Thanksgiving back home is quite different from Japan’s Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrō Kansha no Hi), held on November 23rd. But that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate the feast!
Whether you’re missing home or want to introduce a traditional Thanksgiving meal to friends in Japan, here’s a step-by-step guide to hosting Thanksgiving dinner in Japan. 🦃
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Step-by-Step Guide to Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner in Japan
Table of Contents
Planning the Menu
Cooking Thanksgiving classics might require some creativity with local ingredients, but it’s doable.
First, decide if you want a turkey or are OK with roasted chicken or other alternatives. Think about what the most economical and practical Thanksgiving meal is for you.
But if you’re committed to the traditional turkey, take a look at how to find one in Japan below and make your Thanksgiving in Japan memorable!
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Main Course: Turkey
While it is harder to find a turkey in Japan, it’s not as impossible as you might think, thanks to many online delivery options. If you want to look in-store, just know that turkey is shichimenchou (七面鳥) in Japanese!
Here is a list of places where you can buy a turkey in Japan:
- The Meat Guy: a reliable choice for ordering turkeys, hams, and other meats in Japan online.
- The Flying Pig, Whole Meat, National Azabu, and Horizon Farms all sell turkeys online.
- Costco: check their frozen turkey stock (before they sell out!)
- Tokyo: stores like Nissin World Delicatessen or Kinokuniya (Omotesando) carry turkeys.
- Kanto and Kansai (Osaka): Check out Hanamasa, but my local one only sells frozen ducks, not turkeys.
- U.S. military bases: if you have any friends on the inside, they can probably hook you up.
Small Kitchen Struggles: Freezer Space
Another thing to consider when buying a turkey is freezer space. Make sure your freezer has enough room! You might plan on having the turkey delivered the same day and thawing it out, but remember how long a turkey takes to thaw.
Thawing the Turkey:
- In the fridge: Plan for 3-4 days.
- Quick thaw (water): Place it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. It will take about 30 minutes per pound to thaw.
Side Dishes
Every family has their own traditional Thanksgiving foods, but here are some of the basics and tips for how to prepare them in Japan:
Bonus: Sweet Potato Casserole/Souffle – another easy dessert you can make with Japanese sweet potatoes! 🍠
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Cooking with a Japanese Oven
Most Japanese ovens are actually microwave ovens (電子レンジ）that have an oven function (look for オーブン on your microwave). While the multifunctionality is nice, ovens in Japan are smaller and operate differently from their Western counterparts.
Whether it’s your first time trying to bake something large-scale in a Japanese oven, or you’re a tiny oven expert, here are some key tips:
- Confirm dimensions:
Look up your oven’s dimensions or measure carefully before buying the turkey.
A compact bird (around 2 kg/4.4 lbs) is best for Japanese ovens, but the smaller ones sell out fast! - Check temperature settings:
Japanese ovens often cap at lower temperatures, which can impact cooking time. Smaller microwave ovens might max out at about 150°C. Even if the oven can reach 572-662°F (300-350°C), it’ll probably use max heat for only a few minutes before it shuts off. - Pre-heating:
Wait until you are ready to place your food in the oven. If the oven sits idle for too long, it will automatically shut off, even after 10-15 min. (for some models)! - Cooking techniques:
Without a broil setting, plan to rotate and baste the turkey frequently for even browning.
🔥Also, the top of your microwave oven will get super hot once you turn on the oven feature, so make sure not to leave anything on top of it when you’re cooking. It’s not like I had to learn the hard way by accidentally melting some plastic bags I left on top of the oven…
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Looking Up Recipes and Connecting with Family Back Home
Now that you have the basics down, it’s time to start cooking. But wait!
Say you need to look up substitutes for an ingredient quickly. Or you struggle to convert measurements (who, me?). Having fast WiFi makes cooking much more convenient.
Whether you’re searching for how long to cook your turkey or calling your grandma for that secret family recipe, a fast, reliable internet connection makes it all easier.
For a seamless Thanksgiving experience, Sakura Mobile offers two great Home Internet solutions tailored to your needs. Here’s a closer look at what each service offers:
1) Home WiFi: Delivers reliable speeds suitable for regular browsing, streaming, and video calls!
- Immediate Internet Access: No installation is required, just plug it in!
- Unlimited 5G/4G Connectivity: Reliable, high-speed access over most of Japan.
- Flexibility: Easily move your device from home to home or room to room.
2) Fiber Internet: Fast, stable connection for high data usage and multi-user households.
- No Annual Contracts: Just like our Home WiFi, no annual commitment or cancellation fee.
- One Complete Package: Covers everything you need—wireless router, ISP, etc.—so there are no hidden costs.
- Japanese Negotiation Support: We can liaise with your landlord/property manager regarding installation.
For both plans, we offer Full English Support ー from setup assistance to troubleshooting.
With Sakura Mobile’s Home Internet options you can seamlessly follow recipes, watch holiday movies, or video call loved ones for a virtual Thanksgiving!
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Getting the Right Tools
When preparing a Thanksgiving meal, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here is a quick list of things you might need:
- Carving knife: A sturdy carving knife is essential. Check Rakuten or Amazon Japan for affordable knives.
- Turkey oven bags: Optional, but you can also buy these from The Meat Guy.
- Roasting pan: Look for a pan at Don Quijote, Daiso, or online—just be sure it fits in your oven.
- Meat thermometer: Turkeys usually come with a pop-up timer, but I recommend buying a meat thermometer just in case.
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Host a Potluck
We all know that kitchens in Japan can be very small. You might only have two burners and very limited counter space, so hosting a Thanksgiving dinner in Japan can be a challenge.
If preparing every dish seems daunting (or if you’re short on oven space), consider hosting a potluck. Friends can bring sides or desserts while you focus on the main course!
During my time in the JET Program, we usually had Thanksgiving with all of the ALTs, and it was always fun to see what everyone else would bring.
If Japanese Thanksgiving falls on a Saturday like it does this year (November 23, 2024), we don’t get a substitute holiday off, unfortunately! So plan your Friendsgiving gatherings after work or on the weekend.
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Conclusion: Let’s eat!
In this article, we covered tips and recommendations for hosting Thanksgiving dinner in Japan. We hope you found some useful information!
With some preparation and creativity, hosting Thanksgiving dinner in Japan can be a fun and memorable experience. Enjoy your holiday feast, and don’t forget to give thanks! 🦃
Stay connected this Thanksgiving with Sakura Mobile! 🍂
Sakura Mobile offers long-term SIM cards and Pocket WiFi plans to keep you connected while you’re on the go, as well as reliable home internet services for staying in touch from the comfort of your home.
Whether you’re sharing Thanksgiving memories, video chatting with family back home, or streaming your favorite holiday movies, Sakura Mobile ensures you have the connection you need. We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving in Japan!
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