Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
September 4, 2026
In 2026, Christmas illuminations in Japan will mainly be held from mid-November to December 25th. Recommended Christmas spots include Roppongi, Omotesando, and the area around Tokyo Tower in Tokyo, and Umeda and Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka. If you want to experience a slightly different Christmas in Japan, we recommend combining it with a Christmas getaway, such as staying at a resort surrounded by nature, like a mountain or the sea.
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Christmas illuminations across Japan generally start in early to mid-November and continue until around December 25th.
Furano Ski Resort Information
| Area | Expected event period | periods that tend to be crowded | Recommended time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Mid-November to December 25th | Nights of December 24th and 25th | Weekdays around 18:00-19:00 |
| Osaka | Early July-early September | Weekend nights | Weekday evenings, or weekend evenings |
| Lake Kawaguchi | Mid-May to the end of October | weekend | I recommend staying on a weekday and seeing Mt. Fuji the next morning. |
| Nagoya | Mid-November to December 25th | 12 / 23 to 12 / 25 | Weekday Night |
Three places in Tokyo that I highly recommend for Christmas illuminations are Roppongi Hills, Omotesando, and Ebisu Garden Place. Roppongi features illuminations based on blue and white, Omotesando has a tunnel of light enveloping the zelkova trees, and Ebisu boasts a giant crystal chandelier, allowing you to enjoy a different Christmas atmosphere at each location.
© Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau
In 2026, events inspired by German Christmas markets are planned to be held in Tokyo, particularly around Roppongi and Hibiya. You can enjoy mulled wine and German sausages, purchase wooden Christmas ornaments, and experience the European Christmas spirit right here in Tokyo.
©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau
If you want to enjoy the Christmas spirit in Osaka, we recommend Umeda, the area around Osaka Station, and Universal Studios Japan (USJ). Around Umeda, you can enjoy Christmas markets and illuminations, while at USJ, you can enjoy events unique to the Christmas season and dazzling decorations.
This luxurious glamping resort is nestled in the heart of nature, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji. Each guest room features a bath using spring water from Mount Fuji and a private sauna. Free drinks are available at the on-site bar. For meals, guests can enjoy a luxurious BBQ featuring ingredients unique to Yamanashi Prefecture, such as Koshu beef sirloin and rump steak, and Koshu Shingen pork shoulder loin. At night, guests can gaze at the flickering flames of a bonfire, experiencing a quiet Christmas night unlike the hustle and bustle of the city.
These luxurious cottages all offer ocean views, and the spacious interiors feature resort-style designs. Each cottage has a private pool and jacuzzi, and guests can enjoy authentic marine activities such as SUP, canoeing, and jet skiing. The outdoor dining area is equipped with a large BBQ grill, where guests can enjoy Miyazaki beef sirloin steak and a seafood BBQ platter.
| Christmas in Hong Kong | Christmas in Japan | |
|---|---|---|
| atmosphere | The main attractions are the shopping mall and the illuminations over Victoria Harbour. | City illuminations and winter scenery |
| cost | It's relatively inexpensive and can be enjoyed as a day trip. | It's a bit pricey, but suitable for a 3-5 day trip. |
| A special experience | Popular spots tend to get crowded. | It's easy to combine uniquely Japanese experiences such as glamping and hot springs. |
| Recommended | Family day trips, for those who want to keep their budget down. | People who want to take Christmas photos that look like they're taken abroad, couples |
No. Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan. Most companies and schools operate as usual, but commercial facilities and theme parks do have Christmas-themed decorations and events.
In Japan, the custom of eating fried chicken at Christmas has spread since the 1970s. Popular restaurants sometimes require advance reservations. Also, Christmas cakes made with strawberries and fresh cream are a classic symbol of Christmas in Japan.
Airfare and accommodation prices tend to be lower until around mid-December compared to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the New Year's holiday period.
December is the season when Mount Fuji is covered in snow, and the air is generally clearer than in summer, increasing the chances of seeing it. However, whether or not you can actually see it depends on the cloud cover and weather conditions on the day.
Large Christmas markets are increasingly accepting credit cards and electronic payments. However, smaller stalls may only accept cash, so it's a good idea to have some cash on hand. Popular souvenirs include wooden Christmas ornaments, Christmas sweets, and limited-edition event mugs.
If you want to enjoy Christmas illuminations casually, you can easily do so in Hong Kong in about half a day. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a Christmas trip that includes snow-covered Mt. Fuji, typical Japanese winter scenery, hot springs, bonfires, BBQs, and luxurious glamping surrounded by nature, then planning a short trip of several days in Japan is also recommended.
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
