For those worried about spending the holiday season in Japan and concerned they won’t be able to celebrate, rest assured! Let us introduce you to some of the best spots in Tokyo to enjoy the sights, eat the best Christmas foods, and spend time with friends and family.
Christmas isn’t officially a holiday in Japan, but those coming from abroad who want to celebrate during the Christmas season needn’t feel disheartened. There are plenty of things to do in Tokyo as the days grow shorter.
You may have already heard the fact that fried chicken—specifically KFC—is a popular Christmas dinner in Japan. However, what’s less commonly known is that Christmas in Japan is considered more of a couple’s holiday, while New Year’s is the time for family celebrations. For this reason, there are plenty of activities and events to experience. To help you make the most of the season, we’ve rounded up some of our staff’s favorite spots for celebrating Christmas in and around Tokyo.
Afternoon Tea
Not so much a specific location as an activity, afternoon tea is perfect for spending time with friends, family, or a significant other. Tokyo offers a wide range of themed afternoon teas throughout the year, and Christmas is no exception. Whether it’s Santa-shaped bonbons or seasonal scones, there’s something for everyone. While Japanese afternoon teas tend to be sweeter than those in the UK, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.
Some notable afternoon teas offer stunning views, like those at the Okura Hotel, the Sun & Moon Restaurant at the top of Roppongi’s Mori Tower, or the 36th-floor view from the Prince Gallery Luxury Collection Hotel. Other venues, while not boasting such breathtaking views, offer excellent selections as well. Websites like Ikyuu feature a wide variety of options and a ranking system, making it easy to find the perfect spot.
Ebisu Yebisu Garden Place
Ebisu is a wonderful area to explore, and if you’re only familiar with the beer, it’s time to visit the Yebisu Garden Place. Not only are they hosting a stunning light display sponsored by Baccarat and the French Embassy, but there are also plenty of delicious things to eat, and of course, beer to drink. This year is especially exciting as it marks the 30th anniversary of Yebisu Garden Place, so the atmosphere is more magical than ever. Mulled wine paired with coconut chicken curry is a surprisingly comforting combination. All this while being overlooked by a beautiful 32ft (10m) Christmas tree.
T-Site Daikanyama
This is a personal favorite: a huge, beautiful bookstore with curated cafes and reading spaces, enough to make any bookworm swoon. T-Site isn’t just a great place to shop for gifts for bookish loved ones—it also hosts limited-time events celebrating authors, illustrators, and artists. This winter, they’re offering a Winter Fantasy Lounge, selling wreaths, and running a Christmas tea shop. Whether you’re looking to buy something or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere, alone or with friends, T-Site is a great place to unwind from the holiday rush.
Meiji Jingugaien
Inspired by European—specifically German—Christmas markets, the Christmas Market at Meiji Jingugaien is a must-see. With an almost 46-foot (14-meter) Christmas Tree Pyramid as its centerpiece, this year’s market is set to be the largest on record. The Tokyo Christmas Market will feature 28 food vendors, 7 concession stands, and 18 other attractions. This year, three renowned Japanese pastry chefs (Hiroaki Tsujiguchi, Toshihiko Yoroizuka, and Koji Tsuchiya) will be showcasing their delectable creations. There’s also an ice skating rink for those looking to show off their skating skills. Entrance to the market costs ¥2,000 for adults and ¥1,000 for children, making it one of the few paid events on this list. Please note that additional costs apply for activities like the ice rink.
Tokyo Tower/Shiba Park
The Christmas market by Tokyo Tower is made even more festive by the sparkling tower itself. This year’s theme is “Orange Illumination.” Light displays, or illuminations, are incredibly popular in Japan during the holiday season, and this one is no exception. The market features 120 illuminated windmills, 42,000 LED lights, and live fir trees, along with periodic bubbles of fog, making it a perfect photo spot. Food options include churros, hot cocoa, sausages, meat stew, and cheese gratin.
Other Activities
If you’re looking for something a little different this holiday season, here are a few additional options to consider. Whether you’re after something unique for its own sake or for personal reasons, try booking a wreath-making or pottery class. Creating a homemade gift or decoration is a wonderful alternative to buying something pre-made. Or, booking a class and experiencing it together is another great idea. While December might be a little crowded, booking something for early next year gives you something to look forward to—a memorable experience that will last much longer than a gift. Tokyo offers plenty of opportunities to support local artisans, so it’s worth checking out.
We hope you’re feeling inspired to visit some of these locations and try some of these activities. Feel free to reach out and let us know if there are any we missed! Keep warm and rest well, happy new year! よいお年を!
