2026 Shimabara Water Festival: A Full-Day Course

The 'Shimabara Water Festival' is held in Shimabara City, Nagasaki Prefecture, known as the 'City of Water.' In 2026 it has been postponed by a week from its originally planned date of Saturday, August 1, and will now be held on Saturday, August 8, from 12:00 to 22:00 (lighting ceremony at 19:30), around Chuo Park and Seiryutei. This course is a full-day plan for fully enjoying Shimabara's charm, rich with spring water and castle-town atmosphere, during the day, then enjoying the coolness and bustle of the festival venue at night. During the day, take in a panoramic view of the castle town from white-walled Shimabara Castle, then walk through the atmospheric streets with flowing waterways in the samurai residence district. Next, cool off with the clear water and swimming carp at Shimeisou Spring-Water Garden, known as the 'Town Where Carp Swim.' In the evening, have an early dinner at Shimabara Central Shopping Street, and as the sun begins to set, head to Chuo Park and Seiryutei. It's a day for the whole family to fully enjoy a festival night themed around water, unique to this town of spring water.