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5 Magical Christmas Markets in Japan 2023: Tokyo, Hakodate, Fukuoka, and More!

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The magical atmosphere of Christmas markets can be enjoyed in several cities in Japan such as Tokyo and port cities like Yokohama, Hakodate, Kobe, and Fukuoka. We introduce the highlights of Japan's most popular Christmas markets in 2023.

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Japan's Famous Christmas Markets 2023

5 Magical Christmas Markets in Japan: Tokyo, Hakodate, Fukuoka, and More!

Yokohama Christmas Market. Photo by Pixta
As the winter chill bites, the soft Christmas lights and traditional European foods come together for a unique fusion event that happens annually in Japan: Christmas Markets.

From Hakodate in the snowy north to Fukuoka in the south, Japan has no shortage of beautiful Christmas markets to attend. The most famous events are held in major port cities or cities with large international communities.

At Christmas markets, visitors can enjoy the spectacle of illuminations while browsing small handmade item shops and enjoying seasonal culinary favorites with a Japanese twist. Read on to learn about five of Japan's most popular Christmas markets in 2023.

5 Famous Christmas Markets in Japan 2023

1. Tokyo Christmas Market 2023 in Meiji Jingu Gaien
2. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market 2023
3. Hakodate Christmas Fantasy 2023
4. Kobe Christmas Market 2023
5. Fukuoka Christmas Market 2023

1. Tokyo Christmas Market 2023 in Meiji Jingu Gaien

5 Magical Christmas Markets in Japan: Tokyo, Hakodate, Fukuoka, and More!

Photo by Pixta
Held since 2015, the Tokyo Christmas Market is one of the largest and most prominent events on the festive calendar in Tokyo.

Modeled after the European tradition of Christmas markets, the event brings a festive wonderland of lights, decorations, and traditional Christmas culinary treats.

Be sure to check out the 14-meter Christmas pyramid imported from Germany. This giant display is the centerpiece of the park. It is believed to be a tradition that dates back to the same time as the Christmas tree.

Do note that a ticket is required to enter the market; it costs about 1,000 yen during the weekdays and 1,500 yen during the weekends. (*The tickets cost 2,000 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children for December 23 - 25.)

Tokyo Christmas Market in Meiji Jingu Gaien 2023
Dates: November 23 - December 25, 2023
Hours: Nov. 23, 16:00 - 21:30; Nov. 24 - Dec. 25, 11:00 - 21:30
Official website: https://tokyochristmas.net/ (Japanese)

2. Christmas Market 2023 at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

5 Magical Christmas Markets Around Japan

Picture courtesy of PR Times
Enjoy a night out by the ocean nestled between the quaint shops of Yokohama’s Red Brick Warehouse district. One of the most popular Christmas markets in Japan, the Yokohama Christmas Market is a fun outing for the whole family.

With around 10-15 stalls selling all sorts of handmade Christmas decorations and gift ideas, the market has the feel of a traditional market in Europe with a Japanese twist.

Be sure to enjoy a cup of warm mulled wine, a traditional spiced wine drink that is popular during the markets. Also, check out the 10-meter Christmas tree that brightens the holiday season in Yokohama.

Christmas Market 2023 at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Dates: November 24 - December 25, 2023
Hours: Nov. 24, 17:00 - 21:00; Nov. 25 - Dec. 8, 11:00 - 21:00; Dec. 9 - Dec. 25, 11:00 - 22:00
Official website: https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/christmas/ (Japanese)

3. Hakodate Christmas Fantasy 2023

5 Magical Christmas Markets in Japan: Tokyo, Hakodate, Fukuoka, and More!

Photo by Pixta
Get ready for Hokkaido’s answer to the red brick warehouses of Yokohama in the form of Hakodate Christmas Fantasy!

Held every year in the picturesque Bay Area district, Hakodate Christmas Fantasy is a great opportunity to enjoy the festive season and sample the bounties of Hokkaido's souvenirs and cuisine. Also, don't miss out on the fireworks displays held each evening from 18:00!

