Christmas is the time of year when the world gets caught up in the spirit of sharing love and peace. Tokyo is no exception, and during this season the city celebrates in its own unique ways. From having a special date with your significant other, shopping for beautiful seasonal goods, having delicious themed foods or enjoying stunning illuminations all over town, there is something for everyone to delight in and live the Christmas spirit. It is no secret that Japan is not a mainly Christian country, but the essence of Christmas is here and spreading to every corner of the nation. It is always impressive to see how this country appropriates traditions and events, and makes them bigger and incredibly enjoyable.
Even for locals, this time of year is one of their favorites. Despite the cold weather, walking around the hundreds of beautiful illuminated areas, having a delicious meal in one of the dozens of Christmas Markets, or going to some of the biggest amusement parks around town, everyone gets a share of the spirit. So let’s take a look at some of the available events and activities in Tokyo that will, of course, include a delicious bite of Christmas.
Japan’s Christmas for Fans
Star Wars + Marunouchi Bright Christmas
The new Star Wars movie is about to debut, and the Marunouchi district has decided to partner with the film creators. During the whole month of December, there will be events and illuminations held on the main street, and the most important buildings in the area will be blending Christmas themes with the beloved movie saga. You can also find a temporary Star Wars themed coffee shop: Rise Cristal Cafe. The menu includes “Dark Pasta, Squid Ink Pasta,” “Holiday Leasing Taco Rice with R2-D2, BB-8 and C3PO,” “Light Side Soy Milk Parfait” or “Dark Side Soy Milk Parfait” among other food selections.
Location:
Along Marunouchi Naka Dori main buildings
Gyoko Dori Exit from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line at Tokyo Station
Tokyo International Forum Exit from JR Lines Yurakucho Station
South Exit from JR Lines Tokyo Station
Date:
November 7th – December 25th, 2019
Pokémon Center Japan Frosty Christmas Special Goods
If you are a fan of one of the most famous video game series in the world, then you must make a stop at one of the Pokémon Centers in Tokyo. If you do, make sure to get your hands on one of the special goods that they have for Christmas and will be sold only in Japan. I may also be a good idea to make it one of your first stops since the items are selling quickly.
Locations:
Pokémon Store Tokyo Station Shop
Christmas for Shop-a-holics in Japan
Starbucks Japan Christmas Limited Collection
How about a cup of hot coffee on a cold winter morning? How about having it in a mug full of Christmas spirit? Starbucks launched 2019 season mugs, tumblers, bottles, cards and even blankets that will be available until the last one is sold. In Japan, the world famous coffee brand has a few special merchandise events during the year: Sakura Season, Chinese New Year Animal Mugs, and Christmas. So if you want one of these beautifully designeds, run to your closest shop while you visit Tokyo because they run out quickly.
Location:
Starbucks shops all around Tokyo
Date:
Started on November 1st.
Sanrio Christmas Special Merch
The house of the most popular Japanese kitten in the world comes with a bunch of special goodies this season, collaborating with local brands. You will find many different shops around Tokyo where you can enjoy the Sanrio characters:
- “Don Quijote” Store partnered with Sanrio and will be selling special Christmas items that feature Hello Kitty with the shop mascot “Don Pen.”
- Tsukiji Gindaco Shop delivers a special Takoyaki “Hello Kitty Danran Pack” and “Croissant Taiyaki Hello Kitty Box” in a limited collaboration design package! The campaign started November 28th and will last until the items are sold out, so hurry up to get yours!
- On December 1st, Sanrio Shops began giving “Christmas Sparkling Charm” keychains to those who purchase over 5,000 yen (including tax) worth of goods at their stores (excluding some fun bags and games).
- The cute characters from Little Twin Stars and Papabubble – a famous candy brand from Barcelona – partner up to bring you a special set of designs for this season featuring the super cute characters with Christmas-themed images. You can get this at the Lumine East Building (Papabubble shop is just at the entrance of Shinjuku Station East Exit).
