Romantic Christmas Celebrations Take Center Stage in Japan between Economic Challenges
In Japan, Christmas has become more than just a festive occasion; it is seen as another Valentine’s Day, a time for young couples to enjoy romantic dates and create lasting memories. While the country celebrates the holiday with no religious undertones—Christmas is a largely secular event in Japan—its popularity continues to grow, especially among young people eager to share special moments with their partners. For other young couples like Akao Takao, 19, Christmas involves enjoying dazzling light displays, visiting Christmas markets, and sipping hot chocolate together. “I had a wonderful experience,” he said. The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo offers “romantic escape” packages, including dinner and ice skating, while the Grand Hyatt promises a “romantic evening” with rooms overlooking festive tree displays. Restaurants and shops also roll out special Christmas menus and limited-edition gifts, including chocolates and jewelry, capitalizing on the holiday’s romantic atmosphere. Professor Roy Starrs, an expert on Japanese studies at the University of Otago in New Zealand, explains that the Christmas season in Japan is seen more as a pop-cultural spectacle than a religious observance. “It’s all about mood and atmosphere,” Starrs said. “Young couples go out together on dates to view the spectacular displays of colorful lights, which is thought to be a very romantic atmosphere conducive to young love.” While the older generation once favored lavish Christmas celebrations with champagne and limousine rides, younger couples are increasingly looking for more affordable ways to mark the holiday, especially in the wake of Japan’s economic challenges. With the rising cost of living and a depreciation of the yen, some are opting for simpler, budget-friendly celebrations. University student Inoue Shogo, 23, noted that while fancy hotels are too expensive, many young couples are now choosing to enjoy Christmas at home or indulge in traditional Japanese food instead of pricey Western dinners. A recent survey by marketing company MERY found that activities such as staying home to watch Christmas movies, visiting Christmas light displays, and enjoying a simple Christmas cake have become more popular among younger people. Yuhi Hasegawa, 19, shared his experience visiting Enoshima, a small island near Tokyo, with his girlfriend last year. “We should value the time with our partner,” he said, adding that sometimes, skipping the extravagance and enjoying simple moments together is the perfect solution.
Sumire Sekino, a university student, recalled a memorable Christmas spent with her boyfriend, hopping between Tokyo’s iconic date spots, such as the immersive TeamLab art exhibit and the stunning Shibuya Sky observation deck. “It was only our first month together, so we were still nervous, but I had so much fun going to these places with him,” she shared.
Unlike the traditional Western Christmas centered on family gatherings, in Japan, the holiday has taken on a distinctly romantic flair. Couples flock to illuminated streets in areas like Tokyo’s Roppongi and Ginza, where sparkling Christmas trees line the streets, and the promise of a white Christmas in Hokkaido adds to the magic of the season. For those willing to splurge, luxury hotel rooms with breathtaking views are available, often for upwards of $2,000 per night.
As Japan grapples with its declining fertility rate, with a record low of 1.20 last year, the romantic nature of Christmas may be more significant than ever. For many young couples, it’s a time to celebrate love and connection, offering a glimpse of hope in a society that faces demographic and economic challenges.