10 Best Events in Japan in December 2023
List of Seasonal Events in Japan in December
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December is one of the months when most travelers come to Japan as well as the cherry blossom season in March and April. They visit Japan in December to have an enjoyable Christmas vacation, join exciting New Year’s countdown events, or experience Japanese seasonal attractions such as hot springs and winter food.
Lots of events are held in amusement parks and other tourist spots around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. There are gorgeous colorful illuminations lit up around urban cities including Tokyo and Osaka in the middle of winter. Both Japanese and foreign people take a trip to Onsen towns. The cold season is perfect for various Japanese dishes like Nabe hot pots, Oden, and the freshest seafood.
For all travelers, here is the list of the best events that you should experience in Japan in December. This event list ranges from famous Christmas and countdown parties to time-limited exhibitions only this year.
Make your winter travel better with these unique events!
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
1. Disney Christmas (Chiba)
Disney Christmas is an annual event at Tokyo Disney Resort in celebration of the holiday season. Every year there are unique activities and events prepared by Disney friends and characters and colorful Christmas decorations around the theme parks that make the place shine even more. One of the best places to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. Don’t miss out on this exciting event book your Disney Resort tickets here.
Genre: Theme Park
Location: Tokyo Disney Resort
Dates: November 8 to December 25, 2023
Website: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/treasure/christmas2023/tdl/
<< Book your Tokyo Disney Resort e-tickets here! >>
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11 minutes walk from Maihama Station. |
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For more travel tips about Tokyo Disney Resort, Check out the following articles.
▶︎Tokyo Disneyland Guide: Best Things to Do
▶︎Tokyo DisneySea Guide: Best Things to Do
2. NO! Limit Christmas (Osaka)
This year Universal Studio Japan will celebrate NO! Limit Christmas with the unique theme of Mario’s World, it is more fun and exciting because of new experiences and various activities offered. There are many decorations related to the holiday season including the winter season decorations that add sparkle to the place to feel more the spirit of Christmas. Come and enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends book your Universal Studio tickets here.
Genre: Theme Park
Location: Universal Studio Osaka
Dates: November 21, 2023 to January 8, 2024
Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp/events/christmas-2023/no-limit-christmas-2023
<< Book your Universal Studios Japan Osaka e-tickets here! >>
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5 minutes from Nishikujo Station via (JR Yumesaki Line) to Universal-City Station. |
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For more travel tips about Universal Studio Japan, Check out the following article.
▶︎Check out the Best Things to Do at Universal Studios Japan!
3. Huis Ten Bosch Christmas (Nagasaki)
Huis Ten Bosch Christmas will provide a unique melody this festive season adding more of the spirit of Christmas. A majestic performance with brilliant illumination all around, a fantasy show that will bring joy to the visitor.
Genre: Illumination/Festival
Location: Nagasaki
Dates: November 10, 2023 to January 8, 2024
Website: https://www.huistenbosch.co.jp/event/xmas/
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20 minutes from Haiki Station via (Omura Line) to Huis Ten Bosch Station. |
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4. Christmas Markets (Around Japan)
December is one of the most exciting months of the year when the holiday season is celebrated with many Christmas-related events taking place. One of them is the Christmas markets that take place in various places in Japan, especially in Tokyo. Here, you can feel the spirit of the holiday season where various things can be seen such as Christmas decorations, and characters related to the holiday season.
Genre: Market
Dates: From November to December 25, 2023
For more information about the Christmas Markets and events, Check out the following articles.
▶︎Best Christmas Market in Tokyo 2023
▶︎Best Christmas Market in Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto
5. Ramen Expo (Osaka)
Ramen Expo is one of the biggest festivals of ramen in Japan. Participate with top ramen chef professionals from all over Japan. Here, different kinds of ramen are cooked and prepared in front of you, delicious and unique taste. It will be held in Osaka throughout the weekend of December 2023.
Genre: Festival
Location: Expo ’70 Commemorative
Dates: Act 1: December 1 to 3, 2023, Act 2: December 8 to 10, 2023, Act 3: December 15 to 17, 2023, Act 4: December 22 to 24, 2023, Act 5: December 28 to 30, 2023
Website: https://ramen-expo.com/
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6 minutes walk from Bampakukinenkoen Station. |
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6. Universal Studio No Limit! Countdown 2024 (Osaka)
Bring the whole family and have fun celebrating the end of the year and welcoming the new year at the most exciting place Universal Studio Japan. The NO! Limit Countdown 2024 will be held. Come and join the fun event, book now your Universal Studio tickets here.
Genre: Amusement Park
Location: Osaka
Dates: December 31, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us
<< Book your Universal Studios Japan Osaka e-tickets here! >>
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5 minutes from Nishikujo Station via (JR Yumesaki Line) to Universal-City Station. |
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7. Sagano Christmas Romantic Train (Kyoto)
Don’t miss the special Christmas Romantic Train night offered by Sagano Train in celebration of Christmas. Enjoy the fantastic illumination and amazing night view while sitting and relaxing on the famous Sagano Romantic Train. The special night will only be held for two days at a special timetable also on December 23 and 24. Perfect for couples to have a romantic Christmas night celebration.
Genre: Illumination
Location: Saga Arashiyama Station
Dates: December 23 and 24, 2023
Website: https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en/
8. Saga Light Fantasy (Saga)
Along with the start of the Saga, International Balloon Fiesta 2023 is also the opening of the lightning ceremonies on the roads and major cities of Saga. A colorful street with various events in the area will be celebrated here.
Genre: Festival
Location: Saga Area
Dates: October 31, 2023 to January 8, 2024
Website: https://www.sibf.jp/en/light-fantasy/
9. Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination (Tochigi)
One of the most famous flower parks in Japan, the Ashigaya Flower Park in Tochigi will hold three large flower fantasy illuminations with the themes of a Fusion of light and amethyst sage, Christmas Fantasy, and Co-starring lights and winter peonies. Which starts from October 18, 2023, to February 14, 2024. Come and enjoy the amazing flower illumination with your family and friends.
Genre: Illumination
Location: Tochigi, Ashikaga Flower Park
Dates: October 18, 2023 to February 14, 2024
Website: https://www.ashikaga.co.jp/flowerfantasy_special2023/en/
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37 minutes from Oyama Station via (Ryomo Line) to Ashikaga Flower Park Station. |
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10. Nabana no Sato Illumination (Mie)
An illumination that will take your imagination to another fantasy place is the offering of Nabana no Sato at Nagashima Resort. There are different themed lights available in each area that are really amazing with their beauty and sparkles.
Genre: Illumination
Location: Nabana no Sato
Dates: October 21, 2023 to June 2, 2024
Website: https://www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp/nabana/illumination/index.html
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10 minutes from Kintetsu-Nagashima Station via (Nagashima Nabana no Sato Line) to Nabana no Sato Station. |
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Want to check out last month’s events? Check them out from the following link!
▶List of Best Events in Japan in November
In addition to those seasonal events, there are more things to do in Japan in December. Check more details in these articles below.
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I'm writing by my motto: helping travelers spend their limited time experiencing something priceless in Japan. My articles won't let you down! Living in Tokyo and traveling many popular and hidden sites all over Japan, I deliver well-selected and latest tourist information to you from the perspective of “100% Japanese local”. My specific interests are island hopping, eating countless bowls of ramen, watching anime and reading manga. Enjoy Japan Web Magazine for recommended food spots, hidden gems Japanese Otaku (geek) culture, and everything about Japan :)
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