For anyone living in Japan to whom Christmas is one of the most — if not the most — important days of the year, it can feel a little strange to live in a country where not only is it not a public holiday, but there are few religious observances.
However, Japan is very much into the vibes of Christmas, including decorations, food, and drink. This has become especially notable with the presence in the winter months of Christmas Markets, many of which could convince you they were plucked straight from Germany (were it not for the Japanese text on the advertisements). Tokyo in particular has a number of options for people looking for some holiday cheer. So here are our five favorite Tokyo Christmas Markets so you to visit this year… as well as a couple of bonuses!
Tokyo Christmas Market 2025
The last word in authenticity when it comes to Christmas markets, this market is co-sponsored by the German Embassy in Japan and the German Tourism Association. Or, should I say, these markets: in 2025, the Tokyo Christmas Market will be held in two locations, Shiba Park and Meiji Jingu Gaien.
The Meiji Jingū Gaien version promises an illuminated display inspired by the Brothers Grimm and other fairy tales, while in Shiba Park more traditional German crafts will be on display. The event always promises — and always delivers — German beers, mulled wine, sausages, pastries, and a number of gifts to purchase for loved ones. If you book your tickets in advance, you’ll even get a free mug for hot drinks!
Dates: Nov 21 – Dec 25 (Meiji Jingu Gaien); Dec 5 – Dec 25 (Shiba Park)
Opening times: 11am – 9pm (Meiji Jingu Gaien); 11am – 10pm (Shiba Park)
Location: Meiji Jingu Gaien; Shiba Park
Price of entry: ¥1,000/1,500 per adult until the 19th; ¥2,000 after the 19th
Roppongi Hills Christmas Market
Taking inspiration specifically from Stuttgart Christmas Markets, this event has a number of food and gift stalls. With plenty of seating, and a prime location in Midtown, its perfect if you want to while away an hour or two taking in all the sights, smells and sounds, or if you just want some curry wurst and mulled wine as a snack during a day out.
Dates: Nov 22 – Dec 25
Opening times: 11am – 9pm
Location: Roppongi Hills Arena
Price of entry: Free
Azabudai Hills Christmas Market
A relative newcomer to the Tokyo Christmas Market scene, this is the third year that the event is taking place. It not only boasts 17 stalls selling food, drink, and gifts, but also stuns with its beautiful hanging lights and gorgeous pine tree.
Dates: Nov 22- Dec 25
Opening times: 11am – 9pm
Location: Azabudai
Price of entry: Free
Furusato Tokyo Ouen Festival
An alternative to European-style Christmas Markets in Tokyo, this event in Yoyogi Park, Shibuya, instead highlights traditional foods and drinks from Japanese and international cuisines. Although it is a little different, there is still a towering Christmas tree, as well as a number of hot drinks to pair with delicious meats, fruits, and vegetables from across the country, as well as musical acts.
Dates: Dec 13- Dec 25
Opening times: 4pm – 10pm (weekdays); 11am – 10pm (weekends)
Location: Yoyogi Park
Price of entry: Free (some musical acts require ticket purchase)
Tokyo Tower Christmas Market
Beneath the iconic Tokyo landmark sits a miniature Tokyo Tower, along with a Christmas tree and lights all around. German food and snacks can be purchased, along with hot chocolate and mulled win.
Dates: Late Nov – Late Dec
Opening times: 4pm – Midnight
Location: Tokyo Tower
Price of entry: Free
Ark Hills Christmas Marche
The Hills Marche is held every Saturday, and bills itself as an old-fashioned event where people can buy food and drink in a relaxed atmosphere. During the holiday period, it becomes festively-focused, with cakes, biscuits, and hot and cold drinks to get any visitor in the Christmas mood on sale, as well as Christmas music to enjoy.
Dates: Late Nov – Late Dec
Opening times: 10am – 2pm
Location: Ark Karajan Square
Price of entry: Free
Outside Tokyo
The benefit of living in Tokyo is that, as the capital city, it has the most Christmas Markets and other Christmas events. The downside is that this means they can be the most crowded! So here are a couple of alternatives that aren’t too far out of the way.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market
Another Christmas Market experience that could only be more authentic if you’d booked a ticket to Dusseldorf first. The wooden stalls — which serve sausages, stollen, mulled wine, and other tasty treats — are imported directly from Germany.
Snowglobes, wooden toys, and exclusive Yokohama Christmas mugs are available as gifts, and there are workshops for making candles and wreathes, that you can keep yourself as unique souvenirs.
Dates: Nov 21 – Dec 25
Opening times: 11am – 9pm (Nov 21 – Dec 6); 11am – 10pm (Dec 7 – Dec 25)
Location: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Price of entry: ¥500
Tamaari Town Christmas Market
North of Tokyo in Saitama, just half an hour away, is the Tamaari Town Christmas Market, a three-minute walk from Saitama-Shintoshin Station. With a tall tree, European delicacies, and a range of soul foods like roast chicken, dumplings, clam chowder, hot lemonade, mulled wine, and chocolates.
Dates: Mid – late Dec
Location: Saitama Super Arena
Price of entry: Free
Christmas in Japan can be a little different from home, but there are plenty of Christmas Markets in Tokyo for anyone who is nostalgic — or anyone who hasn’t tried one before!
