joyous Christmas markets in Tokyo
Tokyo Christmas Market
In Germany and many other parts of Europe, Christmas markets transform central city squares into charming, romantic destinations with decorations, festive lights, hot spiced wine, sweets and stalls selling local crafts.
The Tokyo Christmas Market brings this same spirit to Japan, with a festive selection of food, drinks and European-style ornaments. There’s even a 14-metre-high Christmas pyramid installation brought over from a German village (the Christmas pyramid may be unfamiliar, but it actually has a history as old as the Christmas tree).
Roppongi Hills Christmas Market
This is the 17th edition of Roppongi Hills’s popular German-style Christmas market, which is also modelled after the market in the German city of Stuttgart. Expect classic decorations, familiar carols and stalls selling gifts like snow globes.
When you get hungry and thirsty, there are Christmas market staples such as sausages and beer to enjoy. Don’t miss the nearby illuminations at Roppongi’s Keyakizaka Street, which add to the festive atmosphere.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market
Inspired by the famous market in the German city of Nuremberg, this Christmas market at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse features a range of stalls selling ornaments and holiday paraphernalia, as well as festive treats such as schnitzel, sausages, stollen cakes and glühwein.
For the best photo ops, check out the main plaza with a massive Christmas tree decked out in flashy decorations. If you’re still in need of a Christmas present, join the on-site Christmas decoration and herbarium workshops (from ¥2,000).
Azabudai Hills Christmas Markets
The newly Azabudai Hills complex will host its first-ever Christmas Market this year. The event's centrepiece is a giant Christmas tree with roughly 20,000 LEDs. There are treats of every kind from mulled wine and fresh beignets served by doughnut shop Hocus Pocus, to craft brews and hot dogs from beer shop Setouchi.
Tokyo Skytree Town Dream Christmas
The walkways connecting the Sky Arena at Skytree's Solamachi mall with Tokyo Skytree Station and Oshiage Station are decorated with hundreds of thousands of golden LEDs as part of the complex's Christmas celebrations.
The main spectacle, however, takes place at the Sky Arena, which is home to an eight-metre-tall Christmas tree beautifully decked out in sparkling lights. You can enjoy a festive projection mapping show here (daily from December 15 at 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm and 7.30pm), featuring the venue’s mascot Soraka-chan dancing in sync with the music.