Winter in Japan is a truly magical time. The air is crisp and clean, and a layer of sparkling snow blankets the landscape.
It’s the perfect time to enjoy some of the country’s most popular winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. And, of course, no trip to Japan during the winter would be complete without experiencing some of the unique Christmas traditions.
Read on to learn all about Christmas in Japan.
Christmas Eve Holiday Traditions in Japan
Before we dive into Christmas in Japan, let’s talk about Christmas Eve! In Japan, Christmas Eve is a time for families to come together and enjoy a special meal.
Christmas Eve is not a national holiday in Japan, so people typically go about their normal daily routines. However, some families may choose to spend the evening together and exchange gifts.
It’s also common for people to eat out on Christmas Eve since many restaurants are open as usual. So if you’re looking for something to do on Christmas Eve, you can always head to a restaurant or bar with friends!
Does Japan Celebrate Christmas in December?
Is Christmas one of the official Japanese holidays? No, Japan does not traditionally celebrate Christmas in December. Instead, Christmastime in Japan is a time for family, friends, and gift-giving, but the holiday itself is not widely celebrated.
While some Japanese put up lights and exchange presents, the vast majority of the population does not celebrate the holiday. Instead, they focus on New Year’s Eve, which is one the most important Japanese holiday.
If you’re looking for a traditional Christmas celebration, you’ll need to head somewhere else in December! If you want to try something new, Japan is for you.
Christmas in Japan is a relatively new holiday. The Christmas origins come from Western missionaries in the 19th century. However, the holiday quickly caught on, and today millions of Japanese people celebrate it. One tradition is sending Christmas cards, which became popular in the early 20th century.
Christmas trees are also a common sight during the holidays, and they are often decorated with lights and other decorations. Christmas trees have a unique history themself!
Gifts are also exchanged on Christmas, and many people give candles as gifts because they symbolize light and hope. As a result, Christmas in Japan is a colorful and joyous occasion for people of all ages to enjoy.
Does Japan Have a Santa?
Since the Christmas holiday is not widely celebrated in Japan, there is no need for Santa Claus. But there is a popular Christmas character in Japan known as Kurisumasu-Kun or Mr. Christmas. He is a jolly man who brings joy and happiness to children during the holiday season.
Holiday Traditions: Kentucky for Christmas
Ham and turkey might be the meat choices for Christmas time in the United States. But when you’re in Japan, you’ll find a lot of families going out for KFC! Kentucky for Christmas has been a tradition for a while, and it has a unique history.
It all started in 1974 when the fast food chain ran a Christmas promotion. They gave away free buckets of chicken if you ordered them in advance.
The promotion was so popular that it became an annual tradition. So, if you’re looking for something different this holiday season, try getting Kentucky Fried Chicken instead of turkey!
Do They Say Merry Christmas
Since the vast majority of Japanese citizens do not observe Christmas, they would not wish each other “Merry Christmas.” Some individuals who are familiar with Western culture may say “Merry Christmas” as politeness or a friendly gesture. So if someone says “Merry Christmas,” know it was special just for you.
More Popular Japanese Holidays
Now you know that Christmas isn’t a holiday that’s traditionally celebrated in Japan. But there are a lot of other seasonal holidays you should know about.
One of the most popular is koshogatsu or New Year’s Day. Families gather together to eat Sankranti rice cakes and soup, and children often receive gifts of money from their elders. Other popular holidays include Setsubun (the start of spring), Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day), and Tanabata (the star festival).
No matter what time of year you visit Japan, there’s always something special to experience. For instance, setsubun is the day before the start of spring in the lunar calendar.
Families celebrate by eating beans and throwing them out the door to scare away oni (demons). This is a fun holiday for kids, who get to dress up in demon masks and make a lot of noise!
Hinamatsuri, or Girls’ Day, the holiday lands on March 3rd. Families with daughters display dolls in their homes and eat special foods like Hina-arare (rice crackers) and chirashizushi (scattered sushi). This holiday is all about celebrating the health and happiness of young girls.
Tanabata, or the star festival, takes place on July 7th. This holiday commemorates the meeting of two star-crossed lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi. People write their wishes on strips of paper and hang them from bamboo branches. This is a fun festival for all ages, and it’s a great way to make some special memories with your family and friends.
Christmas Music Festivals in Japan
Christmas in Japan is a time for family, friends, and, of course, music! Music festivals are held annually across the country, featuring traditional Japanese and Western Christmas songs.
From Tokyo to Osaka, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the festive sounds of the season. And what could be more fun than dancing along to your favorite Christmas tunes with a group of friends? Whether you’re a die-hard fan of J-Pop or you just want to experience something different this holiday season, be sure to check out one of Japan’s many Christmas music festivals!
Tips for Visiting Japan During December
Japan is renowned for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, fiery autumn leaves, and pristine snow-capped mountains in winter. While many visitors come to Japan to enjoy the sights of nature, the country has much more to offer.
During the winter months, Japan comes alive with numerous festivals and events beyond music. From the biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in Asia to the unusual Snow Lantern Festival, there are plenty of festive activities to enjoy.
If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, you can always take a relaxing dip in one of Japan’s many hot springs or take in the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji (see also ‘When Did Mt Fuji Erupt Last? Is It Still Active?‘). No matter your interests, Japan has something to offer during the winter holidays.
December Weather in Japan
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, Japan is the place to be! December in Japan is typically cold and snowy, with temperatures averaging around freezing. During the warm season, prepare for the humidity levels.
The snowfall begins in the north of the country in November and gradually works its way south, so by December, the whole country is covered in a blanket of white. This makes for some beautiful scenery, especially when combined with traditional Japanese architecture. You’ll find that most of the country is decorated for Christmas, so if you’re looking for a festive atmosphere, Japan is the perfect place to be.
Winter Wonderland Scenes
Don’t be afraid to visit some of the tourist hot spots. Japan is full of them, and they are worth it.
Mount Fuji is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, after all. The mountain is stunning any time of year, but it’s especially beautiful in winter when it’s blanketed in snow.
If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, the small town of Shirakawa-go is worth a visit. This place is famous for its traditional thatched-roof houses known as gassho-zukuri.
It’s like stepping into a fairytale! The town is especially magical in winter. Get ready to take a lot of photos to commemorate your visit.
Finally, if you want to experience a truly unique winter event, head to Sapporo for the Snow Festival. This festival is held annually and features massive sculptures and snowmen made entirely from snow and ice. It’s an incredible sight to see!
Experience Christmas in Japan
Now you know all about Christmas in Japan. It’s not a traditionally celebrated holiday, but you’ll still be able to see a lot of fun things while you’re in town. Whether you’re looking for a breathtaking scene at mouth Fuji or a fun music concert, Japan has something for everyone.
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