Nagasaki, Japan Festivals are an essential part of travel planning.

TRIPYOSHI
4月13日
読了時間: 2分

If you’re planning a trip to Nagasaki, Japan, the Nagasaki Lantern Festival is highly recommended as one of the city’s must-see winter events.

Nagasaki has also been featured in The New York Times as a fantastic destination for travelers exploring Japan.

### One of Nagasaki’s Most Famous Events: The Nagasaki Lantern Festival

The Nagasaki Lantern Festival

The Nagasaki Lantern Festival is the city’s signature winter event, drawing huge crowds every year.

It is known as one of the largest Chinese lantern festivals in Japan. Its origins trace back to the “Chinese New Year Festival” (Spring Festival) celebrated by the Chinese community in Shinchi Chinatown. Since 1994, it has grown into the “Nagasaki Lantern Festival,” expanding across the city center.

Today, approximately 15,000 colorful Chinese lanterns and large-scale lantern installations illuminate the streets in vibrant hues, creating a magical and fantastical nighttime scene.

The entire city center is transformed into a sea of lanterns. Shinchi Chinatown stands out with bright reds and pinks, capturing the lively atmosphere of a traditional Chinese quarter.

The area around Meganebashi (Spectacles Bridge) features warm yellow tones, while Hamamachi Arcade and other venues have their own distinct color themes. Each location offers a different vibe, which is part of the festival’s charm.

Numerous large lantern sculptures — some towering over 10 meters — are also on display, making them perfect for photos.

Don’t miss the dynamic stage performances, including energetic dragon dances and spectacular Bian Lian (face-changing) shows.

The highlight of the Nagasaki Lantern Festival is undoubtedly the beautiful nighttime illuminations. However, if you’re driving, we recommend visiting in the morning or early afternoon. Parking lots near the venues tend to fill up quickly after midday.

Main Venues:

Shinchi Chinatown, Chuo Park (Central Park), Hamamachi Arcade, the area around Meganebashi (Spectacles Bridge), and other spots throughout central Nagasaki.

🏮NagasakiLanternFestival

📍Location: 7 Shinchimachi, Nagasaki, 850-0842

🌏Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NN2tGkL2qTZSxmAZ8

🔗Official website：https://www.at-nagasaki.jp/lantern-festival

🍜Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown

📍Location: 10-13 Shinchimachi, Nagasaki, 850-0842

🌏Google Maps：https://maps.app.goo.gl/EQEDudz89gh4nnaK9

🔗Official website：https://www.nagasaki-chinatown.com

🍑Nagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of China

📍Location: 10-36 Ouramachi, Nagasaki, 850-0918

🌏Google Maps： https://maps.app.goo.gl/FqLZenpEeRK3SQxJ6

🔗Official website：https://nagasaki-koushibyou.com