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20 Things And Events To Check Out In December
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December is a festive season in Japan where visitors can enjoy fun Christmas traditions, events, and limited items. Learn about 20 December releases and things to do, from Christmas at Universal Studios Japan to seasonal Starbucks drinks and Krispy Kreme treats. Celebrate the end of 2019 in Japan!
Written by
Tokyo,Japan
I was born and raised in Berlin, Germany and am living in Tokyo, Japan since 2008. I am native in German and English.
I am a cat-mom to three rescue cats and I have a deep love for 90s rock music, kickboxing, history, chocolate and cookie dough, anything pistachio flavored, cats and bats, dragons and vampires and all things creepy-cute.
My favorite book author is Anne Rice. My favorite band is LUNA SEA.
My most recommended Japanese movie is 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence', featuring David Bowie and Ryuichi Sakamoto.
December in Japan is a special time where all can enjoy original and fun traditions for Christmas, New Year's, and the winter season. We've selected twenty places to visit and goods to check out when you visit Japan in December 2019.
1. Starbucks - Nutty White Chocolate And Santa Boots Frappuccino
Picture courtesy of Starbucks Japan
The Nutty White Chocolate Frappuccino and Nutty White Chocolate Mocha are the official Starbucks drinks leading up to Christmas. The Nutty White Chocolate Frappuccino has white chocolate and hazelnut flavor mixed with roasted hazelnuts and crunchy shortbread bits. The Nutty White Chocolate Mocha has an espresso latte base with the same hazelnut white chocolate flavor.
Picture courtesy of Starbucks Japan
The Santa Boots Chocolate Frappuccino joined in the first week of December. It features a rich chocolate Frappuccino filled with cookie pieces, topped with red candy sprinkles, potato chips, and an edible cookie straw. Santa Boots Chocolate Frappuccino is available only while supplies last.
Picture courtesy of Starbucks Japan
Alongside the beverages, there are two collections of Starbucks Christmas goods available.
Starbucks Japan Official Website: https://www.starbucks.co.jp/ (Japanese only)
Read also
2. Lindt Gianduja Chocolate Drinks
Picture courtesy of Lindt Japan
Lindt Japan introduced a new item to its permanent line. The Lindt Gianduja Chocolate Drink is available in iced and hot versions. The beverages mix gianduja hazelnut nougat with creamy Lindt milk chocolate for a mild sweetness. Both drinks are laced with caramel and topped with chocolate whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and roasted hazelnuts.
Lindt Japan Official Website: https://www.lindt.jp/ (Japanese only)
4. Krispy Kreme Japan Adorable Year Of The Rat Doughnuts
Picture courtesy of Krispy Kreme Japan
Krispy Kreme Japan's New Year's doughnuts will be released one day after the Christmas doughnuts stop selling on December 25, 2019. The new lineup features an adorable mouse doughnut for the Chinese year of the rat, or mouse, 2020.
Krispy Kreme Japan Official Website: https://krispykreme.jp/ (Japanese only)
5. Blue Jean Osaka - Christmas Limited Ruby Cat Paws
The bakery and cafe Blue Jean in Osaka is known for their adorable cat-shaped bread and cat paw-shaped pastry called Neko no Te (cat paw). For the Christmas season 2019, the cat paw shaped treat comes covered in white chocolate and filled with naturally-red ruby chocolate under the name Christmas Neko no Te.
6. Pikachu Sweets By Pokémon Cafe
Picture courtesy of Pokémon Cafe
Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Cafe opens on December 19, 2019 on the second floor of Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. It will offer take-out Pikachu-themed sweets including Pikachu cupcake, three versions of Pikachu baumkuchen cake, as well as some beverages with Pikachu latte art.
Picture courtesy of Pokémon Cafe
Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Cafe is the first of its kind and will be permanent.
