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Christmas in Japan 2026: Illuminations, Christmas Cake and Where to Stay
The short answer: Christmas in Japan is a season of lights, a strawberry cake and a nice dinner, mostly on Christmas Eve. It is not a public holiday, so trains, shops and sights run as normal on 25 December.
Japan took Christmas as a celebration rather than a religious holiday. JNTO describes it as a time for decorations, couples’ dinners and a trip to KFC, rather than a family day with presents. For a visitor, that means a lively, open city, and very busy restaurants on the 24th.
Illuminations to see in 2026
- Marunouchi, Tokyo: the streets around Tokyo Station light up from 12 November 2026 to 14 February 2027.
- Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi: the Midtown Christmas lights in the garden run from 26 November to 25 December 2026, and entry is free.
- Sagamiko Illumillion, Kanagawa: one of the biggest light shows near Tokyo, from 14 November 2026, with a paid entry.
- Yomiuriland Jewellumination: an amusement park covered in lights, just outside central Tokyo, from 29 October 2026, with a paid entry.
Times and some dates are still marked as unconfirmed by organisers, so check the official page the week you go.
SaveChristmas cake and chicken
The Japanese Christmas cake is a light sponge with whipped cream and strawberries. Department stores, bakeries and convenience stores take orders from autumn, and the popular cakes sell out. If you are staying in an apartment, order one for the 24th. KFC’s Christmas meal is a famous habit too, and many people order it in advance.
Where to stay
In Tokyo, Marunouchi and Ginza put you next to the lights and the best department store food halls, with easy trains from Tokyo Station. Shibuya and Roppongi are livelier at night. Christmas Eve dinners in popular restaurants book out early, so reserve the evening first, then fit the day around it.
Christmas runs straight into the New Year, which is a very different week. Shops close, trains fill and shrines get busy. Our New Year guide explains how to plan around it, and Japan in winter covers the rest of the season.
Questions about these dates
- Is Christmas a holiday in Japan?
- No. 25 December is a normal working day, so shops, trains and most sights run as usual. Christmas Eve is the big night out.
- What do people eat for Christmas in Japan?
- A strawberry and cream sponge cake, and often fried chicken. Bakeries, department stores and convenience stores take cake orders ahead of the day.
- When do Christmas illuminations start in Japan?
- Most run from November through December, and some continue into February. Marunouchi in Tokyo runs from 12 November 2026 to 14 February 2027.
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