Christmas in Okinawa, Japan | Holiday Fun, Lights, & Santa
Updated: Sep 7, 2023
Looking to spend your Christmas outside of your city this year? The perfect place to spend your Christmas vacation is in Okinawa, Japan. I know most of y'all love the Christmas spirit, holiday, and lights, even when you're on vacation. This place has it all for you, the Christmas holiday spirit and, surprisingly, cherry blossom as well.
Since the weather in Okinawa is warmer than in other parts of Japan, cherry blossoms tend to bloom a few months earlier. Get those early cherry blossom pictures and make your friends jealous (just kidding, haha).
There are so many fun things to do in Okinawa during the Christmas holiday; honestly, Christmas in Okinawa was better than what I got in Philadelphia during Christmas. I loved my visit to Okinawa. The people were nice, the weather was warm, the Christmas lights were beautiful, and the food was AMAZING!
I was more on the broke side when I visited Okinawa and had to stay at a hostel, but we met many awesome people from around the world. Let me know if you're interested in learning more about where to stay in Okinawa!
In this blog, I'll talk about...
Okinawa Christmas Events
Okinawa has many places to enjoy Christmas illuminations, Christmas trees, and festive lighting. I wish I had taken more pictures when I was there! 🥲 A lot of hotels around Naha decorate their hotel, and you can visit those for free! If you prefer bigger light shows, then check out the ones below!
Christmas Fantasy (クリスマスファンタジー)
Every year, the Okinawa Zoo & Museum hosts a special Christmas event called “Christmas Fantasy.” During this event, visitors can experience the holiday spirit with dazzling arrangements of lights and decorations that light up the night sky. There is also a dynamic laser show to behold and an opportunity for visitors to build a snowman in the snow park. It's a great way for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the festive season together!
Date: Around December 10th to January 9th every year
Check for updates here: Okinawa Zoo & Museum Events
Mihama American Village (アメリカンビレッジ)
Mihama American Village in Okinawa is a great place to visit during the Christmas season. This shopping center is located near US military bases and has everything you need for last-minute Christmas gifts and decorations. During the holiday season, Mihama American Village comes alive with beautiful holiday lights and festive decorations to get you into the season's spirit. You'll also find Santa Claus and Christmas trees everywhere, making it a great spot to take family photos or enjoy holiday cheer!
Check for store information here: Mihama American Village
Southeast Botanical Gardens Illumination
(OKINAWA南国イルミネーション)
The Southeast Botanical Gardens in Okinawa, Japan, is a wonderful place to visit during the Christmas holiday. Every year from late October to late May, the gardens are illuminated with millions of holiday lights and colorful winter displays. Visitors can admire lighted palm trees, lawns with colorful lights, and lights arranged to spotlight the gardens & plant life. There's even a tunnel of lights you can walk through. How magical is that! In 2022, this event won third place in the Illumination Award in Japan - so you know how seriously they take this illumination garden!
Date: Late October to late May
Check for updates here: Southeast Botanical Gardens
Where to shop for unique Christmas presents!
Naha’s Tsuboya Yachimun Street
Naha’s Tsuboya Yachimun Street is an amazing place to find unique souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones. Located in the heart of Okinawa, this street offers a variety of traditional Okinawan pottery called “Yachimun Pottery.” Not only can you find beautiful handcrafted items such as cups, plates, vases, and more here, but you can also sign up for a pottery class to learn how to make them yourself! If that isn't enough for you, why not try making some Okinawan Shisa? These mythical creatures are believed to ward off evil spirits and are made from clay with distinctive facial features. There's something for everyone at Naha's Tsuboya Yachimun Street!
Check for store information here: Tsuboya Yachimun Street
Naha's Kokusai Dori Shopping Street
Naha's Kokusai Dori Shopping Street is a must-see for all visitors to Okinawa. Located in the heart of the city, this popular shopping street offers an incredible variety of stores and restaurants. You can find everything from traditional souvenirs to the latest fashion items and local delicacies like Okinawa Soba noodles here. You can find something special for your loved ones with many shops on Kokusai Dori. And if you can't find it here, why not check out their online store too?
Check for stores information here: Kokusai Dori
Okinawa Outlet Mall ASHIBINAA
Okinawa Outlet Mall ASHIBINAA is a great place to go for holiday shopping. With over 100 stores, you can find something for everyone on your list at this outlet mall. You'll find various items from designer brands at cheaper prices than you would in normal stores. It's an affordable option, and plenty of unique gifts are available too! Plus, during the Christmas season, there are many Christmas decorations with illumination displays around the mall that will get you into the festive spirit. So come down to Okinawa Outlet Mall ASHIBINAA and start ticking off those presents!
Check for store information here: ASHIBINAA
You might also be wondering...
How do the Japanese celebrate Christmas?
The Japanese celebrate Christmas in a unique way, with the traditional celebrations of Christmas cake on Christmas Eve and fried chicken on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, families will gather together to feast on a special cake called "Kurisumasu keki," which is usually made from sponge cake filled with cream and covered in strawberries. This is followed by exchanging presents on December 25th (Christmas Day) while enjoying delicious fried chicken - a popular dish among the Japanese during this festive season!
Why do Japanese people eat fried chicken (KFC) on Christmas?
KFC Japan has been offering a special Christmas menu since 1974, when they launched their first national Christmas marketing campaign (Kentucky for Christmas). Since then, it has become a beloved holiday tradition among Japanese people and continues to be enjoyed by many today! The idea of having KFC as part of the festivities is appealing because it's convenient and easy - no need for elaborate cooking or preparing multiple dishes like most traditional Japanese meals. Plus, who doesn't love fried chicken?
Okinawa is the perfect destination for your Christmas vacation. From Southeast Botanical Gardens' magical illumination gardens to Naha's Tsuboya Yachimun Street, plenty of activities and places to explore will get you in the holiday spirit. You can find unique gifts for your loved ones at stores like Kokusai Dori Shopping Street or Okinawa Outlet Mall ASHIBINAA, where designer brands come at more affordable prices than normal stores offer. Whether you want to take a pottery class, make Shisa creatures out of clay, or shop 'til you drop - Okinawa has something special waiting for everyone this festive season!
Merry Christmas メリークリスマス! 🎄🍗 🎂~
コメント