Are you planning to spend Christmas in Japan in 2024? If so, have you decided where to go?
Starting from late November, various regions in Japan light up with stunning Christmas illuminations, decorations, and markets. These dazzling lights transform typically dim streets into vibrant, festive avenues.
Top Christmas Destinations in Japan 2024
If you haven’t decided where to visit, here are 10 top Christmas locations in Japan that every Japafan should check out at the end of 2024.
1. Tokyo: Roppongi Hills Christmas 2024
The winter illuminations at Roppongi Hills are a must-see destination in Tokyo during December. Along Keyakizaka Street, enjoy breathtaking views of Tokyo Tower framed by trees adorned with blue and white lights, creating a snow-like ambiance.
At O-yane Plaza, the 2024 Christmas Market will recreate the atmosphere of Stuttgart’s Christmas market in Germany. Savor mulled wine, sausages, and traditional German Christmas items.
Event Details:
- Event Name: けやき坂イルミネーション (“SNOW & BLUE” Keyakizaka Illumination)
Location: Keyakizaka-dori, Roppongi
Time: November 7, 2024 – December 25, 2024, 5:00 PM–11:00 PM - Event Name: 66 PLAZA illumination “Luminous Bouquet”
Location: 66 Plaza, Roppongi Hills
Time: November 7, 2024 – December 25, 2024, 5:00 PM–12:00 AM - Event Name: CHRISTMAS MARKET 2024
Location: O-yane Plaza
Time: November 23, 2024 – December 25, 2024, 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
2. Tokyo: Marunouchi Bright Holiday 2024
This year’s illuminations at Marunouchi are collaborating with Super Mario for the “Marunouchi Bright Holiday 2024 – Let’s Play in Marunouchi” event, running from November 14, 2024, to January 13, 2025.
The main area features large decorations inspired by Mario characters, while inside the Marunouchi Building, visitors can experience “Princess Peach Showtime!” – a special Princess Peach-themed stage where you can snap photos with the princess herself.
Event Details:
- Event Name: Marunouchi Bright Holiday 2024
Location: Marunouchi area (Marunouchi Building, Shin-Marunouchi Building, Oazo, and others)
Time: November 14, 2024 – January 13, 2025
3. Tokyo: Blue Cave Shibuya
The Blue Cave Shibuya (青の洞窟 SHIBUYA), Japan’s largest winter illumination event, returns from December 6–25, 2024, celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Admire the mesmerizing view of 127 trees illuminated by 600,000 blue LED lights stretching from Shibuya to Yoyogi Park.
Event Details:
- Event Name: 青の洞窟 SHIBUYA (Blue Cave Shibuya)
Location: Shibuya Park Avenue to Yoyogi Park, Tokyo
Time: December 6, 2024 – December 25, 2024, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
Note: Event may be adjusted in case of rain.
4. Tokyo: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa – NAKED STAR AQUARIUM
Experience a magical Christmas at Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa with the “NAKED STAR AQUARIUM” from November 23 to December 25, 2024.
This event uses projection technology and illuminations to create an ocean of stars. Don’t miss the dolphin show “Bright Christmas Party,” featuring a spectacular 360-degree illuminated stage.
Event Details:
- Event Name: ネイキッド スター アクアリウム (NAKED STAR AQUARIUM)
Location: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Time: November 23, 2024 – December 25, 2024, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Tickets:- Adults (high school and above): 2,500 yen
- Elementary/Middle School: 1,300 yen
- Children (ages 4 and up): 800 yen
Note: Closes early at 7:30 PM on December 14 and 21.
5. Hokkaido: Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo
Held in Odori Park, the “Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo” celebrates the sister-city relationship between Sapporo and Munich, Germany.
Explore traditional German Christmas market stalls offering mulled wine, festive decorations, and other unique items.
Event Details:
- Event Name: ミュンヘン・クリスマス市 in Sapporo / Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo
Location: Odori Park, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Time: November 22, 2024 – December 25, 2024, 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
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6. Kanagawa: San-X Character Light Show
At “Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest” in Kanagawa, one of the top three illumination shows in the Kanto region awaits.
Located just an hour from central Tokyo, this site boasts the largest light display in Kanto, featuring over 6 million LED lights. A visit during Christmas 2024 is highly recommended.
This year’s theme spotlights beloved San-X characters like Rilakkuma, Shirokuma, and Sumikko Gurashi.
On selected dates, an extraordinary drone show will take place, with approximately 500 drones soaring in unison at 370 meters above the mountain. The drones will create adorable Sumikko Gurashi characters in the night sky.
