Weihnachtsmarkt

Osaka is home to Japan's largest German population and each year in November and December they put on Weihnachtsmarkt, Japan's only German Christmas market. During the day stalls sell an arrangement of Japonized German food, including gluwein in a boot mug. At night the plaza becomes illuminated with lights and a giant Christmas tree. On the weekends they put on various entertainment for families and children can visit Christkindl to take their photos with him.

With a Christian population of about one percent, it would be fair to assume that there wouldn’t be much of a Christmas tradition in Japan. But Osaka is, surprisingly, home to one of the biggest German-style Christmas markets outside of Europe, and it has thrived in a culture that has grown to appreciate the holiday
season for non-religious reasons. The market, located under the bridge of the Umeda Sky Building, has about 40 chalets where you can browse for gifts while listening to the sweet music of a harp-playing Santa.