Your Guide To Christmas Tree Shopping in Japan

Christmas is just around the corner and if you’re still looking for the perfect Christmas tree, we’ll help you find one that ticks all the boxes!

The most beautiful time of the year is just a month away! If, like me, you were raised Christian, it will take your first Christmas in Japan to notice that it’s less about religion or family here, and more about a cultural celebration, focusing on aesthetics, atmosphere and romance. What seems familiar everywhere in the world, though, is that a Christmas tree will always be a timeless symbol of the season.

From late November onwards, you’ll find these grand, glittery trees set up in public places such as shopping malls, theme parks, romantic date spots and holiday markets. While owning a Christmas tree at home may not be as widespread here as in Western countries, that’s slowly changing today.

Several Japanese home brands have already begun selling Christmas trees and sparkly ornaments. If you’re thinking about bringing one home this year, let me spoil you with some options!

Where To Buy A Christmas Tree in Japan

© Photo by iStock: Amorn Suriyan

The very first decision you need to make is whether you want a real tree or an artificial one. Once you’ve made up your mind, it’s time to explore your options below.

Real Tree Options

Compared to artificial Christmas trees, real ones are expensive and sold at only a handful of stores. The most popular evergreen conifers sold here are the momi (Abies firma, native to the mountainous regions of Kanto and Kansai) and the tohi (Spruce tree native to Hokkaido).

Sales usually begin in mid-November and sell out in early December. Since stock is limited, it’s best to make reservations for them in advance.

IKEA

Starting from November 22, you can buy a real 90-centimeter fir tree from selected IKEA stores in Japan. You won’t be able to purchase them online, so buy them directly at the store.

Sun Florist

This cozy florist shop in Minato will also begin selling real Christmas trees starting from November 22. The starting price of their trees is ¥50,000, and this can increase depending on the size.

Saisyoku Kenbi

Their classic fir tree is back in season this year, and you can choose sizes between 100 and 120 centimeters. Since the ornaments are not included with the tree, you will have to purchase them separately.

Amazon

If direct pick-up isn’t a feasible option for you, you can always order a real fir tree from Amazon and have it delivered to your doorstep.

Has Planning

Instead of buying a tree, you can rent one from here. They source their trees from Gunma Prefecture, and you can choose the size and the type of pot by contacting them online.

Artificial Tree Options

Remember that the more realistic and fuller a tree looks, the higher the price tag. Lower and mid-range Christmas trees have their leaves and needles made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). This gives them a stiff, plastic-like finish. Higher-end and luxury trees have their needles made from PE (polyethylene) to provide them with a more realistic look and feel.

Depending on your taste and budget, here’s a list of artificial tree options to choose from.

Nitori

They sell a wide range of reasonably priced Christmas trees in various sizes and colors. Some trees even come with LED lights and ornaments. They are also one of the few places in Japan that sell half Christmas trees that are perfect for small apartments.

Niko and…

If you want to splurge on an aesthetic-looking Christmas tree, you’ll find it here. From the pinecones to the volume of the needles and branches, quality and style are guaranteed here.

Deux C

This Christmas tree is slightly more expensive than others because its leaves are made from PE and PVC to give it a realistic appearance. Since the trunk is divided into three large sections, assembling it is easy and time-saving.

Alsace

It is one of the most trusted Japanese Christmas brands here. They focus on creating luxurious, realistic-looking leaves, fuller branches and symmetrical tree silhouettes. Sure, they come with a hefty price tag, but if you think of them as an investment that will last you for five to seven years, it’s worth the splurge!

Francfranc

More than their classic green trees, they are famous for their sparkly pastel pink and white trees. Decorate them with LED lights and delicate baubles, and you’re bound to fetch plenty of compliments on Christmas Day!  

Afternoon Tea

Their Christmas trees aren’t like your traditional ones with leaves; they are more of a statement piece. Often covered in flashy ornaments such as pinecones, apples and holly berries from top to bottom.

Keigetsu

They sell stylish and high-quality Christmas trees, and some of them are sold along with ornaments and LED lights. Decorating and assembling the tree is easy, making it a great choice for beginners.

Loft & Hands

Loft’s online store does not do justice to the variety of Christmas trees and decor options they sell in their physical stores. The larger the Loft store, the more Christmas tree sizes and color options you’ll find. On the other hand, while Hands also sells Christmas trees online, it’s rare to see them in their physical stores (unless it’s a large one). If you order them online, they’ll be delivered to you within a week.

