Thanksgiving in Kansai

Oct 24, 2022

Thanksgiving in Kansai

As we approach autumn, citizens of many countries are starting to plan for Thanksgiving, including in Japan. However, Japanese Thanksgiving is slightly different from what you may be used to. Japan celebrates Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro Kansha No Hi) to honor workers. This public holiday dates back around 2,000 years, although was only officially established after World War II.

Another key difference between Thanksgiving in Japan and in countries such as the United States is that Labor Thanksgiving Day is on November 23 (or November 24, if the 23rd is a Sunday). This means expats in Japan can celebrate Thanksgiving twice if they wish! Commemorate the occasion in traditional Japanese style with a meal such as fish, rice, and Japanese tea. Then, for the American-style turkey dinner with all the trimmings, either head to a place where you can go for a meal or source your own supplies.

Blarney Stone

Blarney Stone is a popular Irish pub with two venues in Osaka. In recent years, its Shinsaibashi branch has offered a themed Thanksgiving menu over the festive period. This began when the Democrats Abroad Japan Kansai (DAJK) started hosting their Thanksgiving parties at the pub. Expect a menu featuring turkey, stuffing, glazed carrots, and thick gravy sauce. Book in advance to secure a spot. Calling to make your reservation is a good time to check exact details of menu, prices, and open hours for 2024.

Website: https://the-blarney-stone.com/

BLT Steak

An American-style bistro, BLT Steak opened its Osaka branch in Umeda’s Herbis Plaza in 2019. Since then, its traditional Thanksgiving menu (which it usually serves over two days in late November) has been a big hit. Available as a lunch or evening dinner option, savor delights such as roast turkey or sirloin for your main entree and apple cobbler for dessert. Lunch is around 4,200 yen, whereas an evening meal will set you back around 7,500 yen.

Website: https://blt-steak-osaka.com

Westin Osaka

If you fancy a slightly more formal celebration, head to the Westin Hotel for its annual Thanksgiving Dinner party. This is organized by the Japan-America Society of Osaka (JASO) in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ). Although primarily a members’ event, it’s also open to non-members, who can pay to join the festivities. Bear in mind, though, that the dress code is business formal. The traditional dinner includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie and is followed with a few speeches. Prices are 8,000 yen for members and 10,000 yen for non-members.

Website: https://www.marriott.com/ja/hotels/osawi-the-westin-osaka/overview/
Website: http://www.jaso-1946.com/info/2024/10/11090500

Alchemy Bar

Alchemy is a live music cocktail bar in central Kobe that many of the city’s expats frequent. Upstairs is a rooftop restaurant that specializes a proper American Thanksgiving dinner on the fourth Thursday in November. The menu for this year hasn’t yet been announced, but in the past it has included delights such as carrot and ginger soup, herb-roasted turkey or chicken, honey-glazed carrots, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and chocolate dessert. Wash it all down with hot mulled wine or an Asahi beer. Set menu prices are around 5,000 yen per person — book in advance to ensure you’re able to grab a meal.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/alchemykobe/

Thanksgiving Supplies

If you’d prefer to pick up supplies to prepare a Thanksgiving feast in the comfort of your own home, look no further than the following.

Horizon Farms

If you’re concerned about the origin of your meat, order from Horizon Farms. All the meat they sell is raised ethically on family farms and by other small producers. This includes turkey, grass-fed beef, and free-range pork. You can also use this online store for all your produce needs (they offer organic frozen fruits and vegetables) and the other things you need to complete your meal, such as old-fashioned gravy sauce. Delivery is by overnight express, meaning you can even order right before Thanksgiving.

Website: https://en.horizonfarms.jp

The Meat Guy

Another option to pick up all the meat you need is The Meat Guy. This online store has turkey, ribeye, sirloin, duck, and more. You’ll also find veggies such as Brussels sprouts, beets, baby carrots, and blueberries as well as spices and sauces to complete your meal, including cranberry sauce.

Website: https://www.themeatguy.jp/en

Costco

You may have shopped in Costco before you moved to Japan. Although the products you’ll find here will be different than what you’ll be used to, there is still a huge range. If you’re preparing a meal for many guests, this is an especially good option for picking up groceries, as you’ll be able to find some good deals.

Website: https://www.costco.co.jp

Seijo Ishii

If you’re in Osaka, you can find ingredients for sides and sauces at Seijo Ishii. The supermarket specializes in high-quality foods at reasonable prices. There are a number of stores around the city, mostly in residential areas, shopping malls, and train stations.

Website: https://www.seijoishii.co.jp/en

Ms. Jones from California, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons