Nagasaki Lantern Festival
Lantern FestivalKyushu(Nagasaki)
Annual eventDates
2026-02-17 — 2026-03-03
Venue
Shinchi Chinatown, Chuo Park, Minato Park and surrounding areas
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Extremely crowdedSpectacular Chinese lantern festival with 15,000 lanterns illuminating Nagasaki.
The Nagasaki Lantern Festival illuminates the city with approximately 15,000 Chinese lanterns during the Lunar New Year period. Originally a celebration by Nagasaki's Chinese community, it has grown into one of Japan's largest lantern events, featuring parades, dragon dances, and traditional performances across multiple venues in central Nagasaki.
Highlights
Over 15,000 colorful lanterns and ornate Chinese decorations; Emperor's Parade and dragon dance performances; Traditional Chinese acrobatics and stage shows at multiple venues
Access
Tsukimachi Station on the Nagasaki Electric Tramway, 3-minute walk to Shinchi Chinatown
Tips for Visitors
Visit on weekday evenings to avoid the largest crowds. The lighting ceremony at 18:00 on opening night is especially spectacular. Try festival-exclusive Chinese street food at the venue stalls.