Daiso & 3Coins

For those on an extremely tight budget this year, Daiso and 3Coins have got you covered. From ¥1,000 to ¥3,000, you can get yourself a pretty tabletop Christmas tree.

Amazon & Rakuten

Online platforms like these are the fastest and most convenient way to bring home a Christmas tree. Since some trees are sold by third-party sellers, I recommend reading reviews before making any purchase.

Facebook Marketplace & Mercari

There’s always someone selling good-quality Christmas trees at unbelievable prices here. To get a great deal on a tree, you’ll have to check these platforms frequently.

Where To Buy Christmas Ornaments

© Photo by iStock: svetikd

Now that you know where to buy the Christmas tree, next up is decorating it with pretty ornaments. Stores in Japan often sell ornaments as individual products or as part of a set. These brands will have you spoilt for choice!

• Zara Home & H&M Home: They sell stylish and trendy ornaments, available either individually or as a set.
• Natural Kitchen: Undoubtedly one of the most underrated places to shop for cutesy and affordable ornaments.
• Creema: You will find an array of independent artists here selling handcrafted, one-of-a-kind ornaments.
• Christmas Company: From animals to vegetables to sushi, they sell a variety of quirky ornaments here.
• FlyingTiger: One of the best places to shop for eccentric and peculiar ornaments to make your tree look playful.
• Francfranc: They make soft, metallic and pastel-colored ornaments, sold individually or as a set.
• Loft: You can find ornaments of various styles and price points here to suit every budget.
• Nitori: Come here to shop for well-designed and reasonably-priced ornaments.
• Niko and…: If your Christmas tree’s look is rich and elegant, you’ll find ornaments here that match that vibe.
• Daiso & 3 Coins: Apart from shops like Daiso and 3 Coins, which offer items for ¥110 and ¥330, I don’t think you can buy a box of ornaments for under ¥500 anywhere else.
• Amazon & Rakuten: Plenty of third-party sellers here that sell a variety of pretty ornaments.
• Shein & Temu: A rabbit hole for beautiful and affordable ornaments. The only con is that it takes one to two weeks for your order to arrive in Japan.

As soon as we enter December, Christmas Markets will start opening up in cities all over the country. You’ll be able to buy various ornaments and other decorations at these events, too.

Things To Consider Before Buying

© Photo by iStock: Strelciuc Dumitru

Will The Tree Fit Your Home?

The size of the tree should complement your apartment size and not the other way around. You will often find these sizes in stores.

• 50-60 cm: Tabletop trees are ideal for studio apartments as they require minimal care and storage space.
• 80-90 cm: Compact and perfect for 1LDK apartments.  
• 120 cm: Also a good size for 1LDK apartments with small living rooms
• 150 cm: Works well in a 2LDK apartment without overshadowing furniture.
• 180 cm: The ideal size tree, great for apartments with big living rooms.
• 210 cm: A lovely size for a 2/3 LDK apartment, or a small house with high ceilings.
• 240 cm and higher: May not fit into an average Japanese apartment because of its width and height. However, it works for a space with a large terrace or mini garden.

Set A Budget Aside

High-end Christmas trees, ornaments and other festive decorations can drain your wallet dry if you are not aware of your spending habits. Setting a separate budget aside will take off any financial stress during the holiday season.

When To Buy & Set Up

The best time to buy and put up a Christmas tree in Japan is between mid-November and early December. Keep in mind that real trees need to be purchased slightly earlier than artificial ones, as they are limited in stock.

Explore Delivery Options

Both real and artificial Christmas trees can be heavy to carry for long distances. Either you pick them up by car or get them delivered to your house.

Real Tree Care Tip

Since heaters are kept on throughout winter in Japan, water the plant regularly and keep it near a humidifier to prevent the soil and branches from drying out.

Real Tree Disposable

Some brands offer rental or recycling services. If not, you can shift the tree to a larger pot and move it to your balcony or garden. If the tree does not make it after January, cut it down into smaller pieces and discard it in your regular burnable garbage.

At the end of the day, no matter what type of Christmas tree you bring home, it will fill your home with warmth and positivity. Here’s to having a memorable and happy Christmas in Japan!

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