Hotels near Sunshine City
7. McDonald's Cream Korokke Burger And Strawberry Pie
Picture courtesy of McDonald's Japan
Two burgers will be part of the McDonald's cream korokke line-up for winter, the Gurakoro Burger and the Beef Demi Cheese Gurakoro Burger. The Gurakoro Burger features white sauce with shrimp and macaroni breaded and deep-fried to for the korokke, or croquette, patty. They are served with savory sauce and lettuce between two steamed buns. The Beef Demi Cheese Gurakoro Burger is additionally topped with cheddar cheese and beef stew.
Picture courtesy of McDonald's Japan
If you are at McDonald's Japan, make sure to pick up a Sankaku Pie for dessert. It is different in shape, texture, and taste from regular McDonald's pies. The new Sankaku Pie Amao is only available or limited time. It is filled with strawberry and white chocolate flavors.
McDonald's Japan Official Website: http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/(Japanese only)
8. Vegan Store - Plant-Based Convenience Store In Asakusa
Japan has an abundance of delicious food but plant-based alternatives are still rather rare even in big cities such as Tokyo. For this reason, an all-vegan convenience store is something really unique in Japan.
Vegan Store's items are completely plant-based and suitable for vegan and vegetarian visitors. The shop carries certified vegan food, drinks, desserts, and daily-use merchandise and has a restaurant on the second floor.
9. Pringles Japan Limited-Edition Beef Bowl Flavor
Pringles Japan has recreated the popular flavor of Japanese beef bowls. Pringles Gyudon (Beef Bowl) has been available to snack lovers before, but is now making another appearance. Don't miss out on this unique flavor!
10. Tokyo Banana KitKat and Zunda Shake Flavor KitKat
Picture courtesy of Nestle Japan
Tokyo Banana and KitKat Japan have collaborated for the third time to release the new limited edition Gold Tokyo Banana KitKat. The KitKats are caramel flavored and printed with the iconic "Tokyo Banana" logo.
Picture courtesy of Nestle Japan
The new KitKat Zunda Shake Flavor is sold exclusively in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Zunda is a sweetened green soybean (edamame) paste, usually used on top of mochi. It is so popular in Sendai that the Zunda specialty shop Zunda Saryo has turned it into a delicious zunda shake that has been replicated in the KitKat Zunda Shake Flavor.
KitKat Japan Official Website: https://nestle.jp/brand/kit/ (Japanese only)
11. Strawberry-Flavored, Heart-Shaped Yukimi Daifuku
Picture courtesy of Lotte Japan
To celebrate the festival of love, which is Christmas in Japan, the company LOTTE releases strawberry flavored, heart-shaped Yukimi Daifuku. Yukimi Daifuku is a popular mochi covered ice cream which offers an interesting mix of textures.
12. Pepsi Sparkling Christmas with Grape Flavor
Picture courtesy of Pepsi Japan
For the winter holiday season in 2019, Pepsi released Pepsi Sparkling Christmas with grape flavor. However, it is not your common popular Japanese grape-flavored soda. Pepsi Sparkling Christmas is actually cola infused with a grape flavor.
Pepsi Official Website: https://www.pepsi.co.jp/menu.html (Japanese only)
13. Kirin Strawberry Pocky Flavored Cocktail
Picture courtesy of Kirin
Chuhai is a popular Japanese type of cocktail made with shochu. Shochu is a Japanese traditional liquor made from grains and vegetables. Kirin meets Pocky Strawberry is a winter limited Chuhai from Kirin that tastes like strawberry Pocky.
Kirin Official Website: https://www.kirin.co.jp/ (Japanese only)
Pocky Official website: https://www.pocky.jp/
14. Lush Harajuku Releases 101 Exclusive Bubble Bars
Pictures courtesy of Lush Japan
The Lush Harajuku Bath Bomb store opened its doors in 2018. It started out as a bath bomb-only store with many exclusive bath bombs. The location still offers a one-of-a-kind experience for customers. As of December 2019, they introduced 101 exclusive bubble bars only available at Lush Harajuku to their unique line-up. Perfect for a relaxing souvenir!
