Nagasaki Lantern Festival

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Nagasaki Lantern Festival

A significant winter event in Nagasaki is held from January 1 to 15th of the lunar calendar. The city center is beautifully decorated with lanterns.

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“The Nagasaki Lantern Festival” is a significant winter event held from January 1 to 15 of the lunar calendar (usually from late January to early February) in the center of Nagasaki City, including Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, one of the three significant Chinatowns in Japan, the Sightseeing Street Arcade in Hamamachi, and Central Park.

Originally held by the people of Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown as a "Shunsetsu Festival (Chinese New Year Festival)" to celebrate the Lunar New Year to promote the town, the Nagasaki Lantern Festival began in 1994 and has since expanded into the Nagasaki Lantern Festival. The fantastic atmosphere of lanterns decorating the city in various colors attracts visitors to the festival.

The highlight is the 15,000 lanterns in different shapes! Some are regular lanterns, while others are animal-shaped, or historical figures. They decorate the area around the venue, creating a beautiful and magical night. Some of the colors are limited to the area, so it is recommended to walk around the city.

Also noteworthy are the large objects of the year, which are presented as new works each year. Past works will also be on display, so it is fun to look for them all.

In addition, a variety of other events will be held. The city of Nagasaki will be in a festive mood with authentic Chinese dances and erhu performances, the Maso parade, the Emperor's parade, and other events.

Highlights

  • Held during the Shunsetsu Festival(Chinese New Year Festival) to celebrate the lunar New Year.
  • The Nagasaki Lantern Festival has grown into a significant winter event.
  • About 15,000 lanterns of various shapes and sizes decorate Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown and the rest of Nagasaki City.
  • With new ones being unveiled every year, the large lanterns are popular photo opportunities.
  • The festival also features a variety of events during the festival period.

Photos

  • Lanterns light up around Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, creating a beautiful and magical atmosphere.

    Lanterns light up around Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, creating a beautiful and magical atmosphere.

  • Each area has limited colors, so a stroll around the city is recommended (photo: Megane Bridge).

    Each area has limited colors, so a stroll around the city is recommended (photo: Megane Bridge).

  • Look out for various types of lanterns other than the standard lantern.

    Look out for various types of lanterns other than the standard lantern.

  • During this period, lanterns will be lit at various locations in downtown Nagasaki (photo: Central Park).

    During this period, lanterns will be lit at various locations in downtown Nagasaki (photo: Central Park).

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
長崎ランタンフェスティバル
Telephone
095-822-8888 (Nagasaki City Ajisai Call)
Schedule
January 1-15 of the lunar calendar (usually around the end of January to early February)
Directions
-Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown:
8 minutes from JR Nagasaki Station to Shinchi Chinatown stop on the Nagasaki Electric Railway Line 1, 1-minute walk from Shinchi Chinatown stop.
-Kanko Dori Arcade:
12 minutes from JR Nagasaki Station to Shikanbashi stop on the Nagasaki Electric Railway Line 1, a short walk from the stop.
-Chuo Park:
From JR Nagasaki Station, take Nagasaki Electric Railway Line 1, and transfer to No. 5 line at Chikumachi stop, get off at Megane-bashi stop, and walk for 2 minutes.
Website
Official Website (English)