Christmas Markets In Japan: A Review Of The Most Festive Spots

Steeped in festive cheer and joyful decor, Japan’s Christmas markets are a magical fusion of European charm and Japanese warmth. 

With their sparkling lights, cozy atmospheres, delicious mulled wine, and festive holiday treats, these markets create a magical winter wonderland that feels both familiar and uniquely Japanese.

I had the chance to visit my first Christmas market in Japan last year and was pleasantly surprised by the experience. 

I’ll be honest, after visiting the markets in Europe, I wasn’t expecting much – but Japan blew me away with the attention to detail and incredible effort they put into creating these markets.

From the dazzling illumination displays and towering Christmas trees to the charming wooden stalls, handcrafted ornaments, and delectable seasonal fare, the markets in Japan truly embody the spirit of the season.

Needless to say, Christmas in Japan is an experience I highly recommend. 

And luckily, there are plenty of markets across the country for you to explore – each offering its own unique charm and atmosphere.

To help you plan your perfect holiday adventure, I’ve put together this complete guide (with reviews!) of the most popular Christmas markets in Japan. 

Read on to discover which ones deserve a spot on your Japan itinerary!

From twinkling lights to elaborately decorated wooden stalls, giant Christmas trees, and a festive green archway – the atmosphere here is incredibly cozy and delightful.

As you explore the market, be sure to check out the array of unique vendors from both Japan and abroad. Some of the most popular include Dolce and Gabbana, Sol’s Coffee, and Käthe Wohlfahrt, a German Christmas shop.

And, finally, we can’t forget about Central Walk. This beautifully lit pathway, which connects Kamiyacho Station Square to Tower Plaza, offers a variety of festive displays and even a few selfie spots.

My Thoughts: This is without a doubt one of the cutest Christmas markets I’ve visited in Japan! Everything about it is so perfectly arranged and decorated. And the food here is incredible. On top of that, it wasn’t too crowded – which is definitely a bonus!

Here, you’ll find close to 60 different vendors selling a variety of souvenirs, Christmas ornaments, festive drinks, and European-inspired fare.

There’s also a large stage set up with live entertainment that’s available daily. As well as street performers who pop up here and there throughout the venue.

As far as decor goes, the market’s main centerpiece is a large wooden Christmas pyramid that was actually shipped over from Germany. 

Adorned in sparkling lights, this traditional German structure depicts a variety of scenes from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

My Thoughts: I expected this market to be more crowded than it was – but we did visit during the week, so that could explain things. Needless to say, it’s a surprisingly chill and laid-back market, with lots of opportunities for shopping and eating! The only disappointing factor here is the decor and holiday lighting. It just seems to be a bit lacking compared to the other Christmas markets I’ve seen.

*Please note: The Tokyo Christmas Market is one of two markets on this list that charges an entrance fee. You can either purchase your ticket at the door or online. If you purchase online, you’ll also receive a free Christmas market mug!

Situated within the Roppongi Hills complex, this cozy market is home to 10 festive stalls, each selling a variety of holiday treats and seasonal gifts.

Though the market itself is compact, it’s nicely decorated with a modest display of festive decor, complete with Santa Claus and reindeer figurines.

What truly steals the spotlight, however, are the impressive illuminations that are located just outside.

Lining Keyakizaka Street, this incredible light display perfectly frames Tokyo Tower in the background – and is a stunning sight to behold!

My Thoughts: To be honest, I wasn’t that impressed with the Christmas market here – it was difficult to find and really small. However, it is the only market that’s inside, so it’s a good option if you happen to encounter bad weather. Aside from this, I will say the illuminations around the market are quite beautiful to see. Just be prepared to put in the work if you want to get good pictures. The best photo spots (where you can see Tokyo Tower in the distance) are quite crowded!

*Please note: This market is located in O-Yane Plaza, which is inside Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. Depending upon where you’re coming from, you’ll either need to go up a few flights of stairs or down a few – which can make it confusing. Your best bet is to get yourself inside the building and follow the signs for O-Yane Plaza.

Despite its size, the market does a great job of capturing the festive spirit with its charming array of stalls and decorations.

Of particular note are the holiday lights that blanket the market with incredible displays of twinkling colors.

And, of course, we can’t forget about the Skytree – which is illuminated against the night sky, creating a magical backdrop for the market.

My Thoughts: Even though this market is small, I really like it! The decor and atmosphere are great! And, overall, it’s a really cute spot to check out. They also have fun boot-shaped mugs, which was a first for me in Japan!

*Please note: This market is located on an outdoor balcony on the 4th floor. You’ll need to go inside the Tokyo Skytree building to access it.

It also happens to be one of the most scenic Christmas markets that I’ve encountered.

Nestled along the waterfront, in between two red brick warehouses, the ambiance here is really cute, cozy, and festive.

In the middle of the square, you’ll find a large Christmas tree with flashing lights surrounded by countless vendors.

As well as a large “Yokohama” sign set up near the picnic tables – and an ice skating rink out in front of the market.

