Nagasaki Lantern Festival 2026 Event Dates

The festival follows the lunar calendar every year. In 2026, the event will run from February 17 to March 3. The first 15 days of the lunar year are the most festive. You should check the Nagasaki Lantern Festival 2026 full event schedule for specific daily activities.

Lanterns are lit every evening from 5:00 PM until 10:00 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, the lights often stay on until 11:00 PM. The opening ceremony takes place at Minato Park on the first night. This ceremony features a massive lighting event and fireworks.

Crowds are largest during the middle weekend of the festival. If you prefer a quiet experience, visit on a weekday evening. Tuesday and Wednesday nights usually offer more space for walking. Plan to arrive at venues early to secure a good viewing spot.

Top Venues and Lantern Displays

Minato Park serves as the primary hub for the festival. You will find the largest zodiac-themed lanterns in this central area. These massive statues can reach up to ten meters in height. The park also hosts the main performance stage for nightly shows.

Chuo Park offers a different but equally stunning atmosphere. It features many animal-shaped lanterns and colorful displays. You can find several food stalls lining the park perimeter. This area is perfect for families with young children.

Spectacles Bridge is another essential stop for your itinerary. The stone bridge reflects thousands of yellow lanterns in the river below. It is one of the best photography spots for Nagasaki Lantern Festival visitors. The water creates a mirror effect that is truly breathtaking.

Don't forget to explore the narrow alleys of Shinchi Chinatown. Red lanterns hang densely above the streets here. This area feels like a traditional Chinese celebration from centuries ago. Most of these venues are free for the public to enter.

Must-See Performances and Parades

The Ja-odori Dragon Dance is the highlight of the festival. Skilled performers move a long dragon through the air with poles. The dragon chases a golden ball to the sound of drums. You can learn how to see Nagasaki Lantern Festival dragon dance shows at various venues.

The Emperor’s Parade is a grand procession held on Saturdays. Participants wear elaborate costumes from the Qing Dynasty era. They carry a palanquin through the city streets. This parade honors the historical connection between Nagasaki and China.

Chinese acrobatics are performed nightly at Minato Park. You will see incredible feats of balance and strength. Mask-changing performances are also very popular with local crowds. These shows typically last about 20 to 30 minutes each.

• Dragon Dance: Multiple times daily at Minato and Chuo Parks.
• Emperor's Parade: Usually held on the two Saturdays of the festival.
• Erhun Music: Traditional Chinese string music at various shrines.
• Chinese Circus: High-energy acrobatic shows every evening.

Best Street Food in Nagasaki Chinatown

Nagasaki Chinatown is the best place to find festival snacks. You must try the famous Kakuni Manju during your visit. These are soft steamed buns filled with braised pork belly. They are warm, savory, and cost about 450 yen each.

You should also look for winter food specialties in Nagasaki like hot Chanpon. This noodle dish features a rich seafood and pork broth. It is the perfect meal to warm you up on a cold night. Many restaurants offer take-out bowls during the festival.

For dessert, try the deep-fried sesame balls called Goma Dango. They are crunchy on the outside and sweet on the inside. You can also find Yori-yori, which are hard, twisted cookies. These snacks are unique to Nagasaki's Chinese heritage.

Practical Tips for Your 2026 Visit

February weather in Nagasaki is often cold and windy. You should check the winter weather in Nagasaki Japan before packing. Wear thermal layers and comfortable walking shoes for the hilly streets. Heat packs sold at local convenience stores are very helpful.

The local tram system is the best way to travel. Most festival sites are near tram stops on the blue and green lines. A single ride costs 140 yen for adults. You can also buy a day pass for unlimited travel.

Accommodation fills up quickly for the 2026 festival dates. You should research where to stay Nagasaki winter options six months in advance. Hotels near the Hamamachi arcade provide the best access to venues. Consider staying for at least two nights to see everything.

If you have extra time, follow a Nagasaki winter itinerary 3 days long. This allows you to see the lanterns and historical sites. Visit the Nagasaki Official Tourism Guide for updated transport maps. Local volunteers are often available to help with directions.