Feeling “Stuck in Japan” for the Holidays?
A Gentle Guide for Foreigners Spending the Season Away From Home
The holidays can be hard when home is far away
In Japan, winter is full of lights, celebrations, and cozy moments…
but if your family and friends are thousands of miles away,
this season can feel lonely, isolating, or emotionally heavy.
Many foreign residents coming at our clinic during this period tell us:
“Everyone is with family… except me.”
“Flights are too expensive = I can’t go home.”
“My friends left Japan, and I don’t know what to do.”
“I feel guilty for not being with my parents.”
“I feel stuck here.”
If you feel that way, you’re not alone.
And there is nothing wrong with you.
Missing home is a normal human emotion.
Why holidays feel harder when living abroad
1. Cultural differences
Japan’s holiday season is beautiful, but the traditions may not match your own.
This can make the season feel unfamiliar or even empty.
2. Social media pressure
Seeing everyone else post “perfect holiday moments”
can make loneliness louder.
3. Break in routine
Work slows down, friends travel, and suddenly you have more free time —
which often brings feelings to the surface.
4. Emotional expectations
Holidays often remind us of childhood memories, family rituals,
and the people we miss the most.
No wonder it feels harder.
How to Take Care of Yourself This Season
Here are gentle, realistic ways to support your mental well-being while in Japan.
1. Create your own version of the holidays
The holiday doesn’t have to look the same as it did back home.
You can:
Cook one dish that reminds you of home
Watch your favorite childhood movie
Decorate a small corner of your apartment
Call a friend while eating dinner together online
Start a brand-new tradition that’s yours
Even tiny rituals can bring comfort and grounding.
🤝 2. Connect — even a little
You don’t need a big group.
One safe person is enough.
Meet a friend for coffee, Join a local meetup or language exchange,
Volunteer for a few hour with platform like, Charity Santa, Second Harvest Japan or even with the Multicultural Center of Tokyo,
Visit a warm community space (churches, cultural groups, expat gatherings)
Connection doesn’t have to be perfect.
Just being around others can soften loneliness.
3. Let yourself feel homesick, it’s human
Homesickness is not a weakness.
It is a sign of love, attachment, and meaningful memories.
Many people try to push their feelings away,
but allowing yourself to gently feel them can actually reduce the intensity.
4. Make the days cozy and gentle
You can create warmth even if you’re alone.
Light a candle, Drink something warm,
Go for a quiet night walk
Wrap yourself in a blanket, Play relaxing music
The goal is not to “fix” loneliness,
but to make the season a little softer.
5. Stay connected in small ways
A message, a call, a photo — they matter.
Tell someone back home:
“I miss you. I’m thinking about you today.”
Connection is not only physical;
emotional closeness travels across countries.
6. Plan something to look forward to
It might be:
A day trip in Japan
A small gift to yourself
A nice meal
A future visit home
A new hobby you start in January
Hope is powerful.
Even one positive plan can lift your mood.
If this season feels heavier than usual…
Many foreigners in Japan develop:
Seasonal depression
Anxiety
Loneliness
Sleep problems
Feeling disconnected or “numb”
Loss of motivation
You don’t have to deal with this alone.
Talking to a mental-health professional — even once —
can help you breathe, gain clarity, and feel understood.
A message from Family Total Healthcare Clinic AZABU
If you’re spending the holidays in Japan and feeling lonely, overwhelmed, or stuck,
please know this:
You are not alone here.
Your feelings make sense.
Your experience is valid.
Our clinic provides:
English-friendly mental-health support
Online consultations
weekdays and weekend appointments
even during holiday period ！
A safe, gentle space to talk about anything on your mind
You don’t have to carry everything by yourself.
We’re here to support you — especially during the hardest seasons.
Whenever you’re ready, we’re here for you.