A Japanese Christmas Carol
Bah, humbug! For obvious reasons,
Christmas isn't quite Christmas here. But do not abandon hope —
the KS Christmas ghost takes you on a journey to Christmas Could
Be …
Christmas is not officially celebrated here but
it is not a non event. Christianity in Japan actually dates back
to the sixteenth century although the Japanese didn't begin to recognize
Christmas customs until the 1950s when American festive influences
entered households across the country. Over the years, it has become
a more fashionable custom with added Japanese flavour. And of course,
no Christmas would be complete without Santa and the commercial
factor.
However, the Christian one percent of the Japanese
population has certainly helped the growing enthusiasm that sweeps
the country every December. Japanese churches include festive rituals
in their services over the seasonal period with programmes billed
as the 'American Christmas'. These include traditional Christmas
stories and special hymn services that anyone can attend.
Christmas is also a holiday associated with family ties and the
Japanese home is no exception as Western decorations become established.
Small artificial trees covered in origami swans and gold paper fans
appear alongside other traditional decorations in living rooms.
In Japan, the Christmas spirit sweeps up young
couples. Enjoying a second Valentine's Day, romance mingles with
artificial snow, as chocolates and presents are shared. Hotel dinners
and shows are also de rigueur, offering romantic themed dinners
and entertainment to boot. Excess shopping is conspicuous and jewelry
tops the list
of prezzies, to the delight of many women — and shop owners!
Christmas may be celebrated differently but whether
your Christmas means church, presents or food, Japan can offer something
to make the holiday a swing. If you fancy something different, add
some Japanese style to your celebration and make it one to remember.
Whatever you choose to do, have yourself a Merry Christmas!
The KS DIY guide to Christmas in Japan
You may not be able to recreate
a traditional Christmas here, but there is no need to sit home feeling
sorry for yourself. KS rounds up some Crimbo alternatives.
Kobe and Osaka Luminaria
 The
Luminaria are popular with many Japanese and foreigners alike and
create a Christmas vibe. The Kobe Luminaria, which memorialises
the devastating Hanshin Earthquake of 1995, takes place for two
weeks in December. The last day is usually Chrismas Eve. The Luminaria
can be found easily from Sannomiya station. Just follow the crowds!
Osaka's equivalent is only two years old and can
be found on Nakanoshima Island. There is also a Christmas tree donated
by the Norwegian government and decorations from Italy, stalls selling
international food and drinks, and a stage for nightly entertainment,
culminating in a rock festival on the evening of the 25th.
Events and illuminations will be from 5pm to 9pm. For info please
call: 090-4270-5517. Admission free.
Getting there: Take Keihan line or Sakaisuji subway
to Kitahama station. Go out exit #26 (exit #1 and then #26 Sakaisuji)
and start over the bridge. Halfway over the bridge is a stairway.
Go down steps and you are at the Rose Garden.
Dinner Cruise Boat Trips
 Leave
the mainland and head for the waters this Christmas! Choose from
Tempozan, Otsu Port or Kobe port (to name a few) and their number
of different tours to make your day — or night out — more
exciting. Opt for a daytime trip to explore the shores or make things
a little more special by choosing a night tour. Share this drifting
experience with loved ones as you can also enjoy dinner and drinks
in the cool night breeze.
Check these out www.city.kobe.jp,
www.kaiyukan.com/eng/amusement,
or call Otsu Port on 077-524-5000 for more details.
KFC Christmas dinner
 It
may not be chicken straight from the oven but it is cooked and it
is coated in some breadcrumb or other. So this is the plan for Christmas
dinner this year. 1) Peel and prepare all vegetables. 2) Boil for
as long as desired. 3) Coat veggies in oil. 4) Use a toaster oven
for a 'grilling' effect (note — do not BURN it, BROWN it!).
5) Place veggies on plate. 6) Place KFC chicken next to it. 7) Put
gravy and/or sauce on plate (again as desired). And there's Christmas
dinner. Alternatively, you could buy
an oven…
Dinner and shows at hotels
 One
way to make your winter break different is to stay in a hotel. Just
think, no washing up after breakfast and you don't have to make
your bed! Hotels also get into the festive spirit by putting
up decorations in the lobby and offering a traditional Christmas
dinner to get you in the mood. For an extra festive treat, hotels
also organise Christmas shows. Enjoy a combination of songs, dance
and comedy routines from the comfort of your dinner table! These
are renowned in Japan as being a great way to get your Japanese
experience of Christmas.
For more information, click on www.nikkohotels.com,
www.japan-rooms.com, and www.asiatravel.com.
Ju Hachi Kippu
 The
Ju Hachi Kippu (or 'the 18 ticket') is a right money saver for those
travelers who are on a tight budget during the winter period. Regarded
highly on any commuter's list, use your kippu to complete 1 journey
to anywhere you please with the only restriction being the use of
local trains. Valid between 10th of December and 20th of January,
you can purchase your JHK (consisting of 5 tickets) from any JR
station. Although the local train restriction may take its toll
at times, use it to travel wisely on the trains and discover Kansai
a little bit more this yuletide for a bargain of only ¥11,500.
Christmas at Kobe Harbor Land
 Caught
on a strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Rokko mountain
chain. This area is dotted with sightseeing spots, spots for shopping,
gourmet food, evening entertainment, a romantic draw-bridge and
a huge Ferris wheel and carousel that all come to their own during
the Christmas season when the 80 zelkova trees along Kobe Gasu-to-dori
Street are with 80,000 lights to create a fairytale romantic Christmas
atmosphere, and of course, there is a Christmas tree too and there
will be enter-tainment on the day.
You can find Harbor Land from JR Kobe station.
For information: Tel: 078-322-0220
German Christmas Market &
Osaka 2004
 This
is an under-advertised annual event at Umeda Sky Building that really
does bring a touch of Christmas to the Kansai. Hot wine, spiced
wine, sausage, beer, chocolates, soup, candles, Christmas ornaments
and more, all the way from Germany. Taking place in the grounds
of the Sky building around the biggest Christmas tree in the world
(yes, so we're told!), standing 30m high and beautifully decorated.
A hundred year old merry-go-round will add more enjoyment to the
evening and there will be special events, such as mini concerts
on Fri/Sat/Sun.
The fair goes until December 26th and is open Mon-Thurs
12:00-21:00, and Fri-Sun 11:00-22:00.
It is just a short walk from JR Osaka. Tel: 06-6440-3901
Christmas Getaways
Japan is littered with villages, mountains and
countryside where you can escape the city life for a few days. One
place to experience it all is Shirakawa-go. The World Heritage village
in north-western Gifu is famous for its traditional houses with
steep, thatched rooves, and guarantees untouched rural scenery and
relaxing walks. You can also experience live shows, exhibiting the
art of weaving and dyeing and make Japanese soba noodles. Under
the snow, Shirakawa is positively alpine and evokes white-Christmas
nostalgia.
For more ideas see www.cheapaccomodation.com/kansai,
www.travellerspoint.com or www.jnto.go.jp
Universal Studios Japan
 No
Christmas would be complete without a little Tinseltown. USJ is
not sparing the Christmas details this year, swinging into full
festive mode between November
6 and December 25. Catch the likes of Christmas Time Magic, Sesame
Street's Christmas Sing-a-long and Tree Lighting, Santa's Toy Soldiers
and Christmas Cookies.
All the usual attractions will also have added Xmas cheer and who
knows? Marilyn may even sing 'Jingle Bells'…
Get your slice of the action at www.usj.co.jp
Text: Naheen Madarbakus • Photos: KS
Additonal Text: Mylene Oishi
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