Here Is Why You Should Spend This Christmas in Japan

Living in Japan, going to Japan, I have spent numerous Christmas times in this magnificent nation. Something about it helps me to remember my youth, back when seeing enlightenments, enrichments, and the possess a scent reminiscent of peppermint used to joy me down to my toes.

You may think, “Why is Christmas so huge in a nation that isn’t even halfway religious?” Well, that is on account of the Japanese have recollected the foundational component of harmony that makes Christmas so uncommon in any case.

At whatever point the winter season blows into Japan with cool, soggy temperatures and snow all through the mountains, the “inclination” of Christmas starts to exude from the nation’s most profound roots. Giving presents, investing energy with friends and family, getting a charge out of the little things like espresso together or enlivening a tree are all exercises individuals start participating in frequently.

Stationary stores and 100-yen shops acquire their vacation stock of cards and notes, snacks, and adornments. Here and there the spread is much more noteworthy than anything I had ever observed back home in the States.

Individuals start to put in bookings for their Christmas cakes, which are a tremendous arrangement in Japan, and retail establishments upgrade their supply of wrapping paper.

In Japan, sending mindful notes to loved ones is still by and by. Christmas is only one of only a handful few times during the time individuals compose cherishing messages or express gratefulness to those in their lives. This, obviously, goes before New Year’s Eve, viewed as the most riotous occasion of them all in Japan.

To give and get are respects. When you get something, you charm the supplier by survey the thing or card, deliberately opening the envelope or wrapping (which can be as convoluted as origami), and valuing the feeling.

What do we do in America? We rip the wrapping off, hurl it aside, then view our prize. On the off chance that it doesn’t coordinate our tastes, we junk it or re-blessing it. Kids play with their toys for, what, five minutes? To me, this falls off us careless. Hopeful. As though you couldn’t care less what you get the length of you get something.

The Japanese, however, mull over even the simplest of words in their notes. The culture is so full of respect. During Christmas, it just… glitters. Like the lights that illuminate the trees, shop displays, and houses.

Whenever you find yourself in Tokyo, Japan, I highly recommend going to the following places to see some of the most beautiful Christmas lights anywhere:

Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi

Caretta Shinodome

Showa Memorial Park

Ginza – the streets around Ginza intersection are magical

Shinjuku Southern Terrace – very romantic spot

Omotesando-dori – all those trees lining the street get adorned with sparkling lights

Odaiba – a gargantuan electrical Christmas tree is set up outside of Decks Odaiba.

Of course, there are some major differences in a Japanese-styled Christmas. Since Christianity is not seen as the reason for the season, you will not see much references to Jesus in his manger. Gasp! But, again, the Japanese love Christmas for its spirit of giving. Moreover, it is a day of romance, friendship, and bonding.

This additionally stunned me when I initially experienced Christmas in Japan. Obviously, where in the United States we make up this immense spreads of nourishment for our family, the Japanese saved a pot of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Since nearly everybody does this, you once in a while need to make your request of wings weeks ahead of time.

As for the cake I mentioned? Around the globe, the custom is by all accounts nutty delight. Why, I will never know. Be that as it may, in Japan? It is yellow wipe cake, whipped cream, and crisp strawberries. Actually, the cakes are wrapped as wonderfully as a few presents seem to be.

Nobody gets off on Christmas, since it is not a national occasion. On the off chance that you work in a school for youngsters or youths, the day may be comprised of gatherings however. Moving, singing Christmas tunes, and getting went by a fairly thin Santa Claus are not bad, but at the same time not enough to blow anyone’s mind.

So if you know someone living abroad in Japan, send them a card. Or if you plan on traveling to Japan throughout the holidays, why not practice spreading some cheer by saying “Merry Christmas” to those you meet? Because of the glory of the season is that kindness and love is international and comes with no language barriers.