Christmas markets to open at Kobe Herb Gardens and Roppongi Hills

Various Christmas markets are scheduled to open across Japan, featuring traditional German-style festivities.

In Kobe, the Kobe Herb Gardens/Ropeway will host the ‘Kobe Christmas Market 2026 - Old Castle Christmas’ from November 7 to December 28. Located at an altitude of approximately 400 meters, the event will feature botanical decorations, a 7-meter Christmas tower, and illuminated paths. Visitors can enjoy authentic German glühwein, herb sausages, and beef stew, alongside shopping for German ornaments. Nighttime operating hours have been expanded for the period between December 11 and December 28.

In Tokyo, Roppongi Hills will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Christmas Market, running from November 21 to December 25 at the Roppongi Hills Grand Roof Plaza. To mark the anniversary, local shops will offer limited-edition items and menus. The market will include ten stalls featuring traditional German goods from retailers like Käthe Wohlfahrt, as well as seasonal foods such as sausages, goulash, and stollen. The broader ‘CHRISTMAS HILLS 2026’ festivities at Roppongi Hills will begin with illuminations and decorations starting November 5.