2026 Nagasaki Lantern Festival 1-Day Full Experience Course

The Nagasaki Lantern Festival is held in the city center, spanning from Shanon Bridge through Kenchosaka to Ohatomizu. In 2026, on August 15 (Saturday) from around 5 PM through dusk and into the late evening, spirit lanterns honoring the deceased will be paraded through the streets. This course is a full-day experience that lets you explore Nagasaki's historic townscapes during the day and then experience the solemn and lively atmosphere of the Lantern Festival beginning in the evening. During the day, visit the beautiful Spectacles Bridge with its arch-type stone structure, then spend a quiet time at Sofukuji Temple, known as a Chinese-style temple. Next, explore Dejima, which retains vestiges of the isolation period, and enjoy an early dinner at Shin-chi Chinatown to prepare yourself. As the sun begins to set, head to the area from Shanon Bridge through Kenchosaka to Ohatomizu. Spend a summer evening with your family in one of Nagasaki's most emblematic events, where firecrackers and gongs create a vibrant soundscape through the city streets.