Tips to Fully Enjoy Your First Nagasaki Lantern Festival

Nagasaki Lantern Festival is one of the most iconic winter events in Nagasaki, attracting countless visitors every year. Stunning lantern displays and colorful decorations that light up the streets bring you into the another world alike.

On stage, exciting performances such as dragon dances and erhu (two-stringed Chinese violin) music create an electric mood. Experience the events packed with fascinating attractions and get ready for the Nagasaki Lantern Festival in 2026!

What is Nagasaki Lantern Festival?

Begun as a celebration of the Chinese New Year, Nagasaki Lantern Festival has become a staple winter event in the city and the largest scale event of its kind in Japan.
Over 15,000 colorful lanterns and art objects are displayed around the city; from Chinatown and Minato Park, to Chuo Park, Meganebashi (Spectacles Bridge), Hama-machi arcade, and many other locations nearby venues.
Throughout the event, joyful attractions such as dragon dances, mask-changers, lion dances and more are held at several locations and stages.

Plan Your Visit: Nagasaki Lantern Festival Dates & Lighting Schedule

For 2026, the festival will be held from February 6 to February 23.

Although the festival runs for about two weeks, accommodations—especially on weekends and holidays—tend to fill up quickly. As the lantern displays are most enchanting in the evening, staying overnight is highly recommended. We suggest securing your accommodation as early as possible.

Lantern Lighting Schedule:

During the festival period, the lanterns will be lit according to the following schedule:
・February 6 (Opening Ceremony): 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
・February 7–22: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
・February 23 (Final Day): 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Special Note:

At the Shinchi Chinatown and Hamamachi Arcade venues,
lanterns will be lit from 12:00 PM (noon) during the festival period, except on February 7.

Entering a Dreamlike World with Growling Lanterns

During the festival, the venues are colored with glittering lanterns, creating an atmosphere that feels like entering another world. A variety of displays such as dragons, golden fish or other figures are so captivative and would never make you bored.

Each Venue Highlight

Shinchi Chinatown (Minato Park)

At Minato Park, located close to Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, vibrant lantern decorations of various shapes and sizes including the main lantern object are on display. Starting from opening ceremony, the venue hosts a range of stage performances including dragon dances and erhu music. One more key to make your lantern festival more exciting is to enjoy gourmet at food stalls and shopping of lantern-themed goods around the venue.
Chuo Park

Besides a variety of lantern, Chūō Park venue features animal-themed installations that will bring joy to children, along with plenty of food stalls offering delicious treats. Same as Minato Park, an opening ceremony marks the start of the festival and visitors can enjoy daily stage performances during the festival.
Nakashima River Park

The unique yellow lanterns are found only at Nakashima River Park. It reflects on the calm water, creating a mystical scene in the serene atmosphere.
Doza River

The pink lanterns along Doza River create a dreamy and sweet atmosphere. It's within a short walking distance from Shinchi Chinatown venue.
Kofukuji Temple

Kofuku-ji Temple, located on Teramachi Street, is truly captivating. Inside the temple, the soft lantern lights create a refined atomosphere, providing a peaceful contrast to the other venues.
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Former Chinese Quarter

The "Former Chinese Quarter" is the place where the Chinese people, coming to Nagasaki for a business purpose, used to live until their return.
The temple, which retains the past memories and the nostalgic scenery, creates a different kind of charm.
Hama-machi Arcade

The lanterns fill the ceiling of the arcade, creating a stunning visual in the brightly colored shopping street.
With a variety of objects lined up, it's also a perfect spot for photos.

Yearly-changed Main Lantern Object

The main lantern object of this festival is displayed at Minato Park venue.
The object is yearly changed and it is thought as an auspicious. Its powerful and impressive design is definitely a must-see.

Exciting Events

The Nagasaki Lantern Festival offers more than just lantern exhibits – you can also join a range of stage events. The stage is filled with exciting performances, such as dragon dances, Chinese lion dances, and erhu music, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere entire the venue.

Dragon Dances
Chinese Lion Dances
Mask-changer Performance

Event Pamphlet (Only in Japanese)

Getting to the Event Venues from JR Nagasaki Station

The festival venues are easily accessible from JR Nagasaki Station by tram or bus. Here is how to reach the main venues: Shinchi Chinatown, Chuo Park, and Nakajima River.

Please note that the bus stops at Nagasaki Station for routes heading to the festival venues are located at both the South Exit and East Exit. Be sure to check the correct stop to avoid boarding the wrong bus.

For Shinchi Chinatown

By Bus　　

1. Take a bus via Shinchi Chinatown at Nagasaki Station (South Exit /East Exit)
2. Get off at Shinchi Chinatown.

By Tram　　

1. Take a bus bound for Sofukuji Temple at Nagasaki station.
2. Get off at Shinchi Chinatown.
For Chuo Park / Nakashima River Park

By Bus　　

1. Take a bus via City Hall at Nagasaki Station East Exit.
2. Get off at Megane-bashi.

By Tram　　

1. Get on a tram bound for Hotarujaya at Nagasaki station.
2. Get off at City Hall.

What to Wear

In Nagasaki, the minimum temperature in average during January and February is 4.9°C. Depending on the day, it can get even colder, so please make sure to dress warmly. As the Lantern Festival involves walking outside, we strongly suggest you wearing a warm coat, scarf, and other winter accessories. Also, be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and bring heat packs.

Try its unique gourmet!

At the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, a wide range of food stalls serve one-of-a-kind dishes including authentic Chinese cuisine. Enjoy your Lantern festival with its special gourmet and a unique food crawl experience that is a bit different from other festivals.

Yori-yori (sweet fried dough)

Yori-yori is a sweet fried-dough cuisine, typically made of wheat flour and fried in oil. Its crispy texture makes it a bit harder even for a bite, but addictive. Don't miss the limited Yori-yori, which is coated with chocolate, only for the Lantern Festival.
Hatoshi (deep-fried bread stuffed with shrimp or fish paste)

Hatoshi, deep-fried bread stuffed with the paste of shrimp or fish, is also a must-try gourmet in Nagasaki Lantern Festival. The crispy texture filled with savory shrimp or fish paste is a flavorful treat.
Butaman (pork buns)

Butaman (Pork Bun) is also an iconic street food of the festival. Taste its soft, fluffy dough and juicy, flavorful filling while walking around.
Xiao Long Bao (soup dumpling)

Xiao Long Bao is steamed dumplings filled with a mixture of minced meat and a savory soup. Its juiciness texture and flavorful broth inside is mouth-watering.