Nagasaki Lantern Festival 2027 Confirmed

長崎ランタンフェスティバル — Nagasaki (Kyushu)

Last updated: Sun, October 11, 2026

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For about two weeks around Chinese New Year, central Nagasaki is hung with some 15,000 Chinese lanterns and lantern figures, the largest about 10 metres tall. The main venue is Minato Park next to Shinchi Chinatown. There are more displays at Chuo Park, the Nakashima and Doza rivers, Kofukuji Temple, the former Chinese Quarter and the Hamanomachi shopping arcades. The 2027 festival runs from February 5 to February 21, with dragon dances every day and the Emperor's Parade on two Saturdays.

Background

The festival grew out of the Spring Festival, which the people of Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown held to celebrate Chinese New Year and to promote their neighbourhood. In 1994 it was expanded into the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, and it has since become one of the city's signature winter events. The lantern decorations follow the Chinese custom of hanging lanterns for the Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao) at the end of the New Year period.

Getting there

From JR Nagasaki Station, take a tram bound for Sofukuji to the Shinchi Chukagai stop for the Chinatown and Minato Park venue. For Chuo Park and the Nakashima River, take a tram bound for Hotarujaya to the Shiyakusho (City Hall) stop. Trams cost a flat ¥150 for adults, paid by IC card, contactless credit card or cash; drivers give no change, so use the changer in the fare box. A one-day tram pass costs ¥600 but is not sold on board. Buses also leave from the station's South and East exits for Shinchi Chukagai and Megane-bashi; check which exit your bus leaves from.

Tips

• The lighting ceremony on the first evening (February 5 in 2027) is the moment all the lanterns come on at once, so arrive early if you want a spot near the main venue.
• The Emperor's Parade recreates a Qing-dynasty New Year outing, with about 150 people in costume around the emperor and empress. In 2027 it runs on Saturday, February 13 and Saturday, February 20.
• The Mazu Procession recreates how Chinese ship crews in the Edo period carried the sea goddess Mazu to a temple shrine. In 2027 it runs on Sunday, February 7 and Sunday, February 14.
• Dragon dances, with a dragon about 20 metres long, are held every day of the festival.
• The lanterns look best after dark, and hotels fill quickly, especially at weekends. The city's tourism office recommends staying the night and booking early.
• The pink lanterns along the Doza River are a short walk from Chinatown. Nakashima River Park, near Meganebashi, has the festival's only yellow lanterns, reflected in the water.
• During the festival you can make a New Year visit at the decorated Nagasaki Confucius Shrine (9:30–18:00, last entry 17:30). Admission is ¥880 for adults.
• Average lows in January and February are around 4.9°C, and you will be outside all evening. Bring a warm coat, a scarf, comfortable shoes and heat packs.
• Look out for festival street food such as yori-yori (twisted fried dough, with a chocolate-coated version made only for the festival), hatoshi (fried bread filled with shrimp or fish paste), pork buns and xiao long bao.

Maintained by Tetsu Yamamoto · Last verified against the official source: Sun, October 11, 2026