Christmas in Japan isn’t a religious holiday for the majority, but it has developed its own unique traditions full of romance, sweets, lights, and fun.
Key Traditions
- Christmas Cake (“Kurisumasu Keeki”)Soft sponge cake with whipped cream and strawberries—light, pretty, and everywhere during December. It’s less about heavy Christmas fruit cakes and more about elegance and sweetness.
- KFC DinnerEating fried chicken from Kentucky Fried Chicken has become almost synonymous with Christmas in Japan. The tradition began in the 1970s with a marketing campaign “Kentucky for Christmas” and now many families reserve or queue for special menus.
- Winter Illuminations & LightsFrom mid-November through December, cities and commercial districts are adorned with spectacular light displays, sparkly installations, and festive windows. Walks under lights are popular, especially among couples.
- Romantic Christmas EveChristmas Eve is considered a romantic evening—dinner dates, gift exchange between couples, walking through lit streets. If you’re not part of a couple, people often enjoy the ambience or go out with friends.
- Christmas Markets & Festive ShoppingChristmas markets (some styled after European markets), pop-up shops, special holiday menus, decorations in malls, and gifts are very visible. It’s more commercial & mood-driven than religious.
How Dogpay Helps During Christmas Time
During the Christmas season, there are many small & special payments—cakes, gifts, special meals, reservations, tickets. Here’s where Dogpay can help smooth things out:
| Scenario | Common Payment / Expense Pain Points | How Dogpay Makes It Easier |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-orders for cakes / KFC buckets / special holiday menus | Demand is high; people need to pay ahead; bank transfers or credit card foreign fees can add up; possible delays | With Dogpay you can schedule or send cross-border payments in advance, lock in favorable exchange rates, have clear receipts so there’re no surprises |
| Purchasing gifts / decorations | Many purchases from overseas shops (online), or needs to source special items; currency and shipping fees can inflate cost | Dogpay supports multi-currency payments, helps you track gift-related expenses, simplifies payment to foreign vendors, reduces hidden fees |
| Reserving restaurants or special event tickets | Payment may require deposit; foreign cards or overseas payments sometimes complicated; speaking in local currency or using local transfer channels can be confusing | Dogpay streamlines cross-border payments, help you pay deposits reliably, maintain records, avoid last-minute issues |
| Events, illumination shows, travel to winter spots | Buying tickets, transport, seasonal accommodations—peak prices; paying in small amounts many times adds up | Dogpay can consolidate smaller payments, offer better FX rates, export statements for tracking seasonal budgeting |
