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Hikari no Machi Hakata

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Hikari no Machi Hakata

A spectacular festival of light that illuminates the area in front of Hakata Station with 640,000 shimmering lights, transforming the city into a breathtaking winter wonderland.

3.25 3

Last update :
Supervised by :  JR HAKATA CITY

Hikari no Machi Hakata is an annual holiday event hosted by JR Hakata City, the commercial complex directly connected to JR Hakata Station. A dazzling 640,000 lights illuminate the station plaza, turning the heart of the city into a magical winter scene.

Highlights include the 14.9-meter symbol tree, the “Stardust Wave” where starlike lights cascade from the grand roof of JR Hakata City, and the “Gate of Light,” introduced in 2023. These distinctive illuminations and art objects are scattered throughout the venue, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. In the 2025 season, the symbol tree and the roughly 70-meter-long LED screen “LED SKY WALK” are themed after the popular game Super Mario. Ornaments and screen visuals transform into familiar characters and items, heightening the festive mood.

From November 1 to December 25, a Christmas Market is held on-site. Visitors can browse traditional Christmas goods, enjoy hearty dishes and hot wine to warm up on chilly evenings, and catch daily events such as live music performances-making it a must-visit winter celebration in Hakata.

Highlights

  • An annual holiday event hosted by JR Hakata City.
  • 640,000 lights illuminate the plaza in front of JR Hakata Station.
  • Highlights include a 14.9-meter symbol tree and the Gate of Light, among many other displays.
  • In the 2025 season, select areas feature a Super Mario theme.
  • A Christmas Market is also held from November 1 to December 25.

Photos

  • The symbol tree and Stardust Wave adorning the grand roof

    The symbol tree and Stardust Wave adorning the grand roof

  • The Gate of Light installed at the main entrance *The scene at the time of the 2024 event

    The Gate of Light installed at the main entrance *The scene at the time of the 2024 event

  • Trees across the plaza transform into a glowing Forest of Light *The scene at the time of the 2024 event

    Trees across the plaza transform into a glowing Forest of Light *The scene at the time of the 2024 event

  • Make a wish at the Wish Flower *The scene at the time of the 2024 event

    Make a wish at the Wish Flower *The scene at the time of the 2024 event

  • In 2025, Super Mario-themed holiday spots make their debut

    In 2025, Super Mario-themed holiday spots make their debut

Reviews

3

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Linda Liao
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    Every year around Christmas, Hakata Station Plaza lights up with a million dazzling lights and hosts a festive Christmas market. Vendors sell limited-time treats such as mulled wine and German sausages. The strong holiday atmosphere and romantic lights make it a great place to gather with a few friends, have fun, and take memorable photos.

  • 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
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    For this trip to Kyushu, I specifically chose to stay near Hakata Station and happened to catch the annual Hikari no Machi Hakata event, held for a limited time from early November through the end of December. The dazzling sea of lights makes the entire station plaza feel incredibly magical, and together with the lively and welcoming market, it’s perfect for an evening stroll in the cool weather and offers a completely different romantic atmosphere from the daytime. You can also try mulled wine at the Christmas market, which has a very distinctive flavor.

    Hakata is full of energy during the day, but this spectacular nighttime display of light and shadow is just as wonderful. It’s definitely a captivating night view that shouldn’t be missed when visiting Hakata.

  • Ctly
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    It feels extra festive during the Christmas season.

    The lights change colors so it doesn’t look boring at all.

    You can really tell the whole thing was carefully designed.

Details

Name in Japanese
光の街・博多
Postal Code
812-0012
Location
1-1 Hakataekichuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka (JR Hakata station square)
Schedule
November 1, 2025 to January 12, 2026 5:00pm - 11:30pm
Access
Directly connected to JR any Line’s Hakata Station.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa