Written by Patrick Balfe
Researched by Alexandra Ziminski
Japan loves a seasonal excuse to party, and winter is no exception. This December, catch traditional festivals, illuminations, and Christmas and New Year’s events all around the country.
Only interested in the winter illuminations? Check out some of our top picks in Kyoto and Osaka.
We have compiled a varied list of events all over Japan, so no matter where you are, you’ll have plenty to do. For events in Tokyo and the surrounding areas, head over to our listings on Tokyo Cheapo.
Kansai events
These are events in Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Mie, and the surrounding areas.
Ramen Expo
OsakaThe country’s biggest outdoor ramen festival
Slurp your favorite ramen each weekend through December, and travel Japan with your taste buds. There will be over 40 stalls, featuring a variety of ramen from across the country. You’ll only have to pay for park entry, and you can buy tickets to swap for bowls of ramen.
Kasuga Wakamiya
NaraFeaturing processions, horseback archery, and sumo
This traditional festival takes place at Wakamiya Shrine, within the larger Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The highlight is the Jidai Gyōretsu, a period procession held on the afternoon of the third day, featuring 500 people dressed in traditional clothing from the Heian to the Edo periods.
Okera Mairi: Old Year’s Eve
KyotoGet that prosperity for 2026
If you’re keen to achieve peace and prosperity for 2026 (and don’t we all need some), then attend the traditional Okera Mairi ceremony at Yasaka Jinja. Herb roots are burned, and torches are lit using their flames. From there, watchers can light bamboo rope, which can be carried home to light a candle on the family altar or on a cooking stove.
Festival of Lights Osaka
OsakaLights as far as the eye can see
Osaka has two different winter illuminations: the Midosuji Illumination and the Hikari Renaissance. Midosuji is recognized as the street with the most illuminated trees in the world, with lights stretching over 4 km. One of the highlights of the Hikari Renaissance is the Wall Tapestry Lighting Show — a projection onto the facade of the historic Nakanoshima Library.
Osaka Christmas Market
OsakaGet your fill of mulled wine and stollen
The spirit of European Christmas comes to Japan with the Osaka Christmas Market. Enjoy the hallmarks of classic Christmas cheer throughout December — food, fun, and a fancy fair. Modeled after a traditional German Christmas market, the one has dozens of stalls selling Christmas food and trinkets.
Kobe Christmas Market
Kobe400 metres above the city
“A Castle Christmas” is this year’s theme and, as such, the hillside gardens and stone plazas have been decorated like a quaint, illuminated village overlooking the harbor. Wooden stalls will line the terrace, selling seasonal fare like mulled wine, hot chocolate, and stew. Take the ropeway for scenic views of the city all lit up in festive finery.
NAKED Yoru-Mairi at Heian Shrine
KyotoHeian Shrine gets a new look
Heian Shrine in Kyoto is putting on an illumination show that includes projection mapping and other fun light-related activities for winter. This is in collaboration with the art collective NAKED.
Himeji Castle of Light
HyogoNAKED transforms Hyogo’s famous castle
This November and December, Himeji Castle comes to life with projection mapping, soundscapes, and interactive light installations. All under the theme of peace, dandelions take center stage in this season’s interactive installation. Plus, you can rent a glowing lantern for a stroll by moonlight or pick a “Flower Fortune” to take home.
Nankinmachi Lantern Fair
KobeKobe’s Chinatown celebrates the season
Chinatown in Kobe turns red during December for its annual lantern festival. Try to catch the dragon dance on opening night as the lights go on and the sounds and smells of fire crackers fill the street.
Kansai Queer Film Festival
Kyoto and OsakaSee films on gender, sexuality, and equality from Japan and abroad
Now in its 17th year, Kansai Queer Film Festival will see over 30 feature and short films from around 13 countries this year, including Canada, South Korea, Greece, Japan, Palestine, France, Mexico, and Lebanon. The December portion of the event will take place in Osaka from December 5 to 7 with screenings at STEP (Toyonaka Gender Equality Promotion Center).
Kanto events
These are events just outside of Tokyo, including Tochigi, Ibaraki, and the surrounding areas.
Ashikaga Flower Park Illuminations
TochigiRanked as one of the best illuminations in Japan
More than 5 million lights spread across the gardens of Ashikaga Flower Park in Ashikaga City. Throughout the festival, there will be three separate themes, usually incorporating Christmas and New Year into the fun.
| At the door: ¥1,300 | ||
| At the door: ¥700 | ||
Hokkaidō events
These are events in Sapporo, Hakodate, and all the chilly areas on Japan’s northernmost island.
Sapporo White Illumination
SapporoLight ups across the city
This winter light-up takes place at five different locations, including Odori Park, Sapporo Eki-mae Dori, and Minami 1-Jo Dori. All locations switch on their lights on November 22, but while Odori Park and the Munich Christmas Market finish on Christmas Day, the Eki-mae Dori venue continues into 2026.
Hakodate Christmas Fantasy
HakodateWhite Christmas in Hokkaido feat. fireworks
See the unique sight of snow on the beach and a giant Christmas tree, which will be lit up in the evenings. There will also be a fireworks display happening every day at 6 p.m.
Tōhoku events
These are events in Fukushima, Sendai, and the surrounding areas.
Zaō Snow Monster Festival
Zaō OnsenSki through a field of hulking natural snow formations
With incredible views from the ropeway and plenty of skiing opportunities, you can get your snow monster fix pretty easily in Yamagata. Kicking off at the end of December, you’ll also be able to go on special night snowmobile tours to see the snow monsters of Zaō.
Sendai Pageant of Starlight
SendaiThe 40th anniversary of a Sendai winter tradition
Enjoy the illumination of Sendai, with lights leading from Aoba Dori to Jōzenji Dōri in the center of the city. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the event, with around 480,000 bulbs illuminating 127 trees.
Illumi Eeru Iwaki
FukushimaAround 60,000 LEDs illuminate the town
This light-up has evolved over the years. It used to have a pink theme inspired by cherry blossoms, but now it favors white and gold, around 80,000 bulbs’ worth. It will still be big, though, with stamp rallies and photo shoots.
Kyūshū & Okinawa events
These are events in Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Okinawa, and the surrounding islands and areas.
Naha Marathon
Naha, OkinawaSometimes life can be a spectator sport
Naha Marathon draws crowds of over 25,000 people, and the route is lined with taiko drummers, eisa dancers, and well-wishers who will keep up the motivation of the runners, so there’s plenty to see for the intrepid spectator.
Saga Light Fantasy
SagaCatch an expansive illumination and special events
One of the longest-running illuminations each year, the Saga Light Fantasy is a trail of beautiful designs starting at Saga Station. There are over 1.8 million LED bulbs, which are switched on until midnight.
Fukuoka Christmas Advent
FukuokaMore Christmas than you can shake a stick at
The Fukuoka Christmas Market is considered one of the largest in Japan. There are several venues, so technically, there is more than one market, and the event doesn’t skimp on the Christmas cheer — urging you to experience Christmas with all five senses. They’ve got giant trees, elaborate light-ups and decorations, tons of food, music, and, just to be safe, a Christmas circus.
Huis Ten Bosch Christmas Town
NagasakiCelebrate Dutch Christmas in Japan
As soon as Halloween ends, the whole faux-Dutch “village” (it’s more like a theme park) of Huis Ten Bosch reinvents itself by donning festive lights and ringing up Santa Claus. Get your tickets online and avoid the rush. No one likes queuing during the holiday season.
Don’t forget their New Year celebrations either.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in November 2017. Last updated in November 2025.
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