Christmas in Japan 2024: The Ultimate Guide!

Celebrating Christmas in Japan is a unique experience that blends Western traditions with Japanese culture. During this time, the season comes alive with twinkling lights, romantic dinners, and fun activities! Let’s check out some cool things you can do this time of year!

What should I watch this Christmas?

This Christmas, you have some great options for movies and fun anime episodes that will get you into the holiday spirit! One movie you might enjoy is Until the Lights Come Back. It tells a touching story about hope and strength during tough times, perfect for the holidays. Another fun choice is It All Began When I Met You. This romantic movie takes place during Christmas and is a feel-good story that will warm your heart.

If you like anime, there are some fantastic Christmas episodes to check out! In Aggretsuko, the episode “We Wish You a Metal Christmas” shows Retsuko trying to have the perfect Christmas for social media. It’s funny and reminds us how vital real friendships are. Then there’s Cardcaptor Sakura with “Sakura’s Wonderful Christmas.” In this episode, Sakura goes on an adventure to find the best gift for her friend Yukito, which is filled with magic and excitement.

Finally, in Rent-A-Girlfriend, the episode “Christmas and Girlfriend” follows Kazuya as he deals with jealousy during the holidays, but it ends on a sweet note about friendship. These movies and anime episodes will bring joy and warmth to your holiday season! Happy watching!

What type of food should I try this Christmas?

This Christmas, why not treat yourself to some delicious Japanese food? One great option is to visit a Japanese buffet. Many hotels and restaurants in Japan offer special Christmas buffets featuring various dishes. You can enjoy everything from sushi to grilled meats and seasonal delicacies all in one place. Sharing a meal with family and friends while trying different flavors is fun.

Another tasty dish to try is mentaiko, which is spicy cod roe. This popular Japanese ingredient can be enjoyed in many ways, such as on top of rice, mixed into pasta, or even as a filling for onigiri (rice balls). Its unique flavor adds a special touch to any holiday meal and will impress your taste buds.

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What kind of drinks should I try this season?

You can visit a cute café that serves hot chocolate. Many cafés and bakeries have rich and creamy hot chocolate during winter. You can find a cozy spot with comfy chairs, grab a cup topped with whipped cream or marshmallows, and enjoy some time with friends or a good book.

If you want to enjoy something festive, check out a local market or winter festival where you can find gluhwein. This delicious spiced mulled wine is often served at outdoor events. Gluhwein’s lively atmosphere and warmth make it a great place to celebrate the holiday with family and friends.

While amazake is mainly enjoyed at home, you can also make it a part of your winter hangouts by inviting friends for a cozy gathering. You can prepare amazake together and enjoy it while playing games or watching movies. This winter, whether you’re sipping hot chocolate at a café, enjoying gluhwein at a festive market, or having a cozy night in with amazake at home, there are plenty of fun places to hang out and make great memories!

Where should I hang out this winter? 

This winter, there are some fantastic snowy places in Japan that you should visit. Aomori City is a great spot known for its beautiful winter scenery. You can see the colorful floats from the Aomori Nebuta Festival, displayed even in winter. The snow-covered landscape is perfect for outdoor fun like snowshoeing and sledding, and you can warm up with delicious local foods like miso ramen and fresh seafood.

Another fantastic place to check out is Toyama. This city is surrounded by stunning mountains that look incredible when covered in snow. You can explore the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, where you can see impressive snow walls and enjoy beautiful views. Toyama is also famous for its seafood, especially sweet shrimp, which you should try.

Lastly, Ginzan Onsen is a magical hot spring town that looks like a fairy tale in winter. The streets are lined with traditional wooden inns and glowing gas lamps against the snowy background. You can relax in the hot springs while enjoying the beautiful views of the town covered in snow. Because of its charming atmosphere, walking around Ginzan Onsen feels like stepping back in time.

Why is Christmas in Japan so special?

Christmas in Japan is special because it combines unique traditions with fun activities. Many people enjoy the holiday as a time to be happy with friends and family. During the holidays, cities are beautifully decorated with lights and illuminations, creating a magical atmosphere. 

Many people like to watch Christmas movies and enjoy warm drinks with friends, making it a cozy time. You can also find Christmas buffets at restaurants, where you can sample delicious foods and celebrate together! What are your plans for the holidays? Let us know in the comments below!