Christmas in Kumamoto

Nov 29, 2022

Christmas in Kumamoto

As we fast approach the holiday season, here are a few ways expats feeling homesick for Christmas can get into the festive spirit in Kumamoto. Although it’s not an official holiday, the city is one of many in Japan that acknowledges the season with events and displays. Here’s what you can enjoy and where.

Christmas in Japan

Japan is not a Christian country. However, with an increasingly western expat population, its Christmas celebrations have grown in recent times. The country has unique ways of celebrating the holiday season, blending its traditions with those found in other places such as the US and Europe. The Japanese typically celebrate Christmas across December, although locals usually work on Christmas Day. Family gatherings and parties are more likely to occur around the New Year period.

December is a time in Japan when you can expect to see excellent street lighting displays, European-style Christmas markets and enjoy 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 in traditionally 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. Each display lasts for a different period, and there may also be standalone events.

Among the best annual displays in Kumamoto is the Yusui Tunnel Park annual lights display in Takamori, which includes illuminations, Christmas trees, and sound displays along the 150-meter disused rail tunnel. The display runs throughout December and is called “Christmas Fantasy.”

Another is the Fantasy of Light at the Arao Greenland Amusement Park, which features over 100 illuminations, including a giant lit Ferris wheel. Entry to the park costs 1,600 yen for adults, although you can view the illuminations from outside the park for free.

Christmas Markets

Alongside illuminations, German-style Christmas markets are another winter staple in many Japanese cities throughout December. Here, you can expect to see lines of 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 established Christmas markets at two sites – Kumamoto station (November 25th to December 25th) and Hanabata flower fields (December 9th to 25th). In addition to the stall traders, there will also be entertainment on offer, such as live choir performances.

Christmas Dining

Kumamoto is short of options for restaurants that serve a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. However, you can head to one of the popular expat pubs in the central Shimotori district, where you’ll likely find plenty of Christmas spirit (and spirits!). Jeff’s World Bar and Corazon serve food and usually fit their venues with plenty of festive decorations. Jeff’s is known for putting on Christmas events. Another dining option, surprisingly enough, is KFC which has become synonymous with Christmas for many Japanese locals as the fried chicken chain puts on a Christmas menu, including 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. In that case, you can get all you need for a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings from the Meat Guy or Horizon Farms, which has 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