Nagasaki Lantern Festival (Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

The Nagasaki Lantern Festival is a major winter event held in various locations around Nagasaki City, mainly in Shinchi Chinatown, and is known as an event celebrating the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival). It has been fully developed as a civic event since the 1990s, and for about two weeks each year, thousands of colorful lanterns decorate the streets of Nagasaki. With daily performances of lion and dragon dances derived from Chinese culture, Chinese food stalls, and stage events, it is highly popular not only with locals but also with tourists from Japan and abroad.

Features and attractions

• At night, countless lanterns light up, creating a fantastical atmosphere in the exotic streets of Nagasaki.
• Highlights include the Shinchi Chinatown Gate, the Confucius Temple, and large themed lanterns (such as those with zodiac motifs).
• A diverse program that combines performances of traditional Chinese dance, music, acrobatics, and local performing arts unique to Nagasaki.
• You can enjoy Nagasaki Champon and other Chinese cuisine at restaurants and food stalls in Chinatown.

Highlights

• Lantern decorations in Shinchi Chinatown: The lanterns hanging from the entrance gate all the way to the street are a sight to behold. There are plenty of photo spots.
• Confucius Temple (Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown/Confucius Temple): Lights and ceremonial events around the Confucius Temple, the center of Chinese culture.
• Dragon Dance and Lion Dance: The traditional dances celebrating the Lunar New Year are very impressive. Depending on the date, a large-scale parade is also held.
• Theme lanterns and large objects: Don't miss the giant lanterns with themes that change every year and shaped like the zodiac animals.
• Night Markets and Street Food: A wide variety of hot foods are available, including Nagasaki Champon, Sara Udon, Kakuniman (braised pork buns), and Amazake (sweet sake).
• Lighting up surrounding spots: The area around Oura Cathedral and Glover Garden is lit up, making it a fun place to stroll.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest tram stop (streetcar): Located close to the Nagasaki Electric Tramway's Shinchi Chinatown tram stop. Convenient access from Nagasaki city center.
• Using JR: Approximately 10-15 minutes by tram from JR Nagasaki Station (depending on the line). Access is generally from Nagasaki Station.
• From Nagasaki Airport: Take the limousine bus to the center of Nagasaki (towards Nagasaki Station) for about 40-50 minutes. Once in the city, transfer to the tram.
• From Fukuoka (Hakata): Approximately 2 hours on the JR Kamome Limited Express. After arriving at Nagasaki Station, transfer to the tram.
• Access by carParking lots can get crowded, and there may be traffic restrictions or one-way streets on surrounding roads. We recommend using public transportation.
• Check the official information: The event dates, venue map, and traffic regulations change every year, so please check the official website or Nagasaki City information in advance.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Night view viewing at major spots (Shinchi Chinatown to Confucius Temple): 2 to 3 hours
• If you want to enjoy the food stalls and stage performances at your own pace: 3 to 4 hours
• Day trips including nearby tourist attractions (Oura Cathedral, Glover Garden, etc.): Half a day to a full day (it is most efficient to visit from noon to night)
• If you want to stay overnight and enjoy the atmosphere both at night and the next day, we recommend staying one night.

Nearby spots

• Shinchi Chinatown (center of the venue): There are a variety of food stalls and Chinese restaurants.
• Confucius Temple (near the China Museum of History):A facility where you can experience Chinese culture.
• Oura Cathedral: One of the oldest surviving Christian buildings in Japan. Beautifully lit up.
• Glover Garden: A tourist spot where you can enjoy the scenery of Nagasaki Port and the port town. It is also popular as a night view spot.
• Dejima, Meganebashi Bridge, and Nagasaki Chinatown: All can be reached on foot or by a short tram ride.
• Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum: A popular route to combine when sightseeing (please note that it is a little far away so travel time will be important).

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• congestion：Weekends and Chinese New Year Day are extremely busy. There are a lot of people, especially at night, and it takes time to get around, so please allow yourself plenty of time. To reduce the crowds, please consider arriving earlier or visiting on a weekday.
• Cold weather measures: The event is held mainly from late January to early February (around the Lunar New Year) and can be very cold, so warm clothing and cold weather gear are essential.
• Photography and Passing Manners: Please be aware that using tripods or reserving spots at popular spots can be a nuisance to other visitors. When taking photos, please do not touch the fences or exhibits.
• Food, drink and garbage: Food stalls are convenient, but please be considerate to others and not cause a nuisance by taking empty cans and trash home or disposing of them in designated areas.
• Check weather and event information: Some events may be canceled or changed due to bad weather or safety reasons. Please check the official website in advance for the latest information.
• Barrier-free: While the center of the city is mostly flat, there are stairs and steps at surrounding tourist spots and some venues, so please check the route if you are using a wheelchair or stroller.
• Some venues have paid events: Viewing the lanterns themselves is generally free, but some performances and special events may incur a fee. Please check the ticket information.

To ensure a safe and comfortable visit, be sure to check the event period, time schedule, and traffic restrictions on the official website or Nagasaki City tourist information before your visit. The lantern-lit atmosphere of Nagasaki in winter is truly magical, so be sure to dress warmly.