In many countries, Christmas is a deeply religious holiday and a time for families to reunite.In Japan, however, the meaning of Christmas is quite different.Rather than being a sacred or family-centered occasion, it’s a joyful seasonal celebration filled with lights, romance, and sweet treats.
This article explores how Christmas in Japan differs from the West — and what makes it such a unique cultural event.
Christmas in Japan｜A Festive Event, Not a Religious Holiday
In Japan, Christmas is not a national holiday, and schools and offices operate as usual.Instead of being celebrated for its religious roots, it has become a seasonal event enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.Cities sparkle with illuminations and Christmas music fills the air, while stores display cakes, fried chicken, and gifts.
Christmas Eve on December 24 is considered the main event, when couples and families alike go out to enjoy the festive atmosphere together.
Not a Family Holiday, but a Romantic Celebration
While Christmas in the West is typically spent with family, in Japan it’s seen as a romantic day for couples.
Many couples book special dinners, stroll through light displays, and exchange gifts.
Restaurants and hotels offer romantic packages, and the overall mood feels more like a “winter Valentine’s Day.”
At the same time, families with young children also enjoy Christmas at home, waiting for Santa Claus to deliver presents overnight.
Whether for lovers or families, Christmas in Japan is about sharing joy — just in a distinctly Japanese way.
What to Eat on Christmas in Japan｜Chicken and Cake!
If you’re expecting roast turkey or cranberry pie, you might be surprised.
In Japan, fried chicken and strawberry shortcake are the stars of the Christmas table.
Turkey is rarely sold in Japan — you might only find it at high-end import stores.
As a result, most people enjoy chicken, with KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) becoming a nationwide Christmas tradition.
Reservations for “Christmas buckets” begin weeks in advance!
For dessert, light strawberry shortcakes with whipped cream are the go-to treat.
Unlike the rich pies and puddings of the West, Japanese Christmas desserts are delicate, festive, and photogenic — perfect for sharing on social media.
So if you’re visiting Japan during the holidays, don’t expect the same Christmas dinner as back home —
instead, enjoy a cute and deliciously Japanese-style celebration.
If you are visiting Japan during the cold season, we also recommend nabe dishes that warm you from the inside out. For more information, please see ” A Complete Guide to Nabe Dishes in Japan｜Introducing winter staples such as Yose-nabe, Sukiyaki, Shabu-shabu, and Oden.
Why Christmas Evolved Differently in Japan
Japan’s approach to religion is unique: Shinto and Buddhism have long coexisted, and most people don’t adhere strongly to one faith.
As a result, religious holidays are often celebrated as cultural or seasonal events rather than sacred rituals.
Christmas followed the same path.
Over time, it became a day for joy, lights, and love — not prayer.
Like Valentine’s Day or Halloween, Japan has reimagined it in its own cheerful way.
After December 25｜The Swift Shift to New Year’s
One of Japan’s most fascinating traditions is how quickly the mood changes after Christmas.
While Christmas Eve is the peak, by December 25, stores are already switching to New Year’s mode.
In the morning you’ll see Christmas cakes and decorations,
but by the afternoon, the shelves are filled with osechi (New Year’s dishes), rice cakes, and kadomatsu decorations.
Within a single day, the city transforms from red and green to gold and white.
This fast-paced transition reflects Japan’s love for seasonal change — and the efficiency with which it embraces each new holiday.
A Country That Doesn’t Close for Christmas
In many Western countries, shops and restaurants close on Christmas Day.
In Japan, it’s quite the opposite — Christmas is peak business season.
Shopping malls, cafés, and convenience stores remain open, making it easy for travelers to enjoy the festivities without worrying about closures.
For visitors, it’s one of the most convenient times of the year to explore Japan.
It is also helpful to know useful phrases in case you have sudden problems or reservations during your trip. For details, see ” A Must for Foreign Tourists! 20 Japanese Phrases Useful for Emergency Troubles on Your Trip to Japan ” for more information.
Summary
Christmas in Japan is less about religion and more about connection and celebration.
- Main event: December 24 (Christmas Eve)
- Dinner: Fried chicken and strawberry shortcake
- Focus: Romance rather than family gatherings
- After the 25th: Stores shift to New Year’s preparations
- Shops and restaurants remain open
It’s a blend of Western imagery and Japanese sensibility —
a celebration that’s both familiar and refreshingly different.
That’s the charm of Christmas in Japan.
