Children enjoying an Easter egg hunt under cherry blossom trees in Japan, wearing cute bunny costumes
A magical blend of spring and Easter beneath Japan’s blooming sakura trees.

Easter in Japan and East & Southeast Asia – Cultural Traditions & Modern Celebrations

Have you ever wondered how Easter—a holiday steeped in Western Christian traditions—is celebrated across East and Southeast Asia, regions rich with diverse cultures and beliefs? From playful egg hunts beneath Japan's blooming cherry blossoms to solemn processions in the Philippines, Easter in Asia offers a unique glimpse into how global celebrations can be beautifully localized.

• Japan embraces Easter with cute, commercial festivities like egg hunts and spring-themed sweets.
• South Korea celebrates with religious services, family gatherings, and charity events.
• Hong Kong observes Easter vibrantly as a public holiday with church services and festive events, while mainland China sees subdued celebrations mainly within Christian communities.
• The Philippines has deeply spiritual Holy Week traditions, including dramatic reenactments and joyous Easter rituals.
• Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore feature quiet, diverse, and localized Easter celebrations.

Explore Easter in Asia Topics

Easter in Japan – Kawaii Meets Springtime Fun

While only about 1% of Japan's population identifies as Christian, Easter is growing in popularity as a fun, secular celebration. Picture colorful egg hunts, bunny-themed decorations, and playful spring sweets—this is Easter in Japan. Tokyo DisneySea even hosts a multi-week “Disney’s Easter” festival, complete with parades and bunny-ear costumes, making it a hit with locals and tourists alike.

  • Kawaii Easter Treats: Adorable chocolates and spring-themed snacks like chick-shaped Meika Hiyoko or sakura mochi are popular seasonal delights.
  • Cherry Blossom Vibes: Easter egg hunts under blooming sakura trees blend Japanese springtime joy with Western festivities.

Want to capture that spirit at home? Explore our Sakura Season Collection to bring Japanese springtime beauty into your own space.

South Korea – Easter as a Time of Renewal

South Korea, with nearly 30% of its population Christian, celebrates Easter with reverence and community spirit. Churches host sunrise services, reflecting on themes of renewal and hope. It's common for Korean churches to organize charity events around Easter, embracing the holiday’s message of compassion.

  • Faith and Family: Families often gather for meals, attend services, and participate in egg painting or modest hunts.
  • Charitable Acts: Many churches organize volunteer activities and events to support those in need during Easter.

China & Hong Kong – A Tale of Two Easter Celebrations

Easter celebrations in China are markedly different between the mainland and Hong Kong. In mainland China, Easter is not widely observed outside Christian communities. Churches hold quiet services and baptisms, while some malls and urban centers offer themed products and small-scale events.

Conversely, Hong Kong embraces Easter vibrantly, thanks to its British colonial heritage. Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays here, with families attending church services followed by special brunches at hotels. Kids enjoy egg hunts in parks or amusement parks like Ocean Park.

Philippines – Holy Week’s Solemn Rituals & Joyous Celebrations

In the predominantly Catholic Philippines, Easter marks the culmination of Holy Week. Traditions range from dramatic Good Friday reenactments to the joyful Salubong ritual on Easter morning, symbolizing Christ's reunion with His mother Mary.

  • Dramatic Rituals: Pampanga's crucifixion reenactments and city-wide processions are major highlights of Holy Week.
  • Joyful Traditions: Salubong celebrations, fireworks, and community feasts bring people together on Easter Sunday.

Southeast Asia’s Subtle and Diverse Observances

Easter in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore shows diverse local responses. In Vietnam, Catholic communities observe it quietly. In Thailand, expat communities celebrate with brunches and hunts at hotels. Indonesia honors Good Friday, especially in Flores with candlelit processions. Singapore, being multicultural, hosts both church services and lively secular events.

Common Questions Answered

Below are answers to frequently asked questions to help readers understand the topic better:

  • Do they celebrate Easter in Japan?
    Yes, but primarily as a secular holiday with egg hunts, cute decorations, and special treats rather than religious observances.
  • Why is Easter significant in the Philippines?
    Due to its large Catholic population, Easter is celebrated with deep religious rituals, processions, and community festivities, making it one of the country's most important holidays.
  • Is Easter a holiday in China or Japan?
    No, Easter is not an official public holiday in mainland China or Japan, although it is recognized as a public holiday in Hong Kong and Singapore.
  • Are there Easter egg hunts in Asia?
    Yes! Countries like Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore frequently organize egg hunts, particularly at hotels, parks, and community centers.

Explore our vibrant and thoughtfully curated Sakura Season Collection to complement your journey with inspiring art and design.

Further Reading

  • A Very Asian Christmas: Discover how Christmas is uniquely celebrated across East and Southeast Asia.
  • Chinese New Year 2025: Learn about Asia’s most widely celebrated traditional festival, rich in customs and symbolism.
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