It’s the most wonderful time of the year — when everything is cheery and bright. If you’re headed over to Japan this year-end, why not head over to some of these Christmas markets in Tokyo to soak in the festive cheer?
If you asked me what Christmas looks like, a Christmas market would probably be pretty close to what I have in mind. A winter wonderland with makeshift stalls laden with snow, familiar jingles playing softly in the background, beautiful lights illuminating the streets and every tree. There would be the smell of hot chocolate, schnitzels, pretzels, and German sausages on the grill permeating the air. Everyone would be bundled up with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine, exploring each stall with the twinkle of a little Christmas magic in their eyes.
There are many Christmas markets and light-ups in Japan, with most of them inspired by German Christmas Markets and French Marches. So even if you’re not headed to Europe, you get to have a taste of the European tradition infused with Japanese flavour. The best of both worlds! Read on for our list of the top 8 Christmas markets in Tokyo to visit 👇
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🎄 Best Christmas Markets in Tokyo 2023:
1. Tokyo Christmas Market
Image credits: Tokyo Christmas Market
The annual Tokyo Christmas Market is known to be the largest Christmas market in all of Japan. Jointly organised by the Tokyo Tourism Association and the German Tourism Bureau, you can expect plenty of German-inspired food and drink stalls, craft workshops, live performances, and a beer garden with more than 100 brands of beer from around the world. Admission tickets are available for purchase in advance online, which gets you a unique Tokyo Christmas Market mug. Tickets are also available at the entrance if you aren’t too sure of your travel plans just yet!
📅 Dates: 23 Nov – 25 Dec 2023
🕜 Time: 11 AM – 10 PM
📍 Address: Hibaya Park, 1-2 Hibiyakoen, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0012, Japan (Closest to Onarimon Station)
Best Christmas Markets in Tokyo 2023: For more information, check out the Tokyo Christmas market here
2. Roppongi Hills Christmas Market
Image credits: Japan Web Magazine
Inspired by the Christmas market in Stuttgart which is known to be one of the largest Christmas markets in the world, the Roppongi Hills Christmas Market is expected to have over 1,500 stalls with different Christmas crafts, food, and treats. It’s been running for the last 17 years and is right by the Keyakizaka Street Illumination which is one of the best light illuminations to check out in Tokyo, with the Tokyo Tower in the near distance. When it comes to Christmas markets and lights, bigger is always better, so expect streets decked to the nines with Christmas decor, where every corner is basically a winter wonderland.
📅 Dates: 25 Nov – 25 Dec 2023
🕜 Time: 11 AM – 9 PM
📍 Address: Roppongi Hills, 6-10 Roppongi, Minato-ku (Closest to Roppongi Station)
Best Christmas Markets in Tokyo 2023: For more information, check out the Roppongi Hills Christmas Market here
3. Yebisu Garden Place Christmas Marche
Image credits: Yebisu Garden Place Christmas Illumination
The longest-running winter illumination with a 10m tree and a prominent chandelier for a centrepiece, the Yebisu Garden Palace Winter Illumination is one of the most romantic sights to behold this year-end. The French-styled Christmas Marche has snacks and beverages that bring extra warmth to your soul as you explore the square in all its yuletide glory, and different crafts like special French galettes and intricately designed homemade candles. It’s not as big as some of the other markets, but it’s definitely worth visiting for the golden glow and romantic atmosphere. While the market ends on Christmas day, the lights will be up from 11 November through to 8 January 2024. It’s the whole 12 days of Christmas plus more!
📅 Dates: 11 Nov – 25 Dec 2023
📍 Address: Yebisu Garden Place Tower, 4 Chome-20-3 Ebisu, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-6003, Japan (Closest to Ebisu station)
Best Christmas Markets in Tokyo 2023: For more information, check out the Yebisu Garden Place Christmas Market here
4. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market
Image credits: Yokohama
While Christmas markets are such a vibe, they can get pretty crowded too. This market that’s a stone’s throw away from Tokyo’s city centre might be a better bet to escape the crowd. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Yokohama, and there are plenty of attractions to visit in the day like the Cup Noodles Museum or the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise. Make it a day trip on your itinerary and end the day skating and enjoying some German treats like schnitzels, sausages, stollen cakes and more. You might also get a chance to see Mr Christmas himself – Santa Claus at different times of the day.
