Tokyo Essentials

• Tokyo Japan Q&A
• Map Of Tokyo
• Flights To Tokyo
• Tokyo Train Map
• Tokyo Sightseeing
• Travel Japan
• Tokyo Facts

YOUR Tokyo

• Tokyo Video
• Tokyo Fun
• Take Our Poll
• Tokyo Shopping

Tokyo Extras

• Japanese Festivals
• Japanese Calendar
• Tokyo Museums
• Tokyo History

Food and Drink

• Tokyo Food
• Tokyo Izakaya

Day Trips & More

• Japan Travel Information
• Sightseeing Kyoto
• Nara Japan

Ever Wondered How To...

• Build A Travel Website

Like us? Help us out by giving us a thumbs up with your favorite bookmarking site!

Christmas In Japan

So what is Christmas in Japan all about? Is it celebrated at all?

The main religions you'll find here are Buddhism and Shintoism so the religious side of Christmas is not very strong.

The commercial aspects, however, are alive and kicking which means lights and illuminations, special events, Christmas parties, and more. Japanese New Year is a different matter. This is a very traditional affair event on the Japanese calendar with long celebrated rituals.

Christmas In Japan - What To Expect In Tokyo?

One thing you are guaranteed to see if you're here for Christmas in Tokyo is lights... sparkling, twinkling, blinking, and dazzling in all their glory.

Some areas in Tokyo have special areas set up that really are worth a visit if you're anything like us and enjoy this side of Christmas. We know it's not exactly 'green' but we love strolling through these areas on a cold evening when they're all lit up. It's cosy and gives us that lovely romantic feeling... yes we're romantics at heart.

One thing to note before we get started. Christmas in Japan does finish on December 25. One of the most important dates for Japanese people is New Year. Christmas lights and decorations will all come down on the 25th and will be replaced with the more traditional and, in our opinion at least, somehow more meaningful - in Japan at least - New Year decorations.

So where will you find these Christmas illuminations?

Tokyo Illuminations And Christmas Lights

Midtown Christmas - Midtown is one of the tall skycrapers you'll find in the heart of the city. In this case it's Roppongi. Midtown is where you'll find one of our favorite hotels in Tokyo. Check out our info on eating out at the Ritz Carlton Tokyo... and make sure to check out the Christmas lights - they're beautiful!

Roppongi Hills Artelligent Christmas - We've got to be honest and say this isn't always our favorite part of Tokyo but we have to say, Roppongi Hills certainly knows how to do Christmas in Japan! While you're there, enjoy the shopping and check out the Japanese garden that's tucked away at ground level.

Shinjuku Terrace City - For another beautiful show of lights Shinjuku is hard to beat. Take the South Exit from the station and then just take in the lights that surround you.

Caretta Shiodome - With distinctive themes year on year, Caretta Shiodome is another good venue if you like all things that twinkle when its Christmas in Japan! Displays usually last for 10 minutes in each 30 minute period so give yourselves time in case you arrive just as one show is finishing.

Odaiba - As one of our favorite areas in Tokyo to hang out and generally have a good time, we're happy to be able to include Odaiba on this list. With a huge Christmas tree that looks out over Tokyo Bay, the Odaiba illuminations are a good spot. Don't forget to check the restaurants in the area. You can have a romantic dinner looking out over the city and watching the world go by.

Ebisu Garden Place - Finally, another of our favorite areas in the city, Ebisu. Head to the East side of Ebisu to Ebisu Garden Place and you're in for a treat. You can grab a coffee at Benugo Coffee Shop, have something a little more alcoholic at Sapporo Beer Station, or take in the views from the top of the tower (floors 38 and 39) while you enjoy a delicious meal.