As much as Tokyoites love dressing up and sparkly in-store decorations, December 25th is far from the festive norm that many international residents might have been used to. 2016 was the first time I spent the entire winter holidays within “The Big Mikan.”
There’s so much to do this holiday season. We’ve gathered the best things to do in Tokyo at Christmas and New Year.
Commuters squashed up in train carriages, convenience stores open round the clock, fake gift-wrapped boxes under the office tree…and no amount of KFC could give me that genuine warm fuzzy feeling that turkey swamped in gravy, my nagging mum or the Queen’s TV speech instantly rouse.
In 2017, I started to embrace the differences we have here in Japan, including those of festivity celebrations. Only a three-hour flight from the capital, Okinawa is a major vacation spot for Tokyoites in spring and autumn. But what about winter, and more importantly, Christmas? Swapping snow for sand, I discover that a jolly holiday in swim shorts just might be what Japanese Santa ordered.
The perk of flying to Okinawa in December is that it is considered ‘off-season’. Rates for flights and accommodation are usually much cheaper than in the peak months of October and early November. And not only that, you’ll get to enjoy paradise free from the masses.
I stayed at The Ritz-Carlton because if you can’t treat yourself at Christmas, when can you? The luxury golf and spa resort is located in the Northern part of Okinawa at Yambaru, with stunning views of subtropical green hues from each guestroom, which is ideal for creating cherished winter memories, with or without mistletoe.
Photo from The Ritz-Carlton official website.
Snowmen and snow angels don’t have to be icy white; they can be shades of glorious gold. Okinawa has an abundance of sandy beaches ready for your arty creations. Nichibama Beach spans one kilometre long with blue waters that trickle towards the gorgeous Kerama Islands. Mission Beach in Nago is another stunning location to get some winter sun and rejuvenate before returning to the office in January.
Typically, the weather in December ranges between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, which is lovely for the shores but perhaps a little chilly for the sea. I decided to have a splash in the resort’s indoor pool instead, where the water is kept at 30 degrees Celsius, before throwing on a bathrobe and grabbing the Awamori cocktail indigenous to the area.
No need to fight through hordes of Christmas shoppers — in Okinawa you can browse and gift-wrap in peace. Unique island items abound on Tsuboya Yachimun Street, where traditional pottery shops line a charming, limestone-paved lane and some offer pottery-making experiences for personalized gifts.
Nearby the historic (though currently relocated) Makishi Public Market, now operating from a temporary location, remains a hub for local produce, souvenirs, and island treats. And just a stroll away, Kokusai-dōri remains a 1.6-km boulevard packed with shops, restaurants, and bars; along with neighboring arcades like Heiwa-dori, you can easily find Okinawan souvenirs (including bottles of Awamori) to bring home.
Makishi Public Market. Photo by Ben Bryant.
Late December is when whale watching season usually begins, as humpback whales gather in the seas surrounding Okinawa to give birth and nurse their offspring. There are a number of companies offering tours which take guests on small high-speed boats to follow the creatures to optimum spots. If the thought of bouncy boats makes you seasick, then witness ocean life behind glass at the Churaumi Aquarium, which was once the largest aquarium in the world and currently houses over 780 species. For traditional charms, Okinawa’s Shuri Castle is spectacular. The former scarlet palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom is lavishly decorated with a singular architectural style.
Humpback whale surfacing. Photo by clumpner.
True love can be found in the shape of Okinawa’s culinary delights. Signature dishes include Okinawan soba (wheat noodles served hot in a soup with pork), Rafute (braised pork belly) and Tacorice (Mexican tacos mixed with lettuce, ground meat and Japanese rice.) Blue Seal ice cream can be found all over the island, featuring kooky flavours like purple yam. On Christmas Day, I suggest booking a table at the resort’s Gusuku restaurant or doing something special, such as decorating gingerbread houses with your family.
You might be interested in checking out our article about what to do in Okinawa during the winter.
Note: This article was written and published by James Wong on December 6, 2017, and last updated by Metropolis Japan on December 1, 2025.