📅 Dates: 24 Nov – 25 Dec 2023
🕜 Time: 11 AM – 10 PM
📍 Address: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, 1-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa (Closest to Bashamichi station on the Minato Mirai Line)
Best Christmas Markets in Tokyo 2023: For more information, check out the Yokohama Red Brick Christmas Market here
5. Hokuo Yatai Christmas Market
Image Credits: Japan Wonder Travel Blog
If you’re looking for Scandinavian items to take home as gifts for loved ones, the Hokuo Yatai Christmas Market would be the place for you. They carry unique products from countries like Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden ranging from woodwork, textiles, accessories, houseware, food, and more. There are also products featuring popular Scandinavian characters like Moomin and Finnish elf figurines that would make great souvenirs to take home. There’s definitely something for everyone at the market.
📅 Dates: 21 Nov – 25 Dec 2023
🕜 Time: 11 AM – 10 PM
📍 Address: JR Kyoto Isetan, 600-8555 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokojicho
Best Christmas Markets in Tokyo 2023: For more information, check out the Hokuo Yatai Christmas Market here
6. Tokyo Skytree Dream Christmas
Image credits: Japan Web Magazine
Surrounding the iconic Tokyo Skytree with its magical illuminations and captivating light shows is the Tokyo Solamachi Christmas market. Not only will the tower itself be lit, but the entire Skytree Town will be dressed in colourful lights and Christmas decorations. While the market is open till 10 PM, the decorations and the skytree is lit till midnight which makes for an ideal place for a late-night stroll for all you night owls out there.
📅 Dates: 9 Nov – 25 Dec 2023
🕜 Time: 11 AM – 10 PM
📍 Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan (Closest to Tokyo Skytree or Oshiage stations)
Best Christmas Markets in Tokyo 2023: For more information, check out the Tokyo Solamachi Christmas Market here
7. Tokyo Midtown Christmas Market
Image credits: Tokyo Cheapo
The Midtown illumination is another light spectacle that attracts throngs of crowds during the festive season. The light shows and attractions are littered across an entire field, with this year’s special ‘gold tree’ installation and special tree decorations made from fallen branches, adding a sustainable twist to this year’s event. As much as Christmas lights are a major attraction for many of the markets, trust me when I say that this is a sight you would definitely want to behold. Tokyo Midtown is also home to one of the largest ice rinks in Tokyo so you can live your Christmas movie dreams!
📅 Dates: 16 Nov – 25 Dec 2023
🕜 Time: 5 PM – 11 PM
📍 Address: Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo (Closest to Roppongi Station)
Best Christmas Markets in Tokyo 2023: For more information, check out the Tokyo Midtown Christmas Market here
8. Shibuya Blue Cave Christmas Market
Image credits: Japan Web Magazine
Every year, thousands of locals and tourists flock to the Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination to catch a glimpse of the iconic lit trees that are — you guessed it — blue! The 800m-long stretch between the Shibuya Koen Dori and Yoyogi Park will be surrounded by hundreds of trees that form a cave-like structure. For the first time this year, the event will also include a Christmas market with crafts, treats, and all things Christmas that will definitely make the experience more magical than it already is.
📅 Dates: 1 Dec – 25 Dec 2023
🕜 Time: 3 PM – 9 PM (Lights turn on at 5 PM)
📍 Address: Shibuya Koen Dori Street ~ Yoyogi Park Keyaki Namiki (Closest to Shibuya or Yoyogi station)
Best Christmas Markets in Tokyo 2023: For more information, check out the Shibuya Blue Cave Christmas Market here
It’s Beginning To Feel A Lot Like Christmas!
Experience the magic of Christmas in Tokyo with the beautiful light installations and treats from all around the world that are sure to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. While many of these markets accept cash, some of them do accept cashless payments too so be sure to bring along your YouTrip card to make your transactions fuss-free! Plus, while the JPY rates are in your favour, be sure to lock in those rates on the app to maximise your savings!
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Merry Christmas! ❄️
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