While Christmas is not an official state holiday in Japan, a magnificent Christmas decoration is a must. And neither should the Christmas cake nor KFC chicken be missing. Yes, you read it correctly, KFC chicken. Stores are normally open on December 24th. However, New Year’s is a much more significant event in Japan.
Table of Content:
- Christmas Day in Japan
- Winter illuminations in Japan
- Christmas markets
- Why Japanese eat KFC on Christmas Day?
- What is Japanese Christmas cake?
- Is Christmas a good time to visit Japan?
- My view on Christmas in Japan
Christmas in Japan is a time for couples and friends
The Christmas season in Japan is perceived a bit differently than in other places due to its distinct culture, customs, and religion. In the past, Christmas had no special significance or attention in Japan. Nowadays, it’s a bit different, and Christmas decorations can be seen almost everywhere. However, I think the Christmas season in Japan has become somewhat a commercial thing.
Christmas is not widely perceived as a Christian holiday in Japan. As only about 1% of the population is Christian. There is no tradition of setting up and decorating Christmas trees at home. Instead, Christmas in Japan is seen more as an ideal time for couples, and December 24th is considered by many as the most romantic day of the year. Couples typically reserve a spot for dinner at a nice restaurant and then take a stroll through the illuminated city.
Christmas Traditions in Japan
I wouldn’t really call it a tradition, but these things have become commonplace in Japan during Christmas over the years.
Christmas Illuminations
Christmas illuminations in Japan are on another level. Almost every shopping center, attraction, major station, and even smaller ones have some form of Christmas lighting. The bigger the station or the more famous the tourist spot, the more spectacular the decorations. Parks, castles, and shrines are also lit up, and special light events take place.
Typically starting in the fall in November, many shrines and temples are exceptionally open in the evenings. Just as the cherry blossom season is popular, the autumn season is equally so. Leaves are beautifully coloured in red, yellow, orange, and green, and night time illumination doubles the beauty. By the end of November, Christmas lighting gradually appears in the streets.
Eikando in Kyoto
Christmas Markets in Japan
Christmas markets can also be found in Japan, especially in larger cities. Some may have entrance fees. They are mainly focused on food. These markets often showcase German elements, such as wooden houses with German names, serving sausages, German beer, and dishes with German names. But no wonder, for example the Tokyo Christmas Market was sponsored by the German Tourism Association and the German Embassy.
However, Japanese occasionally add their own touch. In Tokyo near the famous Skytree tower, I came across a Japanese corn soup. In my recipe for Japanese corn soup, I mentioned that it’s perhaps the most famous soup in Japan, and it seems to be true.
Osaka also didn’t lag behind and organized Christmas markets in Tennoji Park. Again, beautiful lighting and people were sitting on blankets on the ground under illuminated trees. They served sausages, mulled wine, or Hungarian goulash, but there was also pizza, churros, and waffles.
What Do People Eat for Christmas in Japan?
It may sound crazy, but in Japan, there are two traditional Christmas foods – KFC chicken and a Christmas cake, which you’re going to buy, not bake at home. Japan doesn’t have a strong tradition of home baking.
Why KFC Chicken for Christmas in Japan?
Christmas was never a particularly celebrated occasion in Japan. They didn’t have centuries-old Christmas foods rooted in their traditions. Thus, there was room for some traditional Christmas food to emerge. Much of the credit for this goes to the manager of KFC in Japan, who came up with the idea of offering KFC party buckets for Christmas. This led to a massive marketing campaign that evidently succeeded. Perhaps this gentleman got a promotion. This happened in 1974, and since then, KFC chicken has become an integral part of Japanese Christmas.
The idea might have been so successful because it involves a bucket, which is ideal for sharing with friends or family. Since sharing meals with family and friends is a huge cultural thing in Japan, this idea quickly caught on. Nowadays, it’s so popular that reservations are made a month in advance! Otherwise, you may not be able to have this party bucket or end up waiting in a long line.
What is a Japanese Christmas Cake?
“Kurismasu kéki,” as the Japanese would pronounce it, is another popular Christmas food, or rather dessert. This idea came from the founder of a nationwide chain of confectioneries and restaurants that still operates in Japan. He drew inspiration from Western recipes, and the most traditional and perhaps the first version is a simple cake – a sponge cake with whipped cream and strawberries. Here’s a recipe for this simple cake with strawberries and whipped cream.
This cake is quite popular in Japan, and it can be easily found in cafes or grocery stores. However, nowadays the Christmas cake can be found in various types and flavours. In stores or cafes, you can see boards with pictures of different Christmas cakes. Orders are also accepted well in advance. Other cakes and cookies are also popular. In almost every department store, there is a section with food and ready-made meals, usually on the ground floor. There, you can find these Christmas cakes and various cookies with Christmas motifs, beautifully packed in boxes – ideal as gifts.
Is Christmas a good time to go to Japan?
Since Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan, everything operates as usual, with shops and attractions open. The pre-Christmas and Christmas period is also popular among locals. Cities are beautifully illuminated, special light events take place, and locals enjoy visiting Christmas markets.
I would recommend planning a visit to catch both the colorful autumn leaves and Christmas lights, ideally from mid-November to early December. Some Christmas lights and markets begin in cities as early as late November. In November, you can experience the vibrant autumn colors and visit illuminated temples in the evening, especially in Kyoto. However, be cautious as it can be challenging to estimate the right time. Japan regularly issues preliminary forecasts each year, estimating the best time to see the autumn foliage. November is already late for the northern parts of Japan, where autumn can begin as early as October, and there may be snow in November. It may also be late for some lower-lying areas even in the south, such as Nikko or Fuji, as they are in more mountainous regions. Usually, from mid to late November, Kyoto, Osaka, or Tokyo are at the peak of autumn.
My View on Christmas in Japan
The Christmas season in Japan can be truly beautiful. At least in terms of decorations and lighting, they can outshine many other countries. It creates an incredible atmosphere. However, some people say they feel lonely especially during this period. With all those couples around, it’s not surprising. Many foreigners would say that Christmas in Japan is not the real Christmas, especially for people from Europe. But that’s understandable. It’s a completely different culture. It can’t be entirely the same. The decorations are truly gorgeous, but what’s missing are traditional Christmas foods, Christmas wafers, the aroma of freshly baked homemade cookies, or carols. Oh, and Christmas movies are also missing. And what things can’t you imagine Christmas without?
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