Visiting Japan During Christmas: Travel Tips to Know Before You Go

Planning a Christmas trip to Japan with your family? Great idea! You and your kids can see beautiful Christmas lights and savor a festive meal. Plus, you'll get to engage in authentic Japanese experiences that will be loved by every family member, making your trip even more unforgettable.

Although Christmas isn't a public holiday in Japan, you'll still encounter many travelers and higher hotel prices. No worries! Here are some smart tips to make your Christmas trip in Japan perfect, based on our firsthand experience.

How is Christmas and New Year Celebrated in Japan?

Actually, Christmas is just an ordinary day in Japan with not many events. Locals focus more on the New Year, where you can enjoy a New Year celebration in the traditional Japanese way.

But you can still feel a strong Christmas atmosphere in Japan, especially in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. There, you will find Christmas trees in shopping malls, festive illumination along the streets, bustling Christmas markets, and enjoy fancy holiday meals.

A special Christmas tradition for the Japanese is to eat KFC. What started as a commercial campaign has turned into a Christmas custom in Japan over the years. KFC offers special Christmas set meals annually, including fried chicken, cake, and red or sparkling wine. You might want to try this distinctive holiday meal.

In Japan, the New Year is a more important festival as it's a time of family reunion. Japanese people usually celebrate the New Year by praying at a shrine for the upcoming year.

During the three-day New Year public holiday (Jan 1-3), lots of restaurants, shops, and museums will be closed. No worries! Your planned trip won't be affected. As most major attractions, theme parks, chain convenience stores, shopping malls, and big restaurants are staying open.

Is Christmas a Good Time to Visit Japan?

Absolutely yes! You can immerse yourself in the Christmas atmosphere, experience Japan's unique winter activities, and enjoy plenty of sunny days.

You can see Christmas decorations before the holiday. The best part is enjoying the festive illumination. My top pick of the Christmas light-up is in Tokyo's Roppongi. The twinkling street lights create a dreamy Christmas vibe, while you can also see the lit Tokyo Tower not far away.

Plus, Japan offers many special winter activities in December. For example, you can observe snow monkeys bathing in hot springs, go skiing, and relax in hot springs surrounded by snowy landscapes.

Although Christmas is in winter in Japan, the weather isn't too cold, and there are many sunny days. It's perfect for outdoor exploration.

Best Places to Visit in Japan During Christmas

I know that feeling the Christmas spirit is essential for your trip. However, not every city in Japan has Christmas decorations. Usually, top cities like Tokyo and Osaka have more festive displays.

You'll catch many festive scenes in both cities, with Christmas trees, lights, and markets. The decorations typically start decorating from late November, and are taken down on December 26th.

If you're looking for a snowy Christmas atmosphere, head to Sapporo in Hokkaido!

Instead of trying to squeeze in Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido all in one trip (which is way too exhausting), it's better to focus on 1–2 regions and do them thoroughly.

Besides this, you can enjoy soaking in hot springs surrounded by snowy landscapes in December. I highly recommend Nagano for this experience. It receives frequent snowfall this month and has high-quality onsens.

If you prefer a hot spring destination that's easily accessible and where snow scenery isn't as important, choose Hakone instead.

Want an exclusive seasonal experience beyond the usual sightseeing? We can take you to see snow monkeys relaxing in hot springs in Nagano, explore year-end markets in Kyoto, admire snow-capped Mount Fuji from Kawaguchiko, or enjoy skiing in Hokkaido.

Top 7 Tips for Your Christmas Trip in Japan

Below, we've handpicked must-know tips before your Christmas trip to Japan, helping you have a smoother and better journey.

1. Reserve Restaurants in Advance for Christmas Eve

In Japan, Christmas Eve is a popular date night, so good restaurants quickly get fully booked.

That's why we recommend booking at least a week in advance to secure your spot. Many top restaurants in Japan require reservations and usually do not accept walk-ins, including Michelin-starred restaurants and kaiseki dining venues.

