Traveling to Japan during Christmas: Light festivals & winter atmosphere

Traveling to Japan in December offers a rare experience of pristine winter. The North, like Hokkaido, is covered in pure white snow, while Tokyo and Osaka maintain the dry, pleasant characteristics of the cold climate.

• Hokkaido: Temperature -5°C to 5°C, heavy snowfall, ideal for winter sightseeing.
• Tokyo – Yokohama: Mildly cold, with some sunny days, suitable for outdoor festivals.
• Kyoto – Osaka: The climate is milder, suitable for strolling, visiting temples, and admiring the brilliant lights.

The diversity of weather makes winter the ideal time to fully experience the beauty of Christmas in Japan.

If you want to enjoy a complete winter journey, Vietjet is offering many direct flights from Vietnam to Japan with flexible schedules in December. See details HERE.

Although it is not a country with a long-standing Christmas culture, Japan celebrates the holiday in a very unique, sophisticated, and creative way. From the end of November, major districts like Shibuya, Omotesando, Umeda, and Sapporo begin to be adorned with decorative lights. The brightly lit trees, buildings wrapped in millions of LED bulbs, and shopping centers playing Christmas music and hosting events simultaneously.

Interestingly, the Japanese view Christmas as a day of connection and dating. Couples often stroll under the lights or dine at restaurants that have been booked in advance. Families gather around Christmas cakes and winter dishes.

Christmas in Japan brings a warm, romantic feeling that easily touches the emotions of visitors.

If you arrive in Japan in December, you will easily encounter unique activities that are not available at any other time of the year. Christmas markets reflecting German style appear in Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo, where visitors can enjoy grilled sausages, hot wine, and beautiful craft stalls. Many large areas in the city open outdoor ice skating rinks, bringing a true winter atmosphere amidst the bright lights.

Those who love relaxation can visit onsen areas, where the hot water completely contrasts with the cold weather, creating a special comfort. This is also Japan's biggest sale season, when shopping centers simultaneously offer significant discounts, making it very suitable for shopping enthusiasts.

To not miss this unique festival season, travelers choose flight tickets Vietjet to Japan early to save money and have a flexible schedule with prices starting from 890,000 VND (excluding taxes and fees).

Nabana no Sato is always on the list of the most beautiful light festivals in Japan. The highlight is the light tunnel over 200 meters long with hundreds of thousands of LED bulbs emitting warm golden light. Many visitors liken it to a gateway to a fairy tale world. In addition, the vast sea of lights recreates nature with motion effects, making the space even more magical. The theme changes every year, helping the festival maintain its strong appeal to international tourists.

Sagamiko Illumillion is located in Sagamiko Pleasure Forest, quite close to Tokyo, making it very convenient for visitors. Notably, the space here is not only a place to enjoy the lights but also combines entertainment games, creating a fun and energetic journey. The number of LED bulbs reaches millions, making the festival one of the brightest light events in Japan.

Traveling to Japan in December becomes an irreplaceable experience for those who love brilliance and creativity.

Kobe Luminarie is one of the most iconic light festivals in Japan. The festival is held to commemorate the victims of the Hanshin earthquake in 1995, and has since become an annual event with a strong Italian flavor. The light arches, art installations, and European-style decorations create a solemn yet romantic atmosphere.

Sapporo White Illumination is more special than the festivals in the South due to the combination of natural white snow and brilliant LED lights. Just standing in Odori Square in the evening, you will feel the shimmering beauty as the snow reflects the lights. The festival also features a German-style Christmas market, making the winter space even cozier.

The light festivals, called illumination in Japanese, take place throughout the regions, transforming the entire city into a dazzling space full of colors.

In December, the number of visa applications increases significantly, so preparing your documents early is very important. You need to ensure that your application includes all personal documents, financial information, and a clear travel itinerary. Demonstrating a specific purpose, such as attending Japanese light festivals, visiting Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto, or exploring Hokkaido in the snow season, will help increase the reliability of your application.

The ideal time to submit your application

• Submit 4–6 weeks before the departure date due to the high volume of applications during Christmas.
• Processing time usually takes 7–15 days, and may take longer depending on the region and time.

Refer to some mandatory documents for Vietnamese tourists

• Passport valid for at least 6 months.
• 01 passport photo with a white background, in the required size.
• Visa application form according to the template of the Japanese Embassy/Consulate.
• Detailed travel itinerary for each day, clearly stating the city, attractions, and planned participation in Japanese light festivals.
• Hotel booking confirmation for the entire trip.
• Round-trip flight ticket confirmation (a reservation ticket can be used).
• Bank statement for 3–6 months, showing regular income.
• Documents proving employment: labor contract, salary statement, leave decision.
• For business owners: business license, tax declaration.
• For students: confirmation of enrollment, family guarantee letter.

Financial requirements

• Recommended minimum balance of 100–150 million VND for a 5–7 day trip.
• The account should have stable cash flow, minimizing unusual fluctuations.
• You can also submit a savings book, assets in your name (car, real estate) to enhance the credibility of the application.

Applying for a Japanese visa does not require an interview unless there are unclear points in the application. Therefore, the most important thing is transparency, logic, and complete documentation. If you have previously traveled to developed countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, Europe, or Australia, the visa approval rate will be higher because Japan places great importance on travel history.

The weather in December in Japan is cold but dry, making layering very effective. A thermal layer inside, a sweater in the middle, and a thick coat outside will help you move comfortably. Accessories like gloves, scarves, and beanies are also essential when going out in the evening. For those who often suffer from dry skin, moisturizer and lip balm should be brought along on the Christmas trip to Japan.

The Christmas season is the busiest time of the year for tourists, so hotel rooms often sell out quickly.

• In Tokyo, the Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Tokyo Station areas are always the most convenient choices as they provide easy access to illumination sites.
• In Osaka, the Umeda or Namba areas are popular due to their well-connected transportation systems.
• Kyoto is suitable for those who want to enjoy the ancient atmosphere of winter in Japan.
• In Sapporo, the area near the central station is the ideal choice when you want to explore Sapporo White Illumination or travel to snow viewing spots.

After choosing a suitable place to stay, you can easily plan the details of your itinerary. This is also a good time to proactively book tickets Vietjet to Japan, ensuring you get a good price before the peak season.

Traveling to Japan during Christmas is a beautiful journey but also requires careful preparation as this is the busiest time of the year.

Christmas in Japan brings a blend of light, emotion, and exquisite moments. From the dazzling light festivals to the warm winter markets, from the white snow of Hokkaido to the festive atmosphere in Tokyo and Osaka, every experience captivates travelers. With careful preparation regarding visas, clothing, itineraries, and transportation, the journey to explore Japan in December will become a memorable experience, especially for those who love the romantic beauty of Christmas travel in Japan and the overwhelming Japanese light festivals.

If you are considering a winter trip this year, now is a great time to start planning and finding the best time to buy.flight ticket to Vietjet to Japan, ready to welcome a warm, sparkling, and complete Christmas season in the land of the rising sun. Don't forget to follow the domestic and international flight ticket promotion program of 0 Dong (excluding taxes and fees) during the time frame of 12 - 14h every day to enjoy discounted ticket prices. See detailsHERE.

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