🎎 Nagasaki Lantern Festival

The Nagasaki Lantern Festival takes place from the 1st to the 15th of the lunar calendar (usually from late January to early February in the Gregorian calendar) in Nagasaki City, centered around the Nagasaki Shin Chinatown, the Hamamachi shopping arcade, and Central Park. It is a large winter event and one of Japan's three major Chinatowns. Originally, the festival was called the "Spring Festival" held by the people of Nagasaki Shin Chinatown to revitalize the local area during the Lunar New Year. Since 1994, it has been expanded into the current "Nagasaki Lantern Festival." Lanterns transform the entire city into a stunning and colorful dreamscape, captivating all visiting travelers. A highlight of the festival is the impressive display of 15,000 lanterns. These include various shapes such as hanging lanterns, animals, and historical figures, decorating the entire venue and making the nights even more beautiful and enchanting. There are also specific color themes for certain areas, and strolling through the city to enjoy the lanterns is a popular activity during the event. Another notable feature is the unveiling of a brand new large-scale three-dimensional artwork each year. Past works are also displayed, and searching for them one by one adds to the fun. The Nagasaki Lantern Festival also offers a variety of rich activities, including authentic Chinese dances and erhu performances, as well as parades featuring Mazu and emperors. The streets of Nagasaki are filled with a festive atmosphere, making it a great opportunity to enjoy the festival while exploring the city.

The Spring Festival celebration for the Lunar New Year is held during the event period. The Nagasaki Lantern Festival has developed into a major winter event. Approximately 15,000 beautifully designed lanterns decorate the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown and other areas in downtown Nagasaki. Every year, new large three-dimensional works are unveiled, becoming the most popular photo spots. Various lively and interesting activities are also held during the event period.