Those who browse our incredible vacation rentals in Rome and decide to spend the festive period in the city will quickly realise that there is no better time to visit. As a major seat of Catholicism, it is no surprise that they go crazy for Christmas and, as a major world capital, there are plenty of folks celebrating other holidays too, ensuring that the festivities are well and truly under way and the holiday spirit is in the air. The streets absolutely come alive with lights that make the city’s famous monuments, like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, and the endless pretty streets and squares throughout the historic centre of Rome all the more picturesque and lovely. Delicious seasonal treats can be found and enjoyed wherever you turn, whether you’re grabbing a pastry full of spice to go with a coffee as you sit out and watch the world go by or you are picking perfectly hearty favourites at meals. Excitement is well and truly palpable in the air. And, of course, German-style markets pop up throughout the city selling hand-crafted goods, local specialities, and perfect winter warmers to keep you toasty as you explore the Eternal City. However, if you’re browsing the various markets that can be found in Italy and Rome at this time of the year and you’re looking for something a little different and a little more special, then you should make a point to also head to the beloved Mercatino Giapponese, or Japanese Market.
A must for those interested in Japanese culture, goods, and food, this rather special festive market in Rome is a recent tradition that has very much endeared itself to locals. Taking place in the PratiBus District, the market has several exhibition areas and creative programs, with plenty to see and do, from observing cooking shows and martial arts exhibitions to tasting food to workshops teaching traditional Japanese crafts to, of course, areas where you can shop all sorts of incredible Japanese products. Kids are also well-catered to with an area specifically dedicated to them.
In the food area, you can sample the offerings at the Japanese Street Food and Dorayaki Bar, the Ramen and Onigiri Point, and the Sushi Bar by Oriente Express Sushi, one of the best sushi restaurants in the entire city. If you’re in need of some relaxation, you can head to the Wellness Area, for the ancient and traditional Shiatsu and Kobido massages introduced by practitioners Daniela Piola and Sabrina Persichetti by booking in advance (see the Mercatino Giapponese website here for booking details). Performances and workshops include dance and karate demonstrations, calligraphy and origami workshops for both adults and children, and other activities on-site for Japanese culture fans including a maid cafe, a t-shirt design lab, and cosplay. Full of fun, colour, events, and excitement, this market is a wonderful place to enjoy oneself, learn more about Japan, pick up some unique gifts for yourself and others, and to eat some truly delicious food.
This year’s edition of the Mercatino Giapponese Christmas market will take place on the 11th and 12th and the 18th and 19th of December 2021 in the large and roomy industrial spaces of the Capannelle Hippodrome. From bonsai trees to kimonos to anime to sushi, this is a wonderful place to get a taste of Japan in Rome and a unique Christmas market experience in the city. With over 100 exhibitors selling items in the market, workshops and shows, an arcade game area, an area for kids, a food market, and more to explore, it makes for a perfect day out while on holiday in Rome this December. A must for those exploring the Christmas markets of Italy!
In the food area, you can sample the offerings at the Japanese Street Food and Dorayaki Bar, the Ramen and Onigiri Point, and the Sushi Bar by Oriente Express Sushi, one of the best sushi restaurants in the entire city. If you’re in need of some relaxation, you can head to the Wellness Area, for the ancient and traditional Shiatsu and Kobido massages introduced by practitioners Daniela Piola and Sabrina Persichetti by booking in advance (see the Mercatino Giapponese website here for booking details). Performances and workshops include dance and karate demonstrations, calligraphy and origami workshops for both adults and children, and other activities on-site for Japanese culture fans including a maid cafe, a t-shirt design lab, and cosplay. Full of fun, colour, events, and excitement, this market is a wonderful place to enjoy oneself, learn more about Japan, pick up some unique gifts for yourself and others, and to eat some truly delicious food.
This year’s edition of the Mercatino Giapponese Christmas market will take place on the 11th and 12th and the 18th and 19th of December 2021 in the large and roomy industrial spaces of the Capannelle Hippodrome. From bonsai trees to kimonos to anime to sushi, this is a wonderful place to get a taste of Japan in Rome and a unique Christmas market experience in the city. With over 100 exhibitors selling items in the market, workshops and shows, an arcade game area, an area for kids, a food market, and more to explore, it makes for a perfect day out while on holiday in Rome this December. A must for those exploring the Christmas markets of Italy!