5 ways to experience a Japanese Christmas right here in Manila

Here’s everything to do at Mitsukoshi BGC for a memorable Japanese-inspired Christmas 2025.

Christmas in Japan is unlike any other country. No wonder it is one of the favorite destinations of tourists during the merry season—or any time of the year, for that matter. During Christmas season, the Land of the Rising Sun looks like a winter wonderland, with dazzling light displays, festive markets, and seasonal food. It has a little bit of everything for travelers—even though Christmas isn’t a national holiday there.

If you’ve been wanting to celebrate the Yuletide season in Japan but can’t, you can do it right here in the Philippines. You can drive up to Baguio Country Club for its “Rising Sun” Christmas Village, complete with lanterns, artificial cherry blossom trees, and snow. If you’re traveling to Cebu, take a quick stop at the SM J Mall for its “Heart of Hikari” display, where you can take photos and join activities by its giant Christmas tree and Kokeshi doll named “Hikari.”

Those living in Metro Manila don’t have to travel far. Mitsukoshi BGC has the whole mall decked out with offerings that bring Christmastime in Japan. It offers an “authentic Japanese” experience with the festive decorations, heartwarming activities, and holiday traditions in its “A Sparkling Holiday” festivities. Here’s everything to do at the mall for a memorable Japanese-style Christmas in 2025.

Snap kawaii selfies with Mitsuko

*Photo by Kervin Luy v ia Mitsukoshi BGC*

The celebration begins right outside the Japanese mall, where you’ll find its adorable Kokeshi doll, Mitsuko. She has been around to share her love for upscale shopping, irresistible umami dishes, and the uniqueness of Japanese culture. Like any Kokeshi doll, Mitsuko symbolizes good luck, health, and fortune. So once you meet her in her new holiday outfit, be sure to take a selfie and spread the positive energy online.

Create Christmas magic with Doraemon

We all know Japan to be the “land of all things cute,” and for this year’s holiday season, Mitsukoshi is bringing the country’s pervasive kawaii culture further into the metro, with playful Doraemon touches sprinkled throughout the mall. You’ll find the popular robotic cat perking up the mall’s giant Christmas tree, adding charm and Instagram-worthy moments to the season.

The festivity, titled “Doraemon: A Sparkling Adventure,” will run until anuary 12, 2026 to offer kids and kids-at-heart not only picture-perfect moments with the famed character, but also activities that everyone can jump into. Families can enjoy Meet & Greet sessions with Doraemon and his friends December 13 and 14, with time slots at 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm at the mall’s 2nd floor event space.

According to Mitsukoshi general manager Yoji Kawaguchi. Doraemon is an enduring symbol of Japan’s pop culture, having been around since 1969. He is “loved by three generations,” Kawaguchi told The POST and other media outlets during the mall’s tree lighting event last November 4. “Our mall is loved by our three-generation customers as well,” he added.

Doraemon’s adventures as a robotic cat from the 22nd century was also key to the selection. In his TV series which was launched in April 1979, Doraemon uses futuristic gadgets from his round belly to assist Nobita, a lazy and clumsy 10-year-old boy, in living a better life. “I am personally attached to this concept because same as Nobita, I always face challenges,” Kawaguchi said. “But together with our mall’s partners, we always overcome those challenges. It’s the same story as Doraemon’s. Everything this Christmas season is bright.”

Indulge in an umami-filled feast

No Christmas is complete without a flavorful feast, and you can start your festive dining with Ipponyari, a beloved Japanese restaurant from Southern Luzon, making its debut in BGC this November. If you’re craving something hot to keep you warm in the cold weather, you can head to Bijou Nabe at the 2nd floor, which is offering a unique hotspot dining experience with fresh vegetables and premium meats to cook in the collagen-rich soup. It’s definitely satisfying for the tummy and good for the skin, too!

Complete your meal with delectable desserts and warm tea at The Matcha Tokyo by the mall’s entrance. Previously featured on The POST before, The Matcha Tokyo is a matcha lover’s dream, offering a variety of drinks, from lattes to smoothies and lemonade, made form 100% organic matcha. Don’t miss out on the café’s limited-time collaboration with the viral Dubai chocolate creator, Chef Nouel Catis, to make your Japan-inspired celebration a lot sweeter.

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Watch Japanese-inspired performances

Upbeat carols and holiday tunes bring a vibrant and joyful atmosphere to the season. Add a Japanese touch to that, and you can expect a celebration overflowing with rhythm, color, and holiday cheer. Drop by the mall’s entrance for the Japanese-inspied performances by the Dream Girls & Boys on November 16 at 2 pm and 3 pm, as well as the Taiko drumming performance by Manila Japanese School on November 23 at 2 pm.

Score Japanese-style gifts

Christmas has always been synonymous with gifts and when it comes to gift-giving, the Japanese have always prioritized thoughtfulness and respect. Master the art of Japanese gift-giving starting with Mistukoshi Fresh’s new Christmas hampers, a collection of beautifully assembled gift sets that showcase the best of Japanese craftsmanship, from artisanal confectioneries and fine teas to select wines and premium delicacies. If you want to surprise your loved ones with something more personal, not to mention elegant, the mall will offer Japanese-style Christmas wrapping, called “Furoshiki,” starting November 25.

Mitsukoshi BGC is located at the 8th Ave. corner 36th St, 7th Ave, Taguig City, and is open from 11 am to 10 pm daily.

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