🎄 Christmas in Japan: Teaching & Exploring

🎄 Christmas in Japan: Teaching & Exploring

What's It Like to Spend Christmas in Japan?


Christmas in Japan is a vibrant blend of Western traditions and uniquely Japanese twists. For online educators, this festive season presents a perfect opportunity to experience Japan’s holiday magic while continuing to teach remotely. By leveraging platforms like Loka, you can balance work and exploration seamlessly. Delve into Japan’s one-of-a-kind Christmas celebrations and get insights into teaching during the holidays, and read about five must-see attractions to add to your itinerary.


What's it like?

Unlike Western countries, Christmas in Japan is more of a secular celebration focused on light displays or illuminations, romantic dinners, and unique traditions such as KFC!

 Christmas Eve often resembles Valentine’s Day, with couples enjoying luxurious meals and exchanging gifts. A popular tradition is indulging in a Christmas cake, typically a strawberry shortcake, symbolizing joy and prosperity. Families may also partake in the quirky custom of eating fried chicken, with KFC being a holiday staple since the 1970s.

For educators teaching online, immersing in these traditions offers a chance to connect with Japanese culture and share these experiences with your students.


Funding Adventures Through Online Teaching

Teaching online during the festive season is an excellent way to support your travel and exploration. Loka, a leading online teaching platform, allows educators to maintain flexible schedules, enabling them to teach in the mornings and explore Japan’s winter attractions in the afternoons. 


Top 5 Christmas Attractions in Japan


1. Tokyo Midtown Illumination

Located in the stylish Roppongi district, this illumination features over 500,000 LEDs, transforming the area into a cosmic winter wonderland. The "Starlight Garden" is particularly mesmerizing, offering dynamic light shows that mimic the beauty of space. Perfect for a romantic evening or a peaceful walk.

  • Address: 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052
  • Admission: Free
  • Best Route: From Tokyo Station, take the Marunouchi Line to Roppongi Station (approx. 15 minutes), then walk 5 minutes to the site.



2. Kobe Luminarie

This festival began in 1995 to commemorate victims of the Great Hanshin Earthquake, and its somber yet stunning displays of Italian-designed illuminations inspire reflection and hope. Each year, the design changes, making it a fresh experience.

  • Address: Around the Old Foreign Settlement and Higashi Yuenchi Park, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
  • Admission: Free, though donations are encouraged to support the event.
  • Best Route: From Osaka Station, take the JR Kobe Line to Sannomiya Station (approx. 25 minutes), then walk 10 minutes to the venue.



3. Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination

Home to Japan's largest light display, this attraction features famous light tunnels, seasonal displays, and a sparkling lake. Highlights include the changing seasonal themes and massive installations, such as Mount Fuji replicas or underwater landscapes created with lights.

  • Address: 270 Komae, Nagashima-cho, Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture 511-1144
  • Admission: ÂĄ2,500 (includes a voucher for ÂĄ1,000 to use in the park)
  • Best Route: From Nagoya Station, take the Kintetsu Nagoya Line to Nagashima Station (approx. 30 minutes), then board a direct bus to Nabana no Sato.



4. Universal Studios Japan Christmas Celebration

This Osaka-based theme park transforms into a festive paradise with dazzling parades, special holiday-themed rides, and elaborate decorations. The “Universal Crystal Tree” and seasonal shows are standout attractions for families and Christmas enthusiasts.

  • Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka, 554-0031
  • Admission: Included with park entry (Adult: ÂĄ8,400; Child: ÂĄ5,400)
  • Best Route: From Osaka Station, take the JR Yumesaki Line directly to Universal City Station (approx. 15 minutes).



5. Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

During winter, the famous bamboo grove in Arashiyama is illuminated, creating an ethereal glow that’s both festive and tranquil. This unique attraction combines nature and artistry, offering visitors a serene escape from bustling city life.

  • Address: Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385
  • Admission: Free
  • Best Route: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (approx. 15 minutes), then walk 10 minutes to the grove.



Loka’s Features for Festive Season Teaching

Loka’s platform is designed for flexibility, making it ideal for educators during the busy holiday season. Whether you want to adjust your schedule to explore Osaka’s Christmas markets or teach from a cozy Kyoto café, Loka enables you to set your hours and rates. The platform’s user-friendly interface also makes it easy to communicate with students and manage lessons, ensuring a seamless teaching experience.


So what's next?

Teaching English online during Christmas offers opportunities to integrate cultural exchange into your lessons. Sharing Japanese holiday traditions with students from around the world enriches their learning experience while deepening your understanding of Japanese culture. Additionally, this season is a great time to attract new students, as many look for productive ways to spend their winter break.


Christmas in Japan is a unique and magical time, blending vibrant festivities with cultural traditions. Through platforms like ours, educators can balance teaching with exploring the best that Japan has to offer during the holidays. From Tokyo’s dazzling lights to Kyoto’s serene winter landscapes, the festive season in Japan provides endless opportunities for work, travel, and cultural enrichment.


References

  1. Japan National Tourism Organization. "Christmas in Japan: Traditions and Celebrations." Accessed November 2024. https://www.jnto.go.jp/
  2. Kobe Luminarie Official Website. "History and Highlights of the Luminarie." Accessed November 2024. https://kobe-luminarie.jp/
  3. EdTech Digest. "Flexible Work Platforms for Remote Educators." 2023. https://www.edtechdigest.com/
  4. Universal Studios Japan. "Seasonal Events and Holiday Attractions." Accessed November 2024. https://www.usj.co.jp/e/
  5. Mie Prefecture Tourism Board. "Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination." Accessed November 2024. https://www.kankomie.or.jp/en/