Where to Find Real Christmas Markets in Japan Before December Starts
If you're visiting Japan in November or early December and want to experience the warmth and charm of European-style Christmas markets, you're in luck. Japan has fully embraced Christmas market culture, with several festive events opening before December even begins. From Tokyo to Sapporo, here are the best spots to enjoy authentic Christmas markets early in the season.
Tokyo: Early Festivities in the Capital
Tokyo hosts some of the earliest and most charming Christmas markets in the country. One of the most popular is the Christmas Market at Meiji Jingu Gaien, known for its giant Christmas pyramid, wooden stalls, seasonal lights, and warm holiday food like mulled wine and sausages. It typically opens in late November, making it one of the first major Christmas markets to kick off in Japan.
Another cozy option is the market at Roppongi Hills, which has been running for years and brings a distinctly European feel with handcrafted ornaments, festive snacks, and traditional holiday drinks. Many smaller Christmas-themed markets also appear around Tokyo’s major commercial areas, giving the city a festive atmosphere before December arrives.
Yokohama: A Waterfront Christmas Experience
Just south of Tokyo, the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market is one of Japan’s most iconic holiday events. The historic red brick buildings, warm lighting, wooden huts, and seasonal food stalls recreate the atmosphere of a European Christmas village. The market usually opens by late November, making it a perfect early holiday destination.
Osaka and Kobe: Kansai’s Early Christmas Charm
In the Kansai region, Osaka hosts a Christmas market at Tennoji Park’s Tenshiba area. Visitors can enjoy festive drinks, German-style snacks, handmade goods, and family-friendly decorations—all starting from late November.
Nearby Kobe offers a Christmas market at the Nunobiki Herb Gardens, blending European holiday aesthetics with panoramic mountaintop views. Opening dates typically begin earlier than most, often in early to mid-November, making Kobe one of Japan’s earliest Christmas destinations.
Sapporo: Northern Winter Magic
In Hokkaido, Sapporo’s Munich-style Christmas Market brings a true winter atmosphere thanks to the region’s crisp, cool climate. Held in Odori Park, the market features German-inspired stalls, Christmas crafts, winter lights, and warm seasonal drinks. It usually opens in the latter half of November, offering a snowy European vibe before December even arrives.
Fukuoka: Christmas Advent Celebrations
In Kyushu, Fukuoka transforms into a holiday hotspot through multiple Christmas-themed markets spread across areas like Hakata and Tenjin. Some locations begin their Christmas celebrations as early as the beginning of November. With illuminated plazas, festive food stalls, live performances, and holiday crafts, Fukuoka offers one of the longest-running Christmas market seasons in Japan.
Tips for Enjoying Christmas Markets Early in Japan
Visiting in November is ideal because crowds are lighter and the atmosphere feels more relaxed than the peak December rush. Early evenings can be chilly, so it’s best to bring warm layers, especially for outdoor markets. Trying seasonal treats like mulled wine, hot chocolate, and festive pastries is part of the experience. And since many markets are located near winter illumination displays, pairing both activities creates a perfect holiday night out.
