Christmas is celebrated all over the world, and Japan is no exception! But did you know that Christmas in Japan is not quite the same as its western counterparts?

In fact, some of the ways Japan celebrates Christmas might just surprise you!

Eating fried chicken on Christmas, to illuminated light shows… Let's take a look.

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What's Christmas like in Japan?

A winter wonderland, Japan is often covered in snow around the Christmas period. In the north of the country, at least. In fact, Aomori City gets the most snow in the world over the winter period. So, it's safe to say that Japan has its share of Christmas spirit.

As well as that, Tokyo and many other Japanese cities around the country will be filled top-to-bottom with Christmas lights and cheer. There's nothing quite as magical as walking through the light shows in Tokyo. And that's without going to the Christmas-themed wonders of Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. There, you can get a joyful mixture of Japanese and American celebrations.

And what makes all this even more exciting is the food!

What do Japanese people eat on Christmas?

You may expect Japanese people to eat a traditional Christmas roast dinner. Or perhaps you're thinking that they have their own traditional Japanese meals to celebrate the festive season?

Well, the real answer to Christmas dinner in Japan is…

Kentucky Fried Chicken!

Yes, you heard it right - it's probably one of the most fascinating Japanese food facts.

Why is KFC the traditional Japanese Christmas meal?

Kentucky Fried Chicken is the most popular Christmas food in Japan. Every Christmas, Japanese people scramble to order their KFC buckets. It is so popular, in fact, that you often need to order months in advance to secure your Christmas KFC.

But what started the tradition of KFC in Japan?

Japanese people like to embrace the western idea of Christmas. In response to this, KFC came out with a wicked marketing campaign that absolutely toppled the Christmas market in Japan: "At Christmas, you eat chicken."

And since 1974, Japanese people have flocked to KFC for Christmas.

Christmas Cake in Japan

Another trend that we think should make its way over the ocean is Christmas cake. And we're not talking Christmas pudding.

In Japan, they eat assortments of Christmas cakes decorated to emphasise the Christmas spirit. Although originally inspired by British cake and usually in the style of a creamy Victoria sponge cake, you can also find Christmas cakes in other flavours and styles.

The cakes themselves are light, fluffy and dangerous - it's too easy to find yourself on the last piece. Thankfully, you're supposed to share them with a group of close friends.

Christmas Wagashi

Wagashi is a traditional Japanese sweet, usually decorated in line with the seasons. So, it's unsurprising that you can find all sorts of adorable Christmas Wagashi in Japan.

From Santa to snowmen and Christmas trees, there aren't many variations of Christmas symbols you won't find Wagashi shaped into. And trust us, they're definitely worth the try. We recommend you try them with a hot cup of green tea.

Pizza for Christmas

If KFC surprised you, then let us introduce you to pizza for Christmas.

As Christmas is originally a western tradition, Japanese people consider the holiday an excuse to indulge. Pizza is one of those indulgences. Pizza chains in Japan work hard to advertise over Christmas and will create interesting festive flavours just for the holiday season! You'll find combinations such as chicken and vegetables, roast beef, and lots more!

Although not a Christmas staple like KFC, pizza for Christmas is absolutely a close second.

How do they celebrate Christmas in Japan?

Japan goes all-out for Christmas. From light shows to Christmas events and the opportunity to go Christmas shopping just about everywhere, it's an absolute treat to spend the holiday period there.

Festive and cheerful, it's all you want and more!

Japanese Christmas Markets

Christmas markets are dotted all around big cities in Japan. They're not that far off what you'd expect from a European (or specifically German) Christmas market and definitely harbour a similar vibe.

That said, the food at these Christmas markets, and the lovely handmade gifts are a definite highlight. And with the attention and care the cities put into making the streets shine, it's like walking into a winter wonderland. Especially if you get lucky enough to go in the snow!

Although these Christmas markets are often a bit smaller than their European counterparts, they can be found all around Tokyo and other larger cities - complete with the customary mulled wine (though you'll struggle to find British mulled cider).

A Time for Couples and Friends!

While Christmas is traditionally seen as a family holiday here, in Japan it's a completely different story.

In fact, Japanese people will often spend Christmas with their significant other over their family. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, couples will often go out for a romantic night out. These nights out will typically include a light show or "illumination", which are found in cities across Japan. They're quite the spectacle too!

And it's not just couples - people will often prioritise making time for friends over the Christmas season too.

That's not to say that family isn't also important, but it doesn't take the front-and-centre role that you might have expected.

Final Word

Japanese Christmas is a joy to experience and if you get the opportunity, we'd recommend taking it! In the meantime, if you're looking to make your Christmas a little more Japanese, our Japanese snacks make for great stocking fillers!

→ Shop now: Our handpicked range of Japanese products