Festive

Christmas in Tokyo

Tokyo Christmas Lights

Tokyo becomes a dazzling wonderland during festive season, offering some of the most spectacular illumination displays in the world. Just a 10-minute walk from Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, Marunouchi Christmas lights shine along Naka-dori Avenue, with 820,000 champagne-coloured LED lights, creating a romantic atmosphere. Venture to Roppongi Illumination, 15 minutes from our Hotel by car, for a stunning light show with Tokyo Tower as your backdrop. For a magical blue light display known as the Blue Cave, head to Shibuya Illumination, about 20-minute drive from our Hotel. Finally, don’t miss the Tokyo Skytree Christmas illumination, located 30 minutes away by car, offering festive light shows and panoramic views.

Tokyo Christmas Markets

Experience the charm of a Tokyo Christmas market, where festive stalls and seasonal treats create a European-inspired holiday atmosphere. The Tokyo Skytree Christmas Market, 30 minutes by car from our Hotel, is perfect for picking up unique gifts and sampling mulled wine. Another highlight is the Roppongi Hills Christmas Market in O-Yane Plaza, where wooden huts sell handmade crafts and German-inspired delicacies. For holiday cheer and an authentic festive vibe, these markets are a must-visit.

Christmas Food in Tokyo

Christmas in Tokyo is celebrated with a mix of local and international traditions. Seasonal favourites include Christmas cakes – beautifully decorated sponge cakes with strawberries and whipped cream – and fried chicken, a beloved holiday meal. For those seeking fine dining, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi offers a sophisticated take on Christmas dinner and holiday cuisine, including festive multi-course menus at est and PIGNETO. Whether you’re indulging in a Michelin-starred feast or trying Tokyo’s quirky festive traditions, good food is an essential part of the season’s celebrations.

Winter Activities

The holidays in Tokyo bring a mix of urban charm and snowy adventures. Glide across the Tokyo Skytree Town Ice Skating Park, just 30 minutes from our Hotel, for a fun festive activity. For those who love the slopes, skiing near Tokyo is easily accessible. Resorts in Nagano and Hakuba, two to three hours away by train, offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. For a convenient day trip, Sayama Ski Resort, only an hour away, is perfect for beginners and families. These activities make the season even more memorable for visitors seeking things to do in Tokyo in December.

Christmas and New Year Traditions

Christmas in Tokyo blends global influences with Japanese charm. On Christmas Eve, romantic dinners and illuminated cityscapes set the mood, while Christmas Day is a time for family outings and festive activities. As the season transitions into New Year’s, Tokyo embraces its cultural traditions. On New Year's Eve, countdown events, fireworks and celebrations fill the city. Popular spots include Shibuya and the Tokyo Skytree area. On New Year’s Day, locals visit temples and shrines for Hatsumode, a tradition of offering prayers for the year ahead.

Christmas Shopping in Tokyo

Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise during festive season. The Marunouchi area, just steps from Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, is perfect for holiday shopping, with luxury boutiques and beautifully illuminated streets. Ginza, only 10 minutes away by taxi, offers everything from high-end designer brands to unique local finds. Whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts or indulging in a shopping spree, Tokyo provides an unforgettable retail experience, making it a top destination for Christmas shopping in Tokyo.

Tokyo Weather in December

December in Tokyo is cool and crisp, with average temperatures ranging from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius (41 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit). While snow is rare in the city, clear skies and refreshing air create an ideal atmosphere for enjoying Tokyo Christmas lights and festive activities. For those wondering about Tokyo weather in December, pack warm layers to explore comfortably, whether visiting markets or admiring illuminations.