- Check out the Sanrio “Puroland” theme park for “Puro White Christmas” featuring a 500,000-light decoration! Furthermore, from a collaboration with digital producer NAKED Inc. comes the Sanrio Puroland × NAKED “MAGICAL SNOW II,” building on last year’s success. Info: https://en.puroland.jp/special/release_lang/pdf/y2019/20191024_SET_Christmas_EN_FNL.pdf
Family Friendly
Christmas at Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea
An obligatory stop for families who visit Tokyo is Disneyland and Disney Sea. As one of the most magical experiences for all ages, this season they bring a bunch of activities to enjoy like: “Christmas Stories Parade,” unique attractions, night illuminations, “Super Bright Christmas Fireworks,” special merchandise and food menus with the Christmas flavor.
Locations:
Tokyo Disneyland
1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031
Tokyo DisneySea
1-13 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031
Date:
Started on November 8th, some events will run until January 5th, 2020. 
Christmas at Maxwell Aqua Park x NAKED
NAKED Inc. appears again to this list, but now joining Maxwell Aqua Park in Shinagawa to bring a Christmas-themed experience throughout the whole aquarium and having different setups for day and night shows. If you get thirsty, you can have a drink at the “Shinny Starry Bar” with specially created beverages to delight your palate.
Location:
Maxell Aqua Park
〒108-8611 Tokyo, Minato City, Takanawa, 4 Chome−10−30 品川プリンスホテル内
Date:
Started on October 31st until December 25th.
Price:
Adults (High school students or older): ¥2,300 yen Elementary/middle school students: ¥1,200 yen Children (4 years old or older): ¥700 yen 
Foodie
Dessert Buffets with a Touch of Christmas
Dessert! The thing that brings out the kid in you, especially for people with a sweet tooth. This is a very nice chance to try some of the selected confectionery courses that many hotels will be having at their amazing restaurants. Here is a list of some of the options that are available:
Intercontinental Tokyo Bay brings you “Alice’s Crazy Tea Party in Christmas,” available from November 17th until December 25th. 25 different items will be available.
Map
https://goo.gl/maps/m1Bsr2MjSZgBQYaa8
Date
November: 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25
December: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25
Hours
11:30~13:30/14:30~16:30
Price (tax and service fee not included)
Weekdays 4,500 yen (adult), 3,000 yen (4–12 year-old)
Weekends 5,000 yen (adult), 3,000 yen (4–12 year-old) “Holiday Tea Party” at the Conrad Tokyo Hotel, in collaboration with the popular home furnishing retail brand from UK, Cath Kidson. The event’s theme and flavours are inspired by a traditional British Christmas.
Map
https://g.page/ConradTokyoHotel?share
Date
2 November 2019 to 5 January 2020
Hours
13:00~14:30/15:00~16:30
Price (tax and service fee not included)
4,500 yen (adult) 2,300 yen (6–12 year-old) 1,300 yen (3–5 year-old)
Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku offers “Christmas Sweets Buffet” with a Nordic white Christmas theme. You will be able to choose between 30 different options.
Map
https://goo.gl/maps/CZfCTeF8B1Bdcak18
Date
1 November to 31 December 2019
Hours
15:00~17:30
Price (tax and service fee not included)
4,300 yen (adult)
2,600 yen (children) Hilton Tokyo + “Alice’s Christmas Dessert Buffet,” 30 different kinds of delicious sweets and free-flow drinks are available, including over 10 kinds of herbal tea.
Map
https://g.page/HiltonTokyoHotel?share
Date
15 November to 25 December 2019
Hours
14:30~17:00/15:00~17:30
Price (tax and service fee not included)
Weekdays 3,800 yen (adult), 2,400 yen (4–12 year-old)
Weekends and Holiday 3,950 yen (adult) , 2,400 yen (4–12 year-old) Christmas Sweets Fair at Sunshine City Prince Hotel will be serving 20 different treats, including Bûche de Noël. If you want to balance the sweetness with something savory, they also offer a Dinner and Dessert buffet that you cannot miss!
