Looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit in Japan? Try visiting Christmas markets! 🤍🎄⛄️
You can experience the warm, merry atmosphere by trying different seasonal foods, shopping for the perfect presents and enjoying all the Christmas lights and festive decorations. Christmas markets first originated from Germany, so many Christmas markets in Japan are modelled after European Christmas markets, allowing you to experience a recreation of classic markets from all over Europe!
Feeling the Christmas spirit yet? Check out our favorite Christmas markets all over the country below!
Christmas Markets in Japan You Should Not Miss!
Tokyo Christmas Market in Meiji Jingu Gaien
Located in the heart of Tokyo, the Tokyo Christmas Market at Meiji Jingu Gaien is set to run from November 19 to December 25, 2024. Known for its grand 14-meter-tall Christmas pyramid shipped directly from Germany, this market creates an authentic European Christmas experience with a Japanese twist.
Alongside this iconic centerpiece, visitors can browse through dozens of stalls offering handmade ornaments, traditional German foods like bratwurst and pretzels, and a selection of warm mulled wine. Live performances are scheduled daily, including choirs singing both German and Japanese holiday classics.
Entry fees are ¥1,000 on weekdays, ¥1,500 on weekends, and ¥2,000 from December 23 to 25, making it a wonderful option for anyone seeking a festive experience with a strong cultural flair.
Roppongi Hills Christmas Market
From November 7 to December 25, the Roppongi Hills Christmas Market at O-Yane Plaza in Tokyo will bring a taste of Germany’s famous Stuttgart Christmas Market to the bustling Roppongi district. This market is perfect for those who want to dive into Christmas shopping, with over 1,500 festive items on display, including traditional ornaments, crafts, and holiday decorations.
Inspired by the centuries-old Christmas markets of Europe, it also features seasonal German treats like sausages, stollen, and glühwein. Entry is free, making it a great spot to stroll, shop, and snack while soaking up the holiday ambiance in one of Tokyo’s trendiest areas.
Tokyo Skytree Town’s Dream Christmas Market
Tokyo Skytree Town’s Dream Christmas Market offers another enchanting option for holiday fun from November 7 to December 25. Located in the Sky Arena near Tokyo Skytree, this market combines festive food, seasonal drinks, and magical illuminations.
The towering Skytree provides a stunning backdrop as visitors explore the Christmas stalls, where a variety of Japanese and international holiday snacks await. The illuminations light up each evening, adding a magical sparkle to the area. Entry to the market is free, making it a popular choice for families and couples looking for an accessible and scenic holiday outing.
Christmas Market in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
In nearby Yokohama, the Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market will take place from November 22 to December 25, set against the picturesque Yokohama Bay. This market is known for its European-style decor, complete with a 10-meter Christmas tree adorned with festive lights and ornaments.
The market features a range of German-inspired food, including sausages, hot cider, and freshly baked pastries. The Red Brick Warehouse’s historic architecture and waterfront location add a nostalgic touch to the festivities, making it a beautiful setting for holiday photos and gatherings.
Entry is free, and the market opens daily, generally from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with extended hours on certain days.
Sapporo German Christmas Market
Celebrating the longstanding sister-city relationship between Sapporo and Munich, the Sapporo German Christmas Market will be held at Odori Park from November 25 to December 24. This market offers a truly immersive experience, with authentic German crafts, holiday foods, and live performances by artists from Japan and Germany.
Visitors can indulge in holiday staples such as sausages, German beer, and spiced cookies while shopping for handcrafted ornaments and festive decorations. The market is free to enter and provides a delightful holiday experience for residents and visitors alike, set against the snowy backdrop of Sapporo.
Fukuoka Christmas Market
Finally, Fukuoka’s Christmas Market is one of the country’s largest and liveliest, held at both Hakata Station and Tenjin from November 16 to December 25. With its two central locations, this market lights up Fukuoka with a spectacular array of Christmas stalls, decorations, and live performances.
The market’s offerings include international treats, hot drinks, and holiday-themed crafts, with weekday hours from 16:45 to 23:00 and weekend hours starting from noon. Known for its festive energy and family-friendly atmosphere, the Fukuoka Christmas Market attracts locals and tourists alike, making it a wonderful place to celebrate the season.
Ready to Feel the Christmas Spirit?
Each of these Christmas markets brings a unique slice of holiday cheer to Japan, offering visitors a chance to experience traditional German markets with a Japanese twist. Whether in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Sapporo, or Fukuoka, these markets provide an opportunity to enjoy seasonal treats, handcrafted goods, and the joyous spirit of Christmas.
If you’re planning your winter holidays in Japan, why not make a cosy café crawl part of your itinerary? And for an expert-crafted plan tailored to your tastes, check out Flip Japan Guide Travel Planner. Here’s to a season filled with warmth, flavour, and festive memories!
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