Christmas in Japan is Different
Unlike Western countries, where Christmas is often about family gatherings and roasted turkey, in Japan people enjoy KFC or fried chicken and a Christmas cake. Most Japanese are not Christian, so Christmas is more of a commercial and festive event than a religious one. Some Christians do volunteer for homeless people, but their numbers are very small—less than 1% of the population.
Christmas Eve as “Date Night”
December 24th is often seen as the most romantic day of the year in Japan. Couples go out, restaurants and hotels are fully booked, and people without a date may feel a little lonely. It’s a unique cultural twist compared to Western traditions.
Christmas Cake
A Japanese Christmas cake is usually a strawberry shortcake with fluffy white whipped cream and fresh red strawberries. It’s a treat enjoyed for luxury and celebration.
After Christmas: New Year Preparations
As soon as December 25th passes, stores and homes quickly shift to New Year decorations. People prepare for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year, even though they were just celebrating Christmas. It’s a surprising and fun cultural transition that visitors may find fascinating.
Fun Tips for Tourists
- Enjoy the festive lights, decorations, and themed products.
- Try KFC for a local Christmas twist!
- Visit department stores for Christmas cakes and treats.
- If you want to experience hatsumode, plan for early January shrine visits.
“Yes, it’s confusing, but that’s Japan!”
“You might think Japanese Christmas makes no sense—and you’re probably right! But experiencing this unique, slightly chaotic mix of cultures is the best part of traveling here. Just grab some chicken, eat some cake, and enjoy the madness!”
