{"id":75206,"date":"2020-12-18T22:16:10","date_gmt":"2020-12-18T13:16:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=75206"},"modified":"2021-07-06T02:07:12","modified_gmt":"2021-07-05T17:07:12","slug":"what-to-do-japan-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/what-to-do-japan-christmas\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Things to Do in Japan for Christmas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Japan started to celebrate Christmas after World War II due to Western influence<\/strong>. As it comes from the Christian tradition, Christmas used to be an unknown celebration in Japan. Nevertheless, the Japanese integrated it into Japanese culture, much like Halloween<\/a>, adding a unique Japanese touch to the western holiday. So, are you wondering what to do in Japan for Christmas<\/strong>? Keep reading, and you will enter a Christmas world with a Japanese touch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The famous illuminations in Roppongi, Tokyo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How Does Japan Celebrate Christmas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Christmas in Japan is somewhat different from our western traditions. Japanese Christmas Eve is like a second Saint Valentine’s day<\/strong> and highly anticipated among couples. A more homey tradition is to have a meal with your partner or kids eating “traditional” KFC chicken<\/a> and Christmas cake while exchanging gifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surprisingly, December 25th has such little importance in the Japanese calendar that it is not even a public holiday<\/strong>. Some Japanese people may organize Christmas dinners with friends, but it lacks any Christian and homey sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A couple taking a picture under Ebisu illumination, Tokyo.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Does Santa Claus Exist in Japan?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inside the Buddhist culture, there is a character that may remind you of Santa Claus: Hotei <\/strong>(\u5e03\u888b), also known as the “fat Buddha”. Although he is different from his Christian counterpart, as a good fortune God, he is often depicted with a bag full of goods and accompanied by children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though giving gifts in the name of Santa Claus is not particularly rooted in Japan, the figure of Santa Claus is everywhere during the Christmas Holidays<\/strong>, such as in stores, restaurants, and TV programs. In addition, Osaka holds The Great Santa Run<\/a> annually, a charity race in which all participants run dressed as Santa Claus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hotei also known as the “fat Buddha”. \u00a9 Peter Lindberg<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What To Do in Japan for Christmas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Are you in Japan between November and January? Here there is a bunch of activities you can add to your itinerary related to Christmas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit the Winter Illuminations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although you may have noticed that the meaning of Christmas is not as intense as in the Western countries, Japan is an expert in decorating and creating shows.<\/strong> Like western countries, they decorate the streets with marvelous Christmas lights. The Japanese know how to create fantastic light and sound shows called “Christmas Illuminations” which are displayed in public spaces.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have the chance, I highly recommend visiting the Tokyo illuminations<\/strong><\/a> or the ones on Enoshima island<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n