Photo By: PIXTA/ kazukiatuko
Region
Kyushu
Island
Kyushu
Largest City
Nagasaki
Population
1,516,536

Nagasaki Lantern Festival

With 15,000 vibrant lanterns, parades and rich culture, it's a grand celebration not to miss!

By Abhijit Sen

Nagasaki, located on the northwest coast of Kyushu, is known for its history with the atomic bomb. But this beautiful prefecture has a lot more to offer visitors. It is home to Japan’s oldest Chinatown. Each year, people celebrate this rich culture during the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, which lasts for two weeks during the first fifteen days of the Chinese New Year.

Nagasaki Lantern Festival

Nagasaki Lantern Festival

Photo by: PIXTA/ kazukiatuko See Chinatown shine all throughout the festival.

The festival is deeply rooted in Chinese tradition. For that reason, the main events of the festival take place mainly in Chinatown. It has colorful parades and exciting cultural performances. Originally, the Chinese merchants celebrated it as a part of the Chinese New Year. Over time, the festival has grown into a prominent winter event for the city. During this festival, more than 15,000 bright lanterns and big art displays lit up the town. During the festival, colorful lanterns adorn not only Chinatown but also different parts of Nagasaki, like Minato Park, Chuo Park and Meganebashi, creating a magical atmosphere. Some decorations are pretty large, reaching about 5 meters in length.

Festival Highlights

Nagasaki Lantern Festival

Photo by: PIXTA/ ゆう Don’t miss out on the Emperor Parade.

One highlight of the festival is the Emperor Parade. It mimics celebrations from the Qing dynasty. Approximately 150 participants, dressed in beautiful Chinese costumes, participate in this parade, featuring the emperor and empress in splendid palanquins. Another noteworthy event is the Mazu Procession. It replicates a historical event when Chinese sailors entered Nagasaki during the Edo Period, honoring Mazu, the goddess of safe navigation. The dragon dance was originally a rain ritual from China.  It involves performers manipulating a long dragon costume in a lively display, representing a plea for good harvests.

Fun Activities

The festival also features guided strolls through the historical sites of Chinese mansions, showcasing Nagasaki’s rich Chinese history. One of the highlights is the Nagasaki Confucius Temple. The Qing government built this in 1893 for overseas Chinese. This temple is a stunning example of authentic Chinese architecture in Japan. During the festival, guests can wander the beautifully decorated temple grounds and pay their respects. Kids especially enjoy the Handmade Lantern Corner. Visitors can also participate in a candlelight prayer at four special halls: Toshin-do, Tengo-do, Kannon-do and Fukuken Kaikan. Many believe that lighting candles and praying in these halls will help fulfill their wishes. Additionally, visitors can make wishes at the colorful Nagasaki Koi Lanterns set up along Bernardo Tourist Street. There are special prayer tablets for love, allowing participants to write their wishes.

Things To Know

Festival hours and fees

Date: January 29 – February 12, 2025

Chinese lantern decoration location: Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Hama City, and Kanko street

Time: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Nagasaki Confucius Temple Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Fee: Adult ¥660

How To Get There

Address

By train

Arrive at Nagasaki station via JR train. From there, walk, take a taxi, or board the tram heading to Tsukimachi.

By car

Nagasaki is reachable via the Nagasaki Expressway. Follow signs to the city center and Chinatown. 

Where To Stay

Hotel JAL City Nagasaki
  • 13-10 Shinchimachi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki, 850-0842 Japan
  • ¥6,390 - ¥43,200
  • 4.4/5 (2,484 reviews)
  • 0.1 km
Oyado Kinokuniya Shinchi Machi
  • 5-23 Kagomachi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki, 850-0905 Japan
  • ¥7,040 - ¥18,260
  • 4.75/5 (7 reviews)
  • 0.1 km
Dormy Inn Nagasaki Shinchi Chukagai
  • 7-24 Dozamachi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki, 850-0841 Japan
  • ¥5,330 - ¥37,829
  • 4.39/5 (3,699 reviews)
  • 0.1 km
Casa Blanca Guesthouse
  • 7-16 Dozamachi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki, 850-0841 Japan
  • ¥3,449 - ¥86,441
  • 0.2 km
Candeo Hotels Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown
  • 3-12 Dozamachi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki, 850-0841 Japan
  • ¥11,435 - ¥35,627
  • 4.47/5 (1,113 reviews)
  • 0.2 km

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