Additionally, the sparkling Ferris wheel, illuminated lifts, and lighting designs that leverage the hilly terrain add more charm to Sagamiko’s light show.
Event Details
- Event Name: San-X Character Light Show
- Location: Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest
- Address: 1634 Wakayanagi, Midori-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa
- Admission: Starting at 2,000 yen (varies by date, entry time, and cable car use)
- Dates: November 16, 2024 – May 11, 2025 (operating hours vary; check the official website for updates)
7. Fukuoka: Christmas is Coming
The winter event “Christmas is Coming (クリスマスアドベント)” in Fukuoka will run from November 1 to December 25, 2024, at multiple locations such as JR Hakata Station Plaza and Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City.
Since its debut in 2023, Fukuoka’s Christmas festivities have grown bigger and better. In 2024, around 150 vendors will participate in Christmas markets and light shows spanning Hakata, Nakasu, and Tenjin districts.
With the theme “A Christmas that touches the five senses (五感に響くクリスマス),” the events will emphasize light, sound, and art.
Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere in various ways, such as strolling through illuminated streets, attending classical opera performances or pop concerts, and indulging in delightful holiday dishes.
Event Details
- Event Name: クリスマスアドベント / Christmas is Coming
- Locations: JR Hakata Station Plaza, Fukuoka City Hall Plaza, Tenjin Central Park, Guesthouse Plaza, Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City, Nakasu District, Fukuoka Airport, Momochihama, and Kitakyushu
- Dates: November 1, 2024 – December 25, 2024 (schedule varies by location)
8. Kobe: Kobe Lantern Festival – STARLIGHT DREAM
The Kansai region’s largest lantern festival, “Kobe Illumination,” will return in 2024 with the theme “STARLIGHT DREAM.”
This year’s highlight is a magnificent palace-shaped light decoration, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere in the sky.
One of the must-see attractions is the “Sparkling Laser” (スパークリング レーザー), where colorful laser beams illuminate buildings, depicting night skies filled with constellations, galaxies, and meteors. This laser show offers an enchanting experience akin to exploring outer space.
Event Details
- Event Name: Kobe Lantern Festival “STARLIGHT DREAM”
- Location: Michi no Eki Kobe Fruit & Flower Park
- Address: 2150 Kamiosawa, Osawa-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
- Admission: Adults from 2,000 yen (varies by date, time, and priority access)
- Dates: November 1, 2024 – February 16, 2025, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
9. Osaka: Osaka Christmas Market
The Osaka Christmas Market, first introduced in 2023 at Tennoji Park, will return in 2024 with even greater grandeur.
Running from November 29 to December 25, 2024, the market will feature 24 vendors offering traditional German delicacies such as mulled wine, Hungarian stews, and German specialty dishes for an authentic Christmas atmosphere.
Visitors can also purchase handcrafted wooden dolls directly imported from Germany.
If you are in Osaka during Christmas, take the opportunity to experience the warmth of this festive market under the night lights.
Event Details
- Event Name: Osaka Christmas Market 2024
- Location: Tennoji Park “Tenshiba” and “Tenshiba i:na”
- Address: 5-55 Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka
- Dates: November 29, 2024 – December 25, 2024, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
10. Osaka: Osaka Festival of Lights 2024
The “Osaka Festival of Lights 2024” (大阪・光の饗宴2024), a hugely popular event last year, returns with even more lights and projection decorations adorning the streets of Osaka.
This festival features programs like the “Midosuji Light Festival 2024” and “Osaka Hikari Renaissance 2024.”
The Midosuji Light Festival 2024 adopts the concept of “Grow Light,” illuminating the city with a variety of light art and projection mapping.
At “Osaka Hikari Renaissance 2024,” the Nakanoshima riverside—a symbol of Osaka—will be adorned with lights. The event will integrate water, people, and the city, reminiscent of the “888 Bridges” from the past.
Event Details
- Event Name: Osaka Festival of Lights 2024
- Locations: Various spots across Osaka
- Dates: November 3, 2024 – January 31, 2025 (some locations until December 31, 2024)
Are Your Christmas Holiday Plans Ready?
Spending the holiday season in Japan offers unique experiences, including extended activities thanks to enchanting night illumination festivals.
Evenings no longer need to be limited to shopping malls or izakayas. Instead, beautifully lit streets and Christmas markets enrich the nightscape for visitors in Japan.
If you plan to celebrate Christmas in Japan, don’t miss the events at the 10 locations mentioned above.
Many event tickets are also available at discounted prices on sites like KKDay. Be sure to book early to avoid long queues and crowds at the venues.
