The Nagasaki Lantern Festival (長崎ランタンフェスティバル) is an annual event held in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, usually in February. Also known as the Spring Festival, it celebrates the Chinese New Year, an important holiday in China and other parts of Asia.
During the roughly two-week festival, the city is adorned with around 15,000 colorful lanterns, many of which are handmade and feature intricate designs and patterns. These lanterns are displayed along the streets, in parks, and around other public spaces, creating a beautiful and festive atmosphere throughout the city.
In addition to the lantern displays, the Nagasaki Lantern Festival also features various cultural performances, including dragon and lion dances, traditional Chinese music and dance, and Chinese acrobatic shows. Numerous food stalls offer traditional crafts, souvenirs, and Chinese cuisine.
This festival has a long history, originating in the late 16th century when Chinese merchants first settled in Nagasaki. Today, it attracts visitors from all over Japan and the world, making it one of the largest and most popular winter festivals in Japan.
Some of the highlights include:
- Shinchi Chinatown: The main venue, featuring elaborate lanterns and Chinese food stalls.
- Minato Park: Where the dragon dance is performed.
- Megane Bridge (Spectacles Bridge): A popular photo spot when decorated with lanterns.
- Emperor’s Parade: A procession featuring people dressed as the emperor, empress, and other figures.
Throughout the festival period, various events and campaigns are held, adding to the festive atmosphere of Nagasaki.
Getting there
By Train
From Nagasaki Station:
- Take the tram to Tsukimachi stop (lines 1 and 5)
- Journey time: About 10 minutes
- Cost: 120 yen flat fare
- Trams run from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
By Foot
- 15-20 minute walk from Nagasaki Station to Chinatown
Details
| Area | Location | Period | Admission | Closing time |
| Main Venue | Minato Park | February 9th to 25th | Free | 10:00 PM |
| Sub Venue | Central Park | Free | 10:00 PM | |
| Shinchi Chinatown | Nagasaki Confucius Shrine | Free entry after 5:00 PM. | 10:00 PM | |
| Tojin-yashiki | Free | 10:00 PM | ||
| Hamanmachi | Free | 10:00 PM | ||
| Central Park Area | Nakajima River Meganebashi Bridge | Free | 10:00 PM | |
| Kofukuji Temple | Adults: 300 yen | 9:00 PM | ||
| Sofukuji Temple | Free entry after 5:00 PM. | 9:00 PM |
Links and Resources
| Nagasaki City Official Tourism Site | https://en.at-nagasaki.jp/ |
| Shinchi Chinatown | https://www.nagasaki-chinatown.com/ |