Happy Merry Christmas!
Today is December 24th, Christmas Eve. How are you spending it? Enjoying some good food? Or counting down the hours until presents arrive?
In Japan, Christmas isn’t really a religious holiday. Instead, it’s more of a seasonal event, and people enjoy it in all kinds of unique ways. It’s flexible, constantly evolving, and honestly…a little quirky in the best way. 😉
So today, I’d love to introduce 5 very Japanese “Christmas things” that you’ll often see around this time of year. These are picks from a fully Japanese perspective (hi, it’s me, Amigo 👋), so as you read, try comparing them with how Christmas is celebrated in your own country!
1. Christmas = A Romantic Event?!
In many countries, Christmas is strongly associated with family time. But in Japan? The image is completely different.
Japanese Christmas is, quite simply, a couple’s event.
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, many couples and married partners go out for special Christmas dinners. Around this time, cities all over Japan light up with beautiful illuminations, creating an extra-romantic atmosphere. Popular illumination spots can get incredibly crowded, but they’re absolutely worth seeing at least once.
📍 My Favorite Illumination Spots
・Huis Ten Bosch “Kingdom of Light” (Nagasaki / Sasebo)
https://travel.rakuten.co.jp/mytrip/amazing/hikarinookoku-guide
・Osaka Midosuji Illumination (Osaka / Midosuji)
https://www.hikari-kyoen.com/midosuji
A quick side note:
Winter illuminations are beautiful…but very cold! Many visitors don’t expect Japan to be so chilly in winter and are genuinely surprised. So if you’re visiting, be sure to dress warm and stay healthy. DEJAPAN also offers winter-friendly goods to keep you cozy. Check out our related blog for more!
Gift-Giving
Gift-giving between couples is also taken pretty seriously. Popular Christmas gifts include accessories, watches, and scarves. Rather than exchanging many small gifts with lots of people, couples often go for one thoughtful (and sometimes pricey) present for each other.
As for kids? These days, video games seem to be the top choice. 🎮
Personal story time:
When I was 6 and still believed in Santa, I wrote him a letter every year, and I always got a reply. But even as a kid, I had suspiciously sharp instincts…and I noticed that Santa’s handwriting looked exactly like my mom’s.
When I pointed this out, Santa’s replies suddenly switched from handwritten letters to computer-typed ones the next year.
And that’s how I learned the truth… 😅
Festive Christmas Vibes
Some travelers worry that Christmas in Japan might feel underwhelming since it’s not considered that important, but don’t worry at all. During the Christmas season, shopping malls and stores are filled with decorations, special displays, and seasonal goods. Just walking around town, you’ll constantly stumble upon Christmas vibes. If you’re visiting Japan in December, why not experience its uniquely romantic Christmas atmosphere?
One especially fun option is visiting a Christmas market. Originally from Germany, these markets sell hot wine, sausages, cakes, and other warm treats from outdoor stalls. Eating something hot under the cold winter sky feels extra special, and really reminds you how magical winter can be.
https://osaka-christmasmarket.com/about
🎥 We also explain the differences between Japanese and overseas Christmas traditions in this video. Check it out!
2. Christmas Eve Is Actually More Important Than Christmas Day
When it comes to Japan’s “romantic” Christmas culture, surveys show that over 80% of people choose Christmas Eve when inviting their romantic interest out. (Yes, Christmas Eve, not the 25th!)
In Japan, the night of December 24th is often considered the most romantic moment. Maybe people subconsciously see their partner as the “Santa” who brings presents that night…who knows?
Another personal story:
Let me share a slightly bitter memory from my study-abroad days in Australia.
On my first Christmas Eve there, I assumed everything would be open and bustling like in Japan. But when I stepped outside that morning…No one was around! Shopping malls were closed. Even supermarkets were shut.
I had planned to buy Christmas food that day…so I ended up spending Christmas Eve eating instant noodles. 😱
That experience really highlighted how different Christmas priorities are. In Japan, Christmas is often seen as a business opportunity, with events and products running right up to the day itself. Overseas, many people prioritize family time, closing shops, and slowing down work.
