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Event Guide · Kyushu

Nagasaki Lantern Festival

FebruaryNagasaki2027: Feb 5 (Fri) – Feb 21 (Sun), 17 days
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Overview

Overview

It began as the Spring Festival celebration held by the people of Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown for the Chinese Lunar New Year, and since 1994 it has expanded to become Nagasaki’s signature winter festival. During the festival, about 15,000 Chinese lanterns and objets decorate the city center, and events such as the Emperor’s Parade, the Mazu Procession and Jaodori dragon dances are held.

When
Usually around February, at the time of the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) (17 days from February 5 to 21 in 2027)
Confirmed dates: 2027: Feb 5 (Fri) – Feb 21 (Sun), 17 days
Venue
Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Minato Park, Chuo Park, Nakashimagawa Park, the Kanko-dori shopping arcade and other spots in central Nagasaki
Official website
https://www.at-nagasaki.jp/lantern-festival
Official website (English) ↗
Highlights

Highlights

Each venue has its own atmosphere: the main objet at Minato Park, Nakashimagawa Park with yellow lanterns reflected on the river, and historic spots such as Kofukuji Temple and Tojin Yashiki (the former Chinese quarter). Highlights are the Emperor’s Parade, recreating a procession of a Qing dynasty emperor and empress, and the Mazu Procession, recreating an Edo-period procession honoring Mazu, the goddess of safe voyages.

Times

Times

Mazu Procession

Sunday February 7 and Sunday February 14 in 2027. Times announced on the official website

Emperor’s Parade

Saturday February 13 and Saturday February 20 in 2027. Times announced on the official website

Jaodori (dragon dance)

Held every day during the festival (official information for 2027)

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓The venues are scattered around the city center, so walking from Shinchi Chinatown and Minato Park toward Nakashimagawa Park and Meganebashi Bridge is recommended
  • ✓The Emperor’s Parade (2/13 and 2/20 in 2027) and the Mazu Procession (2/7 and 2/14 in 2027) are on weekends only. Plan your dates accordingly
  • ✓Weekends are very crowded, so weekdays are recommended for a relaxed visit
  • ✓On rainy days, the lantern light reflects on wet pavement and the river, making for great photos
  • ✓A one-day streetcar pass (adults 600 yen) is handy for getting between venues and sightseeing
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Shinchi Chukagai streetcar stop (Nagasaki Electric Tramway)Shinchi Chinatown and Minato Park venues
  • Shiyakusho streetcar stop (Nagasaki Electric Tramway)Toward Nakashimagawa Park and Chuo Park
From major stations
  • Nagasaki Station: Streetcar from Nagasaki Ekimae stop to Shinchi Chukagai or Shiyakusho stop
IC cards (Suica etc.)
Nagasaki’s streetcars (Nagasaki Electric Tramway) have a flat adult fare of 150 yen, and accept nationally interoperable IC transit cards, nimoca and contactless credit cards. One-day passes (adults 600 yen, children 300 yen) and mobile one-day passes are also available
Getting back
  • Streetcar stops around Shinchi Chinatown get crowded at night, so walking to the next stop is an option
  • The venues are within walking distance of each other, so walk between them when it’s crowded
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
Weekends, especially early evening to night on Saturdays and Sundays with the Emperor’s Parade or Mazu Procession
Quieter times
Weekdays
Time needed
About 2–3 hours to walk around the main venues
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
Nagasaki’s February normals are a high of 12.0°C and a low of 4.5°C. Nights get cold
What to wear
A coat plus warm accessories such as a scarf. Nights feel colder than you might expect
Rain, snow & typhoons
You can enjoy the lit lanterns even on rainy days. Check official announcements for cancellations or changes to outdoor events such as parades
Where to check for cancellations
Nagasaki Lantern Festival official page (https://www.at-nagasaki.jp/lantern-festival), Nagasaki City Call Center Ajisai Call (095-822-8888)
☁ Kyushu weather in February →
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !Do not touch the lanterns or objets
  • !Refrain from using selfie sticks and tripods in crowded venues and arcades
  • !Take your trash home
  • !Visit temples (such as Kofukuji) and the Confucius Shrine quietly
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
  • !Smoking while walking is banned in many cities. Use designated smoking areas.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
Use public toilets or commercial facilities around the venues. They get crowded on weekend evenings, so go early
Lockers & luggage
It’s best to leave large luggage around Nagasaki Station or at your hotel before going
Paying at food stalls
Some street stalls are cash only, so bring small change
ATMs
Convenience store ATMs around Hamanomachi and Shinchi Chinatown
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
On weekend evenings the venues are crowded, and it may be hard to get around with a wheelchair or stroller
Food

Food

Local favorites
Champon (noodle soup)Sara udon (crispy noodles)Kakuni man (braised pork buns)Chinatown dim sum
Vegetarian & halal
Restaurants labeling vegetarian or halal options are limited, so it helps to look up nearby restaurants in advance
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
🏨 Where to stay during the event

During the festival, especially on weekends, accommodation in Nagasaki City fills up quickly, so early booking is recommended

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Nagasaki Lantern FestivalPR

PRSee more places to stay near Nagasaki Lantern Festival on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

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Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium

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An aquarium specializing in penguins, keeping 9 of the world's 18 penguin species. It's said to keep the most penguin species in the world and has one of Japan's largest penguin pools. Admission is an affordable ¥800 for adults, and it can be reached by bus from central Nagasaki.

See all attractions →
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Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.

Last checked: 2026-10-02

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