in Japan is a unique experience, with traditions and customs that might seem surprising to those used to Western celebrations. If you’re in Japan during the winter, celebrating Christmas the Japanese way is a refreshing change of pace. Discover the Japanese way of holiday cheer—explore Christmas illuminations, try limited-edition treats, and experience a KFC Christmas dinner!
Don’t forget to check out other Japanese foods, from ramen and yakitori to fusion dishes and izakaya favourites, to make the most of your visit. Christmas in Japan is truly a season of surprises and unforgettable experiences.
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