You can make reservations through TableCheck. Just remember, plan your schedule carefully. Arriving late could mean losing your spot. And if you don't show up, you might be charged a fee.

Share your reservations with our private guides. They will adjust the itinerary accordingly so you can arrive at the restaurant on time.

2. Book Your Hotel at Least 3 Months Early

The time from Christmas to New Year's is Japan's busy season. This means you will encounter bigger crowds and higher travel costs during this period.

Hotel prices, especially, can see significant increases, often rising by 30-50%. For example, a 4-star hotel that usually costs US$180-200 per night may charge US$250-300 per night during the Christmas season.

So, it's smart to book your hotels at least 3 months in advance. This way, you'll have more hotel options, such as great downtown locations or relaxing onsen hotels.

3. Explore Japan a Week Before Christmas

If you're not sure when to visit Japan for Christmas and have a flexible schedule, I highly recommend going a week before the holiday!

During this period, you can already enjoy seeing Christmas decorations in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Also, you can visit popular spots with fewer crowds, find cheaper hotel prices, and easily get a table at restaurants without long waits.

If Christmas and New Year's week is the only times you can visit Japan, just go for it! With careful planning, we can help you choose the right attractions and experiences so you can still enjoy a great trip.

4. Pack a Thick Coat for the Cold Weather

Christmas in Japan is cold and sunny. In Japan's major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, temperatures typically range from 5-12°C (41-53°F). Dressing in layers is the best. You can wear a thick coat over a long-sleeved shirt. Snow is uncommon in December in these cities.

If you're heading to Hokkaido for some snow scenery, be prepared for even colder temperatures! The daily highs can drop below 0°C (32℉), so make sure to dress warmly with a down jacket and warm boots.

5. Buy Express Passes at either Tokyo Disneyland or USJ

As two of Japan's top theme parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan both put up Christmas decorations like festive trees and lights for the holiday season, making them perfect for family photos.

But these parks are always packed with visitors, especially during Christmas and the three-day New Year holiday, when it gets even busier.

So, how can you maximize your experience without spending more time waiting in line?

Here's the key: Choose a weekday in December to visit and buy express passes! The Christmas decorations will last all month long. By doing this, you'll face smaller crowds, wait just 30-60 minutes for facilities, and enjoy your meal without queuing up too much.

Avoid visiting on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or December 31st! Even with express passes, you could still end up queuing for 2-3 hours per facility. This means you might only get to experience 2-3 rides in one day.

6. Experience a Traditional Japanese New Year Celebration

The highlight of New Year celebrations in Japan is visiting shrines to pray. On December 31st and January 1st, popular shrines across Japan, like Meiji Shrine in Tokyo and Heian Shrine in Kyoto, are filled with people praying for good luck for the coming year.

Looking for a special experience? We can arrange for you to witness the bell-ringing ceremony at Kyoto's Chion-in Temple, join the countdown party and fireworks display at USJ, or stay overnight at a temple on Mount Koya. There, you can enjoy a high-class Buddhist cuisine, engage in a prayer ceremony, and ring the bell with monks.

7. Reserve Your Shinkansen Seat

The Shinkansen is a popular and efficient way to travel between cities in Japan, getting you to your destination quickly.

The train provides both reserved and non-reserved seats. I highly recommend opting for reserved seats! This ensures you have a seat, enough room for your luggage, and a quieter journey.

This is especially important during the New Year period. Many Japanese people use the Shinkansen to return to their hometown at that time. The non-reserved carriages can become very crowded, and you might have to stand the whole way to your destination.

You can buy Shinkansen tickets on the official website up to one month ahead. If you book your Japan tour with us, we'll handle all your transportation needs for a stress-free journey.

Ready for Your Christmas Trip in Japan?

Start planning your Christmas trip now for better prices! We're here to help you customize your trip based on your preferences, handle everything to ensure you have a memorable and perfect journey. Contact us to create your dream trip today!

Here are our well-selected Japan tours for your inspiration:

• 13-Day Japan Family Vacation with Theme Parks
• 14-Day Japan Highlights and Skiing in Hokkaido