My first winter living in Tokyo was fantastic. I couldn't afford to really travel anywhere during the holidays, but there was so much to see in Tokyo so I really enjoyed it! Although very few Japanese people actually celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, they absolutely love the themes, decorations, and illuminations associated with it.
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| Beautiful Illuminations at Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Tower in the distance |
Most everywhere in Tokyo you can see some pretty impressive lighting displays and decorations, often referred to as "light-up" (ライトアップ) and "illumination" (イルミネーション) events. Many stores and shopping areas play full into the Christmas spirit as well, with jolly seasonal tunes and cute santa banners advertising their special holiday deals to entice shoppers to their shops. And where you find shopping and illumination
displays, you often find food, beer, and hot wine as well.
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| At one of several German markets in Tokyo |
It’s not common for Japanese family
members, couples, and friends to buy loads of presents for each other, but
shopping during the holidays is still a major part of the experience.
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| While doing some Christmas shopping near Shinjuku Station |
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| Tokyo Station winter illumination |