Map
https://goo.gl/maps/S42etnkms6RgBgSL9
Date
23 November to 25 December 2019
Hours
Sweets Buffets 15:00~17:00 (Weekdays) / 12:00~14:00, 15:00~17:00 (Weekends and Holiday)
Sweets and Dinner Buffet 18:00~21:00
Price (tax and service fee not included)
Sweets Buffets
23 Nov to 19 Dec 3,600 yen (adult), 1,400 yen (primary school), 800 yen (4–6 year-old)
20–25 Dec 3,800 yen (adult), 1,400 yen (primary school), 800 yen (4–6 year-old)
Sweets and Dinner Buffet
23 Nov to 19 Dec 4,300 yen (adult), 1,500 yen (primary school), 900 yen (4–6 year-old)
20–25 Dec 5,000 yen (adult), 1,500 yen (primary school), 900 yen (4–6 year-old) 
Tokyo Christmas Markets
Originally from Germany, “Christkindlmarkt” means “Christ Child Market” with “Christkindl” usually referring to an angel-like spirit of Christmas. Traditionally held in the town square, the market has food, drink and seasonal items from open-air stalls accompanied by traditional singing and dancing. Honoring this tradition, you can find a bunch of such markets around Tokyo. Here is a selection of the best ones:
- Shiba Park Tokyo Christmas Market is the biggest market in Tokyo that offers you plenty of options from food, ornaments, drinks and special events. Open fdrom the 6th to the 25th of December, 11:00~22:00. Get the directions here: https://goo.gl/zB73mP
- At Yebisu Garden Place, less than 5 minutes from Ebisu station, you will find a beautifully illuminated Christmas Market that will be as much a delight for your palate as it will be for your eyes. Open from November 2nd to December 25th, 12:00 to 20:00. Find directions here: https://goo.gl/twKtxB
- Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas. How about having a delicious meal from some of the stalls around one of the best sights in Tokyo? Enjoy the meal and fill your belly with the flavours of the season. Open from November 7th until December 25th, same working hours as Tokyo Skytree. Find the place here: https://goo.gl/maps/co8yVz4K9qbdeuA76
Romantic
Romantic Dinner at Tysons & Company
During Christmas, there’s an interesting tradition in Japan. In contrast to western countries where families gather around the table and share a delicious meal, in Japan, couples hang out around the city on a date, and the most common dinner selection is, believe it or not, “Kentucky Fried Chicken.” The shops have to make food reservations starting from November every year. Of course this is the tradition, but if you really want to treat your significant other, maybe something less casual will be the option. The famous brand Tysons and Company offer a special menu for Christmas that blends the winter flavors of Japan in a delicate balance with international ingredients. This carefully prepared dinner will make this Christmas filled with extra special memories.
- Crista, five course dinner, from December 24th – 25th, menu includes a Grilled Australian long grain beef filet with foie gras. Price: ¥12,000. Reservations: 03-6418-0077
- Cicada, four course dinner, December 24th – 25th, this meal includes Roasted lobster tail with fennel and lemon risotto. Price: ¥10,000. Reservations: 03-6434-1255
- Ivy Place, four course dinner, from December 23rd – 25th, be delighted by Roasted wagyu beef sukiyaki style. Price: ¥8,000. Reservations: 03-6415-3232
- Urban BBQ: Smokehouse by T.Y. Harbor Brewery, four course dinner, December 24th – 25th, sink your teeth into the smoky menu items that include smoked roasted sirloin. Price: ¥5,200. Reservations: 03-6450-5855. ※Reservation Only
- Other restaurants owned by the brand will also have special offerings during the season, so make sure to check them out and get all the addresses and reservation information on the Tysons and Company website:
- T.Y. Harbor Brewery Restaurant
- Crisscross Omotesando
- No. 4 Hand-crafted: Bread and Pizza
- Breadworks
- The Roastery by Nozy coffee
- Bond St. Kitchen
- Lily Cakes
Christmas Illuminations
There is nothing more romantic than walking with your significant other holding hands around soft and colorful illuminations, and one of the best things about Christmas in Tokyo is the beautiful luminous decorations. The whole city brightens up and shows its best to the pedestrians, a perfect way to end a delightful dinner. Some of the best locations are:
- Roppongi Hills and Midtown Roppongi Hills. Both feature an outstanding colored lights display that will amaze your eyes. Make sure to go by the Fuji TV building where there is a pond with a heart frame that will be the perfect picture spot for lovers.
- Blue Cave Shibuya Illumination (Shibuya: Ao no Dokutsu). A must-go stop for couples. Right between Shibuya and Harajuku, you will find this stunning blue color tree path that will take you to another world.
- Tokyo Dome: a year for peace. Ever since this illumination was first displayed in 2005, they have been more and more dazzling every year, connected in some way with traditional Japan. Make sure to check out the 5 different areas available.
In Tokyo for Christmas Time, why not joining our Limited New Year food tour in Shibuya?