My Thoughts: I really wanted to like this market – and I think I would have if it wasn’t so crowded. We went on a weekend and it was hectic, overwhelmingly so. Your best bet would probably be to visit during the week to avoid the crowds. Or, you can come during the day, but it won’t be as pretty without the lights. They do allow reentry though, so you could come during the day to check out the vendors and then pop back in at night to see the lights.

*Please note: The Christmas market in Yokohama is one of two markets on this list that charges an entrance fee. You can either purchase your ticket at the door or online. Priority tickets with skip-the-line privileges are also available.

Here, you’ll find about 30 vendors selling a variety of Christmas-inspired fare, mulled wine, German beer, and souvenirs (some of which are imported directly from Europe).

In addition to this, the event typically features a few art exhibits that showcase the work of local Japanese artists.

And, of course, we can’t forget about the giant Christmas tree and elaborate illuminations that decorate the square, providing a fun, festive atmosphere.

My Thoughts: I love the lights and the decor here – they are just so beautiful! And while the market itself can get a bit crowded, it’s manageable. The decorative stalls and light displays are spread out across the station square, so it helps with crowd control. There are also tons of vendors, so it’s a great spot to pick up a few souvenirs and Christmas ornaments!

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Featuring a central tower surrounded by several Santa Claus statues, the illuminations here create an almost roof-like effect, encasing the entire market in a festive glow.

Within this space, you’ll find several vendors offering a variety of German-inspired fare and Christmas souvenirs – as well as live music and festive performances.

While you’re here, be sure to also stop by Tenjin Central Park, located nearby. This is where the city’s famous “Forest of Light” illuminations are displayed.

My Thoughts: This is one of my favorite Christmas markets to visit! The decor is great, there are plenty of vendors, the live performances are entertaining, and the space isn’t too crowded. They also have some of the best German-inspired food that I’ve yet to try!

Here, you can expect to find elaborate holiday lights, live musical performances, and a variety of local vendors selling Christmas souvenirs and other delicious goodies.

In addition to this, the market hosts a number of interactive workshops, such as wreath making, origami folding, and candle making, among others.

Nearby, there’s also the city’s famous Dreamination illuminations. Set up along Hiroshima Peace Boulevard, this event features beautiful and elaborate light displays.

My Thoughts: I really like the Christmas Market in Hiroshima. It’s more laid-back and less crowded than some of the others you’ll find in larger cities. On top of that, the holiday lights and decor are beautiful! 

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Complete with a Christmas market, live performances, fireworks, and winter activities, like ice skating, the park really goes all out.

In fact, it’s known for its incredible illumination display – which is one of the largest in the world.

What’s more, the park features a variety of European architecture and cobblestone streets, so it has that charming European vibe as well! 

My Thoughts: Huis Ten Bosch wasn’t even on my radar until my husband suggested it – and I’m so glad he did. The theme park is absolutely beautiful around the holidays and there’s so much to do here. Just be sure to plan ahead! And, if you’d like to stay the night, book your accommodations in advance, as they fill up quickly!

🌟 For more information about Huis Ten Bosch, be sure to check out my detailed holiday guide!

Situated in Odori Park, which is also where the city’s illuminations are displayed, the market is known for its German-inspired festivities and foods.

From mulled wine to bratwurst, visits from Saint Nikolaus, and German-inspired musical performances, the Christmas Market in Sapporo is sure to be a unique and festive experience.

Here, the illuminations are built in and around the property’s gardens, offering a more nature-focused experience. 

In addition to this, you’ll find vendors selling a variety of Christmas ornaments, mulled wine, German beer, and various holiday-inspired treats. 

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*Please note: This Christmas market is only accessible via the Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway and requires an entrance fee. You can purchase tickets at the door or online.

• Winter Illuminations: Many cities throughout Japan put up elaborate Christmas lights and illumination displays beginning in November. Some of the more popular ones include Tokyo Mega Illumi and Yomiuri Land Jewellumination in Tokyo, Midosuji Illumination in Osaka, Ashikaga Flower Fantasy in Ashikaga, and Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination in Nagoya. 
• Disney Christmas: For the holidays, Tokyo Disney Resort, which encompasses both Disneyland and DisneySea, hosts a variety of festive events including Christmas parades, holiday illuminations, and live performances.
• No Limit Christmas at USJ: During the holiday season, Universal Studios Japan holds their No Limit! Christmas celebration. This event features a bunch of holiday illuminations, a Christmas market, as well as live performances. 
• Hogwart in the Snow: Every year, The Making of Harry Potter transforms itself into a winter wonderland – complete with snow-covered displays and holiday decor.
• Ice Skating: Around the holidays, ice skating rinks pop up in cities across Japan. Many are located close to the Christmas markets and winter illuminations.
• KFC Christmas Dinner: During the holidays, KFC offers a special Christmas menu that’s quite popular among the locals. See, in Japan, the traditional Christmas dinner is actually KFC chicken! I’m not sure when this tradition began or how, but it’s become a widely accepted practice across Japan.