As December arrives, Japan’s shops glow with festive decorations and the air fills with classic holiday songs. Though Christmas is celebrated globally, many of Japan’s customs during this season come as a surprise to international travelers.
1. Tiny Christmas Trees
One thing foreigners often find curious is the size of Christmas trees in Japanese homes. While large display trees appear in cities, individual households usually decorate small trees. Japanese homes tend to be more compact, so even in holiday films from the West, guests might bemusedly note how small the trees are in real Japanese homes.
2. Christmas Boots Filled with Treats
Japan offers Christmas boots (or “Santa boots”) stocked with snacks and trinkets, displayed in stores this season. Though they resemble the Christmas stockings found in Western homes, these boots are a distinct Japanese holiday product, popular since the 1950s.
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3. Gifts Placed Next to the Bed
Some Japanese families secretly place gifts beside a child’s pillow after they go to sleep. In many Western traditions, gifts are left under the Christmas tree. This difference in placement can catch foreign visitors off guard.
4. Eating KFC for Christmas Dinner
While many countries enjoy roasted turkey or ham on Christmas, in Japan KFC has become a mainstream holiday meal. It often requires pre-ordering, and some outlets are packed on December 24–25, surprising tourists who expect more traditional fare.
5. Christmas Cakes (Light Sponge Cakes)
Instead of typical Western holiday desserts like pumpkin pie or chocolate cake, many Japanese people enjoy a special Christmas sponge cake (often decorated with strawberries and cream). The tradition of eating this “Christmas cake” in December is widespread, and seeing it in bakeries can feel unexpected if you’re used to different holiday treats.
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6. Christmas Is for Couples
In Japan, Christmas is considered a romantic holiday. Couples often go out to dinner, exchange gifts, or stay overnight at hotels decorated for the season. This contrasts with many Western cultures, where Christmas is more a family-oriented holiday spent at home with relatives.
7. Christmas Is Not a Holiday
December 25 is not a public holiday in Japan. Unless it falls on a weekend, schools and workplaces remain open. In contrast, in many Western countries, Christmas Day is an official holiday, and businesses often close for the occasion.
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Japan’s take on Christmas blends local culture with global traditions, creating a celebration that feels both familiar and unique. For travelers, it offers a chance to see the holiday in a new light — whether enjoying festive illuminations, tasting a seasonal cake, or simply observing how locals celebrate. Experiencing Christmas in Japan can add a memorable twist to any winter journey.
