Christmas in Japan: Modern Japanese traditions

Japanese people celebrate Christmas in a way that intertwines early Christian traditions with the traditions which are specific to Japan’s own rich culture. Japan is home to about two million Christians and there are a number of astounding churches that can be found across Japan’s astounding metropolis and countrysides, which are exemplar of modern practices around this time. What results is a uniquely Japanese way of celebrating Christmas.

25th of December is a working day for most of offices, public institutions and schools. Therefore, do not be surprised if your Japanese work colleagues send you emails over this period! However, people often put time aside to enjoy this time outside of their work time. Restaurants are known to experience great demand, especially from couples who see Christmas time as the perfect time to go on dates. Some Japanese families also gather at their homes and enjoy great dinners. Even the figure of Santa Claus is known and children can receive gifts. There are midnight masses held at churches and later masses for all those who can’t attend on Christmas Day itself. Christmas trees can be spotted in supermarkets and other public places, as well as other festive decorations. It is a time that certainly brings a lot of the light to people’s lives. 

For locals and visitors alike, spectacular winter illuminations and Christmas markets are held across Japan. Huis Ten Bosch ハウステンボズ - the Dutch-style theme park near Nagasaki, puts on illuminations every Christmas, lighting up buildings, shops, hotels, gardens with 12-meter-tall Christmas trees and a three-storey merry-go-round. There are also numbers of stalls with Christmas decoration and authentic Christmas food, drinks and crafts.

The finest illuminations can be found in Sapporo. White Illumination 札幌ホワイトイルミネーション and Christmas Fantasy クリスマスファンタジー at Ashikaga Flower Park あしかがフラワーパーク can be enjoyed with authentic Christmas atmosphere where German Christmas Markets are held at that time. The Tokyo Christmas Market in Hibiya Park also offers Christmas decorations, gifts, food and mulled wine, not to mention events abundant with fireworks and special Christmas menus hosted at Tokyo Disneyland.

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クリスマスおめでとう！ Kurismasu omedetō! Merry Christmas!