Lush Japan Official Website: https://jn.lush.com/ (Japanese only)
Read also
15. Shibuya Pokémon Center Megastore At PARCO
Picture courtesy of Pokémon Japan
A renewed PARCO opened its doors this month in Shibuya. It offers the first dedicated Nintendo Store in Japan and a brand-new Shibuya Pokémon Center Megastore.
Picture courtesy of Pokémon Japan
The dedicated Pokémon for the Shibuya Pokémon Center are Mew and Mewtwo. The entrance even features a lifesized Mewtwo in a research tube.
Shibuya PARCO Official Website: https://www.parco.co.jp/customer/shibuya/part-1.php
Pokémon Official Website: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ (Japanese only)
Hotels near Shibuya PARCO
16. Universal Studios Japan Christmas
Picture courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
Christmas has moved into Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. The Crystal Shining Illumination includes about 360 crystals illuminating the way from the entrance to the "Universal Crystal Tree".
Picture courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
The Minions celebrate with the Yellow Christmas at the Minion Park. They decorated the park in Christmas colors and banana yellow.
Picture courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
USJ will also hold a New Year's party. Special tickets are available starting from 12,900 yen including tax.
Universal Studios Japan Official Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/
Hotels near Universal Studios Japan
17. Disney Christmas Events
Picture courtesy of Disney Resort Japan
Disney Christmas events are held right now at Tokyo Disney Resort. It includes events, limited-edition merchandise, and food that will brighten the spirits of all who visit Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea during this time.
Picture courtesy of Disney Resort Japan
Both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are decorated with lavish, seasonal touches during this special season. Both parks offer different sights to enjoy.
Picture courtesy Disney Resort Japan
Seasonal food and goods are part of the Christmas celebration every year. The goods range from stuffed animals to accessories and clothing.
Official Disney Resort Website: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/tdl/
Hotels near Tokyo Disney Resort
18. Sanrio Puroland PURO WHITE CHRISTMAS
Picture courtesy of Puroland
Sanrio Puroland is a theme park all about Hello Kitty and her friends. Like most theme parks, Puroland offers seasonal shows, goods and food for visitors to enjoy.
The stars of this Christmas at Puroland are the Little Twin Stars, Kiki and Lala. They have teamed up with singer Dream Ami and creative agency NAKED, famous for their projection mapping, to bring you TWINKLE SPARKLE!! and MAGICAL SNOW II.
In the Märchen Plaza of Puroland you can meet Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel all dressed up in Christmas attire. They are part of the Märchen Theatre Puro Christmas Revue.
Puroland Official Website: https://en.puroland.jp/
19. Yamashita Park Winter Light-Up
Picture courtesy of NAKED and Yamashita Park
For a special winter evening, enjoy the sparkling light-up displays at Yamashita Park in Yokohama. The creative company NAKED creates shimmering, colorful lights decorate the 19,000 roses of 160 varieties at this famous seaside park.
Hotels near Yamashita Park
20. Tomamu Ice Hotel In Hokkaido
Picture courtesy of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu
The Ice Hotel in Hokkaido is operated by Hoshino Resorts Tomamu. Located in the Ice Village, a facility only opens temporarily during the winter months. It includes a whimsical ice hotel, an ice bar, and an arctic bath. It is a perfect place to make lasting winter memories.
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu: https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/en/
Read also
Taste and Enjoy December in Japan
December is a chance to see Japan at a special time with many holiday-themed events, festive food, and other delights. No matter if you want to try seasonal drinks or snacks, surround yourself with holiday goods or enjoy a stay at an icy hotel, this season offers a little bit for everyone.
I was born and raised in Berlin, Germany and am living in Tokyo, Japan since 2008. I am native in German and English.
I am a cat-mom to three rescue cats and I have a deep love for 90s rock music, kickboxing, history, chocolate and cookie dough, anything pistachio flavored, cats and bats, dragons and vampires and all things creepy-cute.
My favorite book author is Anne Rice. My favorite band is LUNA SEA.
My most recommended Japanese movie is 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence', featuring David Bowie and Ryuichi Sakamoto.
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