Japan has some odd ways to celebrate Christmas.
Christmas in Japan is a couple’s day, it’s not a day off, and it’s common to celebrate by eating KFC.
Yes. Not just any fried chicken, Kentucky Fried Chicken.
However, one (normal) tradition that has made it’s way to the Far East is Christmas Markets!
This 600 year old German tradition is celebrated in various parts of Japan and some of the best ones are right here in Tokyo!
So in this article, we’ll be introducing some of the best Christmas Markets you can find in Tokyo in 2020!
Warning: because of coronavirus, some places may restrict entrance or even cancel to event itself so do further research before you go!
Roppongi hills
The Roppongi Hills Christmas Market will be celebrating its 14th Christmas in 2020. This event is sponsored by Volkswagen, a German car company, so you know that this Christmas market is legitimate!
This event features a total of 7 shops, 3 for authentic German cuisines and 4 for German Christmas goods. Also, the Keyakizaka Street illuminations are close-by, so you can enjoy incredible illuminations on the way to the market.
It doesn’t get any more authentic than this!
Info
Date & Time: 11/28/2020 – 12/25/2020 11:00 – 21:00
Access: Roppongi Hills O-Yane Plaza
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.roppongihills.com/en/sp/christmas/2020/illumination-event/market.html
Yokohama red brick warehouse
We visited the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Markets last year and it was nothing short of amazing. There were about 20 small vendors, set up in front of the brick houses to form an alley.
At the end of the alley is a 10m tall Christmas tree shining brighter than any Christmas tree in Japan.
Perfect spot for any date.
Info
Date & Time: Dec 4th 2020 – Dec 25th 2020 11:00 – 21:00
Access: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse #2
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/christmas/
Tokyo christmas market
The Tokyo Christmas Market opens again this year in 2 locations: Hibiya Park and Shinjuku Odakyu Park. This Christmas Market is easily recognizable by the Christmas Pyramid standing tall in the middle.
Info
Date & Time: Dec 10 – Dec 25 11:00 – 22:00
Access: Hibiya Park
Admission: Free
Website: https://tokyochristmas.net/
Tokyo tower
東京タワーにクリスマスマーケットが登場✨
ドイツビールやグリューワインなどクリスマス限定メニューが盛り沢山🎄🍗✨平日16-21時半/休日11-21時半♪ pic.twitter.com/obvC06O86c— TOKYO TOWER 縁日テラス クリスマスマーケット (@ennichi_xmas) November 12, 2020
Celebrate Christmas right under the iconic Tokyo Tower at the Ennichi Terrace Christmas Market! This Christmas Market is set up right at the base of Tokyo Tower and you can enjoy both Japanese and foreign foods!
Info
Date & Time: Oct 30 – Jan 11
Weekdays 16:00 – 21:30 / Weekends & Holidays 11:00 – 21:30
Access: Tokyo Tower 1st Floor Entrance
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/event/attraction-event/christmas-market2020/index.html
Conclusion
Unfortunately, some Christmas Markets, such as the Ebisu Garden Place Marche de Noël, are not being held this year due to the coronavirus outbreak. At the same time, it’s also great to see that coronavirus countermeasures, such as requiring a mask and taking temperatures, are taken at the ones that are taking places this year.
Whichever one you decide to go to, you’re bound to have a great Christmas time! Let’s be safe and have a Merry Merry Christmas!
Which Christmas Market will you be attending this year?