Are you planning to celebrate Christmas in Japan? If so, you might be wondering how long the Christmas vacation is in Japan. Well, the answer might surprise you!
Christmas in Japan
In Japan, Christmas is not a national holiday but it is still celebrated widely across the country. The celebration of Christmas in Japan is quite different from the Western tradition.
Instead of being a religious holiday, Christmas in Japan is more of a commercial event. It’s the time for shopping and gift-giving.
How Long Is The Christmas Vacation in Japan?
Unlike many Western countries where people get several days off for Christmas, there is no official Christmas vacation in Japan. December 25th is just like any other day for most people. However, some schools and companies do give their employees a day off on December 25th.
Winter Vacation
Instead of having a specific vacation for Christmas, Japanese schools and universities have a winter break that usually starts around December 23rd or 24th and ends around January 6th or 7th. This break includes both national holidays and weekends as well as some additional days off.
During this winter vacation period, many families take the opportunity to travel domestically or internationally. Due to this high demand for travel during this season, prices for transportation and accommodation can be higher than usual.
New Year’s Celebration
In Japan, New Year’s Day (January 1st) is considered one of the most important holidays of the year. Many businesses and public institutions close down from December 29th until January 3rd or even longer.
During this time, families gather together to celebrate with traditional foods such as mochi (sticky rice cakes) and osechi (a variety of New Year’s dishes). People also visit shrines or temples to pray for good luck and fortune in the coming year.
Conclusion
In summary, there is no official Christmas vacation in Japan but schools and universities have a winter break that includes both national holidays and weekends. Many families take this opportunity to travel domestically or internationally. Additionally, the New Year’s celebration is an important holiday in Japan where many businesses and public institutions close down for several days.
So if you’re planning to celebrate Christmas in Japan, don’t expect to have a long vacation like you might have in Western countries. Instead, embrace the unique traditions and experiences that Japan has to offer during this festive season.