All You Need to Know About Christmas Shopping in Japan

From twinkling markets to perfectly wrapped gifts, Christmas shopping in Japan is merry, magical and full of festive surprises!

It’s started. Halloween has come and gone, and Christmas decorations and signs went up almost overnight, as if Santa Claus were coming to town early. My thoughts automatically turn to the inevitable last-minute Christmas shopping—a mad dash runaround, stressing over whether or not I’ve forgotten something or someone.

Perhaps I’m not alone in thinking that Christmas shopping ought to be less stressful. For those of us who share the same opinion, there is a silver lining: planning ahead of the Christmas shopping hordes is possible and even enjoyable when armed with the right information.

I’ll be listing a few useful words and phrases to help in your shopping endeavors. Additionally, I’ll list a few great areas where you can do the deeds while keeping your children entertained at the same time.

What To Expect When Shopping

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The Christmas shopping season in Japan begins as early as Halloween ends and continues through November, with stores becoming increasingly festive through December 24. The busiest days tend to be December 23 and 24, as many people purchase presents just before Christmas Eve.

The best part about Christmas shopping in Japan is how incredibly organized and charming it can be—mainly thanks to the country’s exceptional gift-wrapping culture. Most department stores and even smaller boutiques offer beautifully professional wrapping, often free of charge, and many shops will ask what style you prefer or add seasonal touches without needing to be requested.

When Do The Sales Start?

In recent years, a few retailers have started adopting light Black Friday promotions. You can expect to spot small sales, especially in large department stores like Aeon, around late November. However, unlike in many Western countries, Japan doesn’t associate Christmas itself with significant discounts or markdowns. Instead, shops reserve the biggest price drops for the New Year period, when fukubukuro (lucky bags) and seasonal sales begin.

So while Christmas shopping here feels magical, it’s definitely not the cheapest time of year to buy—save your bargain hunting for January!

Useful Christmas Shopping Phrases

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When you walk into any shop here in Japan, someone will probably shout いらっしゃいませ (irasshaimase) at you. I have no idea why they feel the need to shout at potential customers, but it means “welcome.”

Unless you’re at a Uniqlo in Tokyo or some large city department store, there is a good chance that no one in the whole shop will speak English. One of the braver shop attendants may approach with a nervous smile and a 何かお探しでしょうか? (nanika osagashi deshouka?; “Are you looking for something?”)

If you are, and you don’t speak a word of Japanese, explaining what you need in English might be ok. They will try their best to accommodate you. If not, say “daijoubu desu,” meaning “I’m good.”

Some other things you may hear are:

• お客様のサイズを探し致しましょうか？(okyakusama no saizu o osagashi itashimashouka?; “Shall I look for that in your size?”)
• こちらでよろしいでしょうか？(kochira de yoroshii deshouka?; “Is this one alright?”)
• 以上でよろしいでしょうか？(ijou de yoroshii deshouka?; “Is that all?”)
• 他に店内をご覧になりますか？(hokani tennai o goran ni narimasuka?; “Would you like to look around a little more?”)

Some useful phrases:

• おいくらでしょうか？(Oikura desu ka?; “How much does it cost?”)
• こちらのSはありますか？(Kochira no S wa arimasuka?; “Do you have this in small?”)
• こちらの色違いはありますか？(Kochira no irochigai wa arimasuka?; “Do you have this in another color?”)
•  試着できますか？(Shichaku dekimasuka?; “Can I try it on?”)
• これを見せてください。(Kore o misete kudasai.; “Could I have a look at this one?”)
• これを下さい。(Kore o kudasai.; “I’ll take this.”)
• これはなんですか？(Kore wa nandesuka?; “What is this?”)
• 考えさせて下さい。(Kangae sasete kudasai.; “I’d like to look around a little more.”)
• ラッピングお願いできますか？(Rappingu onegai dekimasuka?; “Do you do gift wrapping?”)
• これをラッピングして下さい。(Kore o rappu shite kudasai.; “Please wrap this one.”)
• レシートをお願いします。(Reshiito o onegaishimasu.; “Could I get a receipt?”)

Tokyo Shopping Centers That Are Worth The Visit

Among the vast number of shopping districts around Tokyo, here are three of my personal favorite places to shop in the city during the holiday season.

Aqua City (Odaiba)

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Just a one-minute walk from Odaiba station, Aqua City has everything—from fireworks displays (all Saturdays in December and Christmas Eve, from 7 p.m.) to the more mundane stuff like ToysRUs. It’s child- and pet-friendly, offers themed events and practical services, such as stroller rentals. Aqua City appeals to all.

Tokyo Dome City (Korakuen)

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Upon arrival, you may hear blood-curdling screams in the distance, but don’t be alarmed. Tokyo Dome City is a hybrid of a mall (Laqua) and an amusement park, featuring a 1,100-meter-long roller coaster and over a dozen rides and attractions designed for kids. Not as many shops as Aqua City, but the number of rides, restaurants and cafes more than makes up for it. Promise!

Tokyo Solamachi (Oshiage)

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Tokyo SkyTree, the tallest tower in the world, stands 634 meters above a densely packed city that is home to around 300 shops and restaurants, an annual Christmas market, a mini aquarium and a planetarium. Great for kids, pets and Christmas shopping, and a lovely place to spend a day off.

Also worth checking out are the numerous European-style Christmas markets that appear around Tokyo in December. You can find handmade ornaments, festive trinkets, mulled wine, seasonal foods and plenty of giftable items you won’t see in regular shops. These markets are the perfect place to pick up uniquely Christmas-themed items that feel extra personal and seasonal.

Happy early Christmas, and good luck!

Updated with the latest information for 2025.

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