The Nagasaki Lantern Festival lights up the city with around 15,000 lanterns from Feb 6–23, offering installations, cultural performances and the Emperor Parade.
Summary: The Nagasaki Lantern Festival returns February 6–23, 2026, illuminating the city with about 15,000 lanterns across sites including Meganebashi Bridge, Shinchi Chinatown and Minato Park, plus major performances and the Emperor Parade on Feb 14 and 21.
The Nagasaki Lantern Festival has once again transformed the city into a luminous winter destination. The Nagasaki Lantern Festival, which began on February 6 and runs through February 23, features roughly 15,000 lanterns placed at landmark locations such as Meganebashi Bridge, Shinchi Chinatown and Minato Park.
A walkable city of lights and heritage
Throughout the festival the city centre is packed with illuminated displays that blend visual spectacle and cultural meaning. Visitors can stroll along lantern-lined streets and across bridges, encountering installations that highlight Nagasaki’s unique historical ties with China and its multicultural past.
The festival’s centrepiece in Minato Park
At Minato Park festivalgoers can see a dramatic 11-meter-tall installation depicting a dragon and horse motif. The figures are intended to symbolise resilience and lend cultural depth to the visual programme as lanterns cast a warm glow over evening crowds.
As night falls, pathways through Minato Park and other venues create immersive routes where visitors can pause, photograph the scenes, and absorb the atmosphere produced by thousands of lights arranged along promenades and historic sites.
Shinchi Chinatown: lanterns, flavours and culture
Shinchi Chinatown becomes one of the festival’s most atmospheric areas, where thousands of lanterns soften the streets and create a photogenic backdrop for food stalls, shops and historical buildings. The combination of light and local culinary offerings makes it a must-visit for culture and food enthusiasts.
- Chinese face-changing shows
- Traditional erhu performances
- Dragon dances staged at multiple venues
Emperor Parade: key dates and spectacle
Among the festival’s main attractions is the Emperor Parade, scheduled for February 14 and February 21. The parade features performers in vivid costumes moving through city streets with traditional Chinese dance and music, offering a highlight moment for many visitors.
Beyond the lights: Nagasaki’s historic sites
The festival is also an opportunity to explore Nagasaki’s broader heritage. Visitors often combine lantern-viewing with visits to Oura Church, Glover Garden and the Atomic Bomb Museum to gain perspective on the city’s layered history and cultural connections.
For panoramic views, Mount Inasa is a popular choice. The Mount Inasa Ropeway provides straightforward access to the summit where sweeping vistas of Nagasaki’s harbour and cityscape reward evening visitors.
Practical tips for planning a visit
To make the most of the festival, check the full schedule of performances and parade timings in advance, as events are spread across multiple locations. Expect crowds on key parade dates and consider visiting on weekdays or earlier evenings for a quieter experience.
So what? For travellers, Nagasaki’s Lantern Festival offers a compact, immersive winter event that combines dazzling visual installations with cultural performances and historic sightseeing — making it an efficient and memorable addition to any Japan itinerary. For the travel industry, the festival demonstrates strong seasonal appeal and opportunities for tour programming that highlight Nagasaki’s unique Sino-Japanese heritage.
Sources
