Celebrating winter in Tokyo is a spectacle full of christmas illuminations all kinds of winter festivities. Some great things to do when visiting Tokyo during the winter season are visiting the many christmas illuminations, hot springs, Christmas markets, sumo and enjoying the Japan's delicious winter dishes. Some visitors might hold back on paying a visit to Tokyo during the winter because of the cold weather, but it is actually a very good time to visit. During winter, Tokyo has very little rain compared to its wet rainy summers. There are also many events that are only held in the winter, so why not?
Christmas Markets
In December several Christmas markets open in Tokyo. The sweet markets are all European (German, Swiss, Austrian) themed markets. The markets have many stalls selling little Christmas trinkets, toys and often many traditional German foods like bratwurst, mulled wine and soft pretzels. The Christmas markets are the ideal place for a romantic date, strolling around the many stalls enjoying the delicious foods and fairytale atmosphere.
The most well known markets can be found in Roppongi Hills, Marunouchi and Yoyogi park.
Omotesando Illuminations
During the cold winter of Tokyo the trendy streets of Omotesando light up and warm the hearts of everyone walking the streets. Therefore, if you happen to be in Tokyo during the holiday season it is definitely worth it to visit Omotesando at night to take in this amazing spectacle that takes place only once a year.
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Christmas Illuminations
Not only the streets of Tokyo light up with Christmas lights during the winter, there are also incredible displays to be enjoyed all over Japan. In Odaiba you can see on of the largest Christmas trees all over Japan and the beautiful European styled Tokyo tower becomes one of the most loved spectacles in Tokyo.
The most well known illuminations are located at Tokyo tower, Tokyo station, Marunouchi and Shiodome.
Celebrate New Year's the Japanese Way
The new year in Japan comes with its many unique traditions. Usually people will go to their nearest shrine to pray. In Tokyo, the most popular shrine to visit during this time of the year is the Meiji Jingu in Harajuku. However, this also mean that it will be very crowded so be prepared!
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Watch this 360º VR Video of Meiji Jingu Shrine and feel like you are walking there yourself.
Warm up with Food!
Japan's winter food is truly amazing! We recommend you to try a super delicious hot pot like Motsunabe or a hot and steaming bowl of ramen from the famous ramen chain Ichiran. Another winter speciality is Oden that is sold only during the winter that can be found in almost every convenience store .
There are correct ways of enjoying your ramen, and special ramen such as the Tsukemen Ramen. Learn about all of these things in the following video: How to eat ramen in Japan and what not to do!
In this video you learn you how to eat and truly appreciate ramen, especially tsukemen, what to do and what not do when eating ramen in Japan. Information about the ingredients and interesting things about Tsukemen ramen are also given!
This is from the Japan Fan channel where you can learn more about Japan: Japan Fan youtube Channel
Watch Sumo
In January the first of the six sumo tournaments begins. This an event that should not be missed! Where? Ryogoku is the place to be to watch sumo. When you see the many wrestlers during a sumo tournament in Tokyo it will feel like you’ve travelled back in time to the Edo Era. See what the sumo lifestyle is like and eat like them in the restaurants they eat at with their huge portions.
Ryogoku became an area comparable to Ueno and Asakusa due to the development of the Ryogoku Bridge. Here, sumo started to develop from Kanjin sumo (tournaments to raise the necessary funds to build and restore temple buildings) at the Eko-in Temple. The major sumo tournaments are held in January, May and September at Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena.
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