3. KFC and Strawberry Shortcake Everywhere
Spending Christmas in Japan for the first time and wondering what to prepare for dinner? Don’t worry, you only need two things!
Strawberry shortcake
That’s it. Seriously.
Many people do go out for fancy dinners, but if there’s a home party, KFC is the undefeated classic. KFC Japan even sells special Christmas sets by pre-order. Since whole turkeys aren’t easy to find, fried chicken became the go-to. Easy, affordable, and festive…perfect for an easy and convenient Christmas.
And strawberry shortcake? It’s practically synonymous with Christmas in Japan. Bakeries take reservations and lines get long. The white cream represents snow, and the red strawberries resemble Santa. At least, that’s the story.
Recently, making cakes at home has also become popular. You can even buy pre-baked sponge cake layers at supermarkets. Add whipped cream and strawberries, and voilà!
4. Limited-Edition Christmas Goods Everywhere
Japanese people love limited-time items…so Christmas is the prime season for them. And Starbucks? Always a crowd favorite. Every season brings new mugs, tumblers, and “bearistas.” Popular items often sell out on the release day.
https://www.starbucks.co.jp/seasonal-goods/
Curious about Japan-only Starbucks goods? Check them out! ✨
Seasonal food is also huge, especially visually. Many Christmas items lean toward strawberry flavors and bright red colors. 🍓
Krispy Kreme even has Santa and reindeer donuts. These treats are so popular with kids, and adults too! They’re cute, photogenic, and perfect for parties.
https://www.starbucks.co.jp/press_release/pr2026-5647.php
Random Thought:
Why does Japan turn everything into a Christmas tree?
Arranging food into tree shapes instantly makes it feel festive. There are tons of recipes online, and many people try them at home for Christmas parties. It looks great in photos and instantly brightens the table.
https://www.kewpie.co.jp/recipes/recipe/QP00010367
https://www.kewpie.co.jp/recipes/recipe/QP00010367
https://www.moranbong.co.jp/recipe/detail/9568.html
5. Cosplay and Oshikatsu Goes Full Christmas Mode
Christmas excitement isn’t limited to food. Anime and game franchises often release Christmas-only illustrations and goods.
This year, Demon Slayer Christmas items were especially popular, with a reindeer theme that was almost too cute to bear.
Chiikawa also released a Christmas lottery series, this time with snowman designs. (Momonga with earmuffs? Adorable.)
These limited items sell out fast, so many fans turn to flea-market apps like Mercari. If you’re looking to buy items from Japan-only flea market apps, DEJAPAN can help with proxy purchases. Learn more about us here!
In the growing “nuikatsu” (plushie activity) trend, people even dress their favorite plush toys in Santa outfits. Santa hats for plushies are easy to find, and it’s pretty fun to put them on just about anything.
Also, while Japanese people are usually shy, Christmas is one time when cosplay really shines. Affordable costumes are widely available, even at Don Quijote.
🎥 Niko went Christmas shopping in Japan, so be sure to watch this video!
Spending Christmas with loved ones, or celebrating with your favorite characters may take different forms, but that core feeling stays the same. And that’s what makes it special.
Conclusion
So, what did you think?
Christmas in Japan is known for the wide variety of ways people enjoy it. It’s a lively season filled with illuminations, special food, and gifts for loved ones or even yourself! Japanese people celebrate in many different ways.
…Wait. Do you hear that?
…Jingle, jingle… it sounds like reindeer bells. Looks like Santa is getting ready. Santa doesn’t visit those who stay up too late, so even if you’re looking forward to presents, it might be time to head to bed.
Thank you for spending this year with DEJAPAN! May your Christmas be filled with warmth, happiness, and wonderful memories. We hope DEJAPAN can bring a little extra joy and color to your everyday life next year as well!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! 🎄✨
