Christmas in Kumamoto

Nov 29, 2022

Christmas in Kumamoto

There are many ways expats feeling homesick for Christmas can get into the festive spirit in Kumamoto. Although Christmas is not an official holiday in Japan, Kumamoto is one of many cities in the country that acknowledges the festival with events and light displays.

Christmas in Japan

Japan is not a Christian-majority country. However, its increasing Western expat population has led Christmas celebrations to grow in recent years. The country has unique ways of celebrating the holiday season, blending its traditions with those from other places, such as the U.S. and Europe. The Japanese typically celebrate Christmas throughout December, although locals usually work on Christmas Day. Family gatherings and parties are more likely to occur around the New Year period.

During December in Japan, expect to see excellent street lighting displays, European-style Christmas markets, and the special Japanese Christmas cake (kurisumasu keki). Many Japanese couples treat Christmas Eve as a romantic time and will head out to a nice restaurant. Friends and family may buy each other small Christmas gifts, but this is not the big thing it is in Western countries.

Christmas Illuminations

Japan pushes the boat out when it comes to spectacular winter lighting displays. Each year, from around mid-November to the start of January, you can see extravagant and colorful illuminations in streets, parks, and shopping centers.
Among the best annual displays in Kumamoto is the Yusui Tunnel Park annual lights display in Takamori, which features illuminations along the 550-meter tunnel that was originally going to be a railway but became a park instead. The display runs throughout December and is called “Christmas Fantasy.” This unique event also typically features around 50 Christmas trees created by groups from various organizations. Visitors can vote for their favorite in a contest that takes place a few days before Christmas.

Another event is the Fantasy of Light at the Arao Greenland Amusement Park. This features over 100 illuminations, including a giant lit Ferris wheel, a eight-meter-tall tree, pink lights on the cherry trees along Sakura’s Stroll Path, and lights on the grand avenue, called Luce Viale. Entry to the park costs 1,600 yen for adults, although you can view the illuminations from outside the park for free. For a bird’s eye view, take the Ferris wheel or Sky Lift. The event is more for New Year than Christmas, typically running from around December 28th to 31st.

If you’re willing to go a little farther afield within Kyushu, some additional options include:

• Hikari no Machi Hakata — Held at JR Hakata Station Plaza in Fukuoka, the highlight is the 15-meter-tall artificial tree surrounded by around 30 real illuminated trees and thousands more lights.
• Nakasu Hikari no Advent — Another display in Fukuoka, it’s worth a day trip to see the lights along the Naka River. There are also stalls selling local street food.
• Tenmonkan Millionation — In Tenmonkan Park in Kagoshima City, around 1 million LED lights create a flower field, including with illuminated domes that visitors can enter.

Christmas Markets

German-style Christmas markets are another winter staple in many Japanese cities throughout December. Expect to find stalls selling popular German favorites, such as smoked sausages, sauerkraut, and mulled wine. You can also pick up small gifts from local traders and enjoy the general festive cheer. Kumamoto has Christmas markets at three sites:

• Kumamoto station (November 22nd to December 25th)
• Hanabata Square (December 12th to 25th)
• Suizenji Kozuko Park (November 28th to December 1st)

In addition to the stall traders, there’s entertainment on offer, including live choir performances.

Christmas Dining

Kumamoto is short of options for restaurants that serve a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. However, if you head to one of the popular expat pubs in the central Shimotori district, you’ll likely find plenty of Christmas spirit (and spirits!). Jeff’s World Bar and Corazon serve food and usually fit out their venues with plenty of festive decorations. Jeff’s is also known for putting on Christmas events.

Another dining option, surprisingly enough, is KFC. This has become synonymous with Christmas for many Japanese locals, as the fried chicken chain offers a Christmas menu that includes festive specials and discounts on regular meals.

Christmas Supplies

Suppose you’re looking to celebrate Christmas in more intimate surroundings — i.e., your own home. You can find everything you need for a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings from the Meat Guy or Horizon Farms, which have a selection of festive meats, vegetables, and fruit. For other supplies (including Christmas trees and festive decorations), check out Costco or Shimo Jima.

やすなり, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons