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Decorated Christmas tree
Decorated Christmas tree
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Culture

Popular Places to Experience Christmas in Tokyo

Mana Kitazawa
The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at ICU (Japan) chapter.

All seasons have their own unique beauty, but I think wintertime is especially fascinating because cities transform to bring the Christmas mood alive. In Tokyo, the most popular activity seems to be to go see the illuminations — but what other activities can you do with friends and family?

Here are my top 3 recommendations for fun activities and places to go in Tokyo this year. Whether you currently live in Tokyo or are planning to visit someday, I hope this inspires you to take the time to enjoy this merry season!

Christmas Market

A Christmas Market is a street market held during the four weeks of advent to celebrate Christmas. The tradition of Christmas markets began in Germany in 1393 and spread to other European countries, as well as some other countries — like Japan! In Tokyo, there are several small and large scale Christmas Markets, and here are three popular options:

  1. Tokyo Christmas Market 2021 (Hibiya Park)
    • December 10th – 25th
  2. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market 2021
    • November 16th – December 25th
  3. Roppongi Hills Christmas Market 2021
    • November 27th – December 25th

All of these Christmas Markets recreate the German, Russian, and general European traditional Christmas Markets with the setting and decoration of the markets and event spaces, offering traditional foods and drinks such as sausages, borscht, and eggnog. Some places also have performances like Christmas caroling and activities. The illuminations and the Christmas trees are also unique to each location.

ICE SKATING

This is another great activity to do with friends and family during the wintertime! In Tokyo, there are several outdoor skating rinks held for a limited time:

  1. Mitsui Fudosan Ice Rink (Tokyo Midtown)
  2. Futako Tamagawa RISE Skate Garden
  3. Paramount Head Sea Side Ice Skate Rink (Urban Dock, Lalaport Toyosu)
  4. Tokyo Skytree Town Ice Skating Rink
Disney Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort is currently holding their “Disney Christmas”, in both Tokyo Disney Land and Sea. This is a perfect place to have a full day of fun with friends and family. Along with the usual rides, you can enjoy their parades, illuminations, decorations, and special foods and drinks!

Tokyo Disney Resort Christmas

Mana Kitazawa

ICU (Japan) '25

Mana Kitazawa is a student at the International Christian University in Japan. She is interested in social issues (humanitarian and environmental), and learning about other cultures and people. Hi, thank you for reading my article! Please check out some of my other works!