Kanmon Strait Candle Night

Kanmon Strait Candle Night is held simultaneously in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, and Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is one of Japan’s largest candle events, with the two neighboring cities across the Kanmon Strait wrapped in the gentle glow of candlelight.

In Kitakyushu, the event takes place at the Waterside Plaza and Harbor Deck in the Mojiko area, where many retro buildings from the Meiji era to the early Showa period still remain. In Shimonoseki, venues include the Karato district, home to Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine and the Former British Consulate in Shimonoseki, as well as the area in front of Shimonoseki Station. Across all venues, Approx. 30,000 candles are lit. The creatively arranged candles at each site are a must-see. Illuminations and special building light-ups are also held at the same time, creating a magical atmosphere unlike the usual scenery of Mojiko and Shimonoseki.

On both days, candles are lit simultaneously in both areas at 5:30pm. Each venue also hosts live performances, craft markets, and food stalls, so you can enjoy food, shopping, and music surrounded by candlelight.