Christmas markets 2013

Christmas in Japan is a mind-boggling mashup of traditions, with continental-style markets playing a prominent part in the lead-up to the big day. The German influence is the most pronounced, probably due to the year-round popularity of a certain malt beverage, which often appears to be the main attraction at many of these bazaars. It's all very convenient though: shopping for gifts while wielding a hot cup of glühwein or a glass of weissbier makes it all far less stressful. Nonetheless, do take care: the dreaded cliché overdose may strike even the most ardent of Christmas lovers.

Solamachi Christmas Market

Until December 25 / Tokyo Skytree

This German-style market offers all the usual attractions: wooden stalls with sellers touting various 'holiday accessories', mulled wine, and the obligatory beer and sausages. The lighting in the market area combines nicely with the winter 'illuminations' at Tokyo Skytree. Read more

Kyobunkwan House of Christmas

Until December 25 / Kyo Bun Kwan

The Kyobunkwan bookstore welcomes Christmas by opening a special store section exhibiting and selling a wide variety of seasonal merchandise, exclusively imported from Europe. The selection ranges from decorative items and larger ornaments to daily necessities. Read more

Marché de Noël

Until December 25 / Tokyo Midtown

Tokyo Midtown gets into the seasonal mood with this market, at which sellers tout wares ranging from ornaments to tableware and from seasonal sweets to gift items. The selection is slightly more varied here than at some of the other Tokyo area markets. Read more

Roppongi Hills Christmas Market

November 30 - December 25 / Roppongi Hills

Back for the seventh year, the German-style Roppongi Hills Christmas Market features a wealth of over-the-top decorations, overplayed carols, and sellers toting snow globes, but also rather more unseasonal Teutonic classics such as sausages and bier. Read more

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market

November 30 - December 25 / Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

The entrance to this German-style Christmas market has been dressed for the occasion with colourful lights, and the main plaza features a massive Christmas tree complete with flashy decorations. The market area is filled with stalls selling ornaments, snacks, and more. Read more

Earth Garden Xmas

December 7-8 / Yoyogi Park

The Earth Garden craft fair in October fell victim to one of the many typhoons to batter Tokyo this autumn, but the organisers were not about to give up: December will see a new version of the fair, now dressed in Christmasy colours and lit up with candles. Read more

Organic Christmas Market

December 14-15 / Park Hyatt Tokyo Delicatessen

Get your organic ingredients, wines, makeup, and other necessities at this yearly market taking place at the Park Hyatt Tokyo hotel. Great for finding high-quality gifts and party decorations, and also for non-Christmas related organic shopping. Read more