The markets in Hakodate also feature soup-bar stalls along the main street that let you warm up and sample the best of Hokkaido produce while keeping warm in the harsh northern winter.

Hakodate Christmas Fantasy 2023
Dates: December 1 - 25, 2023
Hours:
Christmas Tree Light-up 16:30 - 17:45、18:00 - 22:00
Fireworks: every day at 18:00
Premium tree (red light-up): every day for 15 minutes from 18:30, 19:30, and 20:30
Soup bars: 16:30 - 20:00 in BAY Hakodate
Official website: http://www.hakodatexmas.com/ (Japanese)

4. Kobe Christmas Market 2023

5 Magical Christmas Markets Around Japan

Picture courtesy of PR Times
Nestled in the Nunobiki Herb Garden, the Kobe Christmas Market is one of the best festive events to enjoy in Kansai. With authentic German ornaments and other items to get you in the holiday mood as well as Christmas sweets, it is sure to fulfill anyone's Christmas wishes!

Thanks to the beautiful row of houses serving as a backdrop, there is a real sense that you are traveling through a traditional Christmas scene. Be sure to also check out the botanic gardens in the area to make a true day of it!

Kobe Christmas Market 2023
Dates: November 11 - December 25, 2023
Hours: 11:00 - 16:30
Official website: https://www.kobeherb.com/topics/36373 (Japanese)

5. Fukuoka Christmas Market 2023

5 Magical Christmas Markets in Japan: Tokyo, Hakodate, Fukuoka, and More!

Christmas Illuminations at Hakata Station. Photo by Pixta
Taking place at various venues in Fukuoka, including the Daimaru Passage, Hakata Station, and City Hall Plaza in Tenjin, Fukuoka Christmas Market is one of the largest Christmas events held in Kyushu. Visitors can enjoy the glittering star-like Christmas tree at Hakata Station, the illuminations at the Daimaru passage, public art displays, and other events.

5 Magical Christmas Markets Around Japan

Picture courtesy of PR Times

At the city hall in Tenjin, over a hundred life-sized Santa figurines dot the venue and a massive pan of Spanish paella will be cooking all night to keep visitors warm and fed. This year a new illumination spot will be set up at Tenjin Central Park where each tree will be lit up as part of the festivities.

Fukuoka Christmas Market 2023

Christmas Market in Hikari no Machi HAKATA
Dates: November 6 - December 25, 2023
Hours: weekdays 16:45 - 23:00, weekends/holidays 12:00 - 23:00

Tenjin Christmas Market:
Dates: November 17 - December 25, 2023
Hours: weekdays 17:00 - 23:00, weekends/holidays 12:00 - 23:00

Christmas Market in Passage
Dates: November 18 - December 25, 2023
Hours: weekdays 16:00 - 21:00, weekends/holidays 12:00 - 21:00

Nakasu Hikari no Advent
Dates: November 2, 2023 - January 8, 2024
Hours: 17:00 - 00:00

Fukuoka Christmas Market official website: https://christmas-market.jp/ (Japanese)

Enjoy the magic of Japan's Christmas Markets

5 Magical Christmas Markets in Japan: Tokyo, Hakodate, Fukuoka, and More!

Photo by Pixta
Christmas markets give a whimsical insight into how Japanese people embrace and celebrate Christmas. Whether it's buying traditional handmade ornaments or enjoying German sausages with mulled wine, Japanese Christmas markets are sure to delight all visitors.

Be sure to take in the breathtaking illuminations and the uniquely Japanese atmosphere while you're there. And make some magic yuletide memories from your winter visit to Japan!

Photo and information source: PR Times
Main image by Pixta

Written by

Travel writer and assistant editor at MATCHA with extensive travel around the Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama areas. A Kansai insider who knows their Akashiyaki from their Takoyaki, Iain enjoys getting authentic stories from traditional craftspeople and interesting creators. Particularly fond of temples and shrines, Iain delves deep into the crossroads of tradition and modernity in his eight-plus years living and writing about Japan.

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