As we approach autumn, citizens of many countries are starting to plan for Thanksgiving, including Japan. However, Japanese Thanksgiving is slightly different from what you may be used to. Japan celebrates Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro Kansha No Hi) to honor workers. This public holiday can trace its roots back around 2,000 years, although it was only officially established after World War II.

Another key difference between Thanksgiving in Japan and in countries such as the United States is that Labor Thanksgiving Day is on 23rd of November (or 24th of November, if the 23rd is on a Sunday). This means that expats in Japan can celebrate Thanksgiving twice if they wish! Commemorate the occasion in traditional style with a meal such as fish, rice, and Japanese tea. Then, for the American-style turkey dinner with all the trimmings, either head to a place where you can go for a meal or source your own supplies.

Blarney Stone

Blarney Stone is a popular Irish pub with two venues in Osaka. In recent years, its Shinsaibashi branch has offered a themed Thanksgiving menu over the festive period. This began when the Democrats Abroad in Japan Kansai (DAJK) started hosting their Thanksgiving parties at the pub. Expect a menu featuring turkey, stuffing, glazed carrots, and thick gravy sauce. Book in advance to secure a spot. Calling to make your reservation is a good time to check exact details of menu, prices, and open hours for 2025.

Website: https://the-blarney-stone.com/

BLT Steak

An American-style bistro, BLT Steak opened its Osaka branch in Umeda’s Herbis Plaza in 2019. Since then, its traditional Thanksgiving menu (which it usually serves over one or two days in late November) has been a big hit. Savor delights including a starter, main with turkey, US sirloin steak, vegetables, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a dessert of apple cobbler. The price is around 10,000 yen excluding tax and service charge.

Website: https://blt-steak-osaka.com

Westin Osaka

If you fancy a slightly more formal celebration, head to the Westin Hotel for its annual Thanksgiving Dinner party. This is organized by the Japan-America Society of Osaka (JASO) in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ). Although primarily a members’ event, it’s also open to non-members who can pay to join in the festivities. Bear in mind, though, that dress code is business formal. This traditional dinner caters for around 150 guests and usually includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Prices are 8,000 yen for members and 10,000 yen for non-members.

Website: https://www.marriott.com/ja/hotels/osawi-the-westin-osaka/overview/
Website: http://www.jaso-1946.com/info/2025/09/30162547

Tin’s Hall

This restaurant in Tennoji, Osaka, provides an authentic and mouth-watering Thanksgiving feast including turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, and a dinner roll. Usually available for two days in late November, this slap-up meal will only set you back around 2,500 yen, with the option of paying an extra 500 yen for a slice of pumpkin pie.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/9303453085/

The Hearth

Another Osaka favourite, this popular Irish pub serves up a limited Thanksgiving menu on the Sunday closest to Thanksgiving. Among the delights cooked are smoked turkey leg, stuffing, honeyed carrots, mashed potato, corn bread, and turkey gravy. This is followed by pumpkin pie. The cost is a wholly reasonable 2,500 yen per person. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Website: https://www.thehearthosaka.com/

Thanksgiving Supplies

If you’d prefer to pick up supplies to prepare a Thanksgiving feast in the comfort of your own home, look no further than the following.

Horizon Farms

If you’re concerned about the origin of your meat, order from Horizon Farms. All the meat they sell is raised ethically on family farms and by other small producers. This includes turkey, grass-fed beef, and free-range pork. You can also use this online store for all your produce needs (they offer organic frozen fruits and vegetables) and the other things you need to complete your meal, such as old-fashioned gravy sauce. Delivery is by overnight express, meaning you can even order right before Thanksgiving.

Website: https://en.horizonfarms.jp

The Meat Guy

Another option to pick up all the meat you need is The Meat Guy. This online store has turkey, ribeye, sirloin, duck, and more. You’ll also find veggies such as Brussels sprouts, beets, baby carrots, and blueberries as well as spices and sauces to complete your meal, including cranberry sauce.

Website: https://www.themeatguy.jp/en

Costco

You may have shopped in Costco before you moved to Japan. Although the products you’ll find here will be different than what you’ll be used to, there is still a huge range. If you’re preparing a meal for many guests, this is an especially good option for picking up groceries, as you’ll be able to find some good deals.

Website: https://www.costco.co.jp

Seijo Ishii

If you’re in Osaka, you can find ingredients for sides and sauces at Seijo Ishii. The supermarket specializes in high-quality foods at reasonable prices. There are a number of stores around the city, mostly in residential areas, shopping malls, and train stations.

Website: https://www.seijoishii.co.jp/en

Ms. Jones from California, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons