Dream destinations for Christmas: Explore Japan

Débora

19 Nov 2024

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Christmas is fast approaching, and this year why not celebrate it in an extraordinary way by travelling to Japan? The Land of the Rising Sun offers a unique experience for travelers in search of magic, tradition and celebration during the holiday season. Here’s why Japan should be at the top of your Christmas 2023 destination list.

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Table of Contents

Dazzling lights and illuminations

If you like twinkling lights and festive decorations, Japan is the place to be. The streets of major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto are adorned with thousands of colorful lights, creating a fairytale atmosphere. The Christmas show at Tokyo Disneyland is a must-see, with fireworks, special parades and magical decorations.

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Japanese Christmas Markets

Japan has taken the tradition of European Christmas markets and turned them into a unique experience. You can sample Japanese specialties such as takoyaki (octopus dumplings) and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes) while browsing the stalls of local artisans offering unique handcrafted gifts. The Christmas market in Sapporo, on the island of Hokkaido, is particularly famous for its winter beauty.

Onsen and Snow

Japan is famous for its onsens, natural hot springs, and there’s nothing better than relaxing in an onsen in the middle of winter. Japan’s mountainous regions are often covered in snow over the Christmas period, creating a picturesque winter landscape. The village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is particularly enchanting, with its traditional gasshō-zukuri-style houses covered in snow.

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Traditional celebrations

If you’re interested in Japanese culture, Christmas is the perfect opportunity to discover local traditions. Japan has its own way of celebrating Christmas, with customs such as Christmas KFC (many Japanese order fried chicken from Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas Eve) and the Japanese Christmas cake. Attending midnight mass in a Japanese church is also a unique experience.

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Temple and Sanctuary Experience

For those who prefer a more spiritual approach to Christmas, Japan offers many opportunities to visit Buddhist and Shinto temples and shrines. Special Christmas ceremonies and decorations add a touch of mystery and serenity to this time of year. Tokyo’s Zojo-ji temple is one of the most popular places to celebrate Christmas, with its peaceful atmosphere and magnificent illuminations.