Introduction: The Christmas in Japan You Never Imagined
In December, Japan’s streets glow with dazzling illuminations, festive window displays, and cheerful Christmas music, wrapping the entire city in a soft winter magic. Yet unlike the West, Christmas in Japan is not about family gatherings or religious rituals—it’s a celebration centered on couples’ dates, friends’ get-togethers, strawberry cakes, and fried chicken. Because of this unique cultural twist, our Japanese Christmas Event is designed to help you truly understand and experience Christmas the Japanese way.
Spending Christmas in Japan: Where to Go
Yokohama – For Christmas Markets & European Atmosphere: Yokohama is famous for its Christmas market and port-side illuminations. The German-style Christmas Market in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is very popular. Visitors can enjoy hot wine, Christmas food, and a warm European-style holiday atmosphere by the sea.
Nagasaki – For Western-Style Christmas & History: Nagasaki offers a unique Christmas experience with a strong Western influence. Because of its historical connection with Europe, the city has many Western-style buildings and churches. Huis Ten Bosch theme park is especially famous for its large-scale Christmas illuminations.
Karuizawa – For Resort-Style Christmas: Karuizawa is a stylish resort town popular during the Christmas season. It is known for its winter shopping, cafes, and romantic snowfall scenery. Many couples visit Karuizawa for a slow and elegant Christmas holiday.
Spending Christmas in Japan: What to Eat
Fried Chicken (KFC) – The Most Famous Japanese Christmas Food: Fried chicken is the most iconic Christmas food in Japan. Many families and couples order KFC weeks in advance. Eating fried chicken on Christmas has become a unique Japanese tradition that surprises many foreigners.
Christmas Cake – A Symbol of Celebration: A strawberry shortcake is the most popular Christmas dessert in Japan. It is usually decorated with strawberries, whipped cream, and Santa Claus figures. People buy Christmas cakes for home parties, couples, and office celebrations.
Limited Seasonal Christmas Food – Only in December: Many restaurants and cafes offer limited Christmas menu items. You can find Christmas sandwiches, themed drinks, and special desserts only during December. Seasonal food is a big part of Japanese food culture.
How to use Japanese in a Christmas scenario?
Christmas Greetings:
① メリークリスマス！Merii Kurisumasu!
② 今年もお世話になりました。メリークリスマス！Kotoshi mo osewa ni narimashita. Merii Kurisumasu!
Restaurant Reservations:
① 12月24日の夜、2名で予約できますか？Jū-ni gatsu nijū-yokka no yoru, ni-mei de yoyaku dekimasu ka?
② まだ空席はありますか？Mada kūseki wa arimasu ka?
Gift-Giving Conversations
① これ、クリスマスプレゼントです。Kore, Kurisumasu purezento desu.
② ありがとうございます！とても嬉しいです。Arigatō gozaimasu! Totemo ureshii desu.
Why You Need This
Christmas in Japan is very different from Western countries.
Courses at Toranomon Language School help you understand Japanese Christmas culture, food customs, and social etiquette, so you can avoid awkward or inappropriate situations.
What Will You Learn in the School?
At this school, you’ll learn the most practical Japanese—including Christmas greetings, restaurant reservations, and gift-giving conversations. You’ll dive into the cultural stories behind Japanese Christmas, such as the origins of the Christmas cake and fried chicken, the importance of Christmas Eve, and the fundamental differences from Western Christmas traditions.
Sign up for a free consultation today here to set up your learning plan!