Around Chuo Park and Seiryutei (Shimabara Water Festival) (中央公園・清流亭周辺(しまばら水まつり))

Flow of the course

About this spot

This is the 'Shimabara Water Festival,' held around Chuo Park and Seiryutei in Shimabara City, the 'City of Water.' In 2026 it has been postponed by a week from its originally planned date of August 1, and will now be held on Saturday, August 8, from 12:00 to 22:00. A lighting ceremony takes place starting at 19:30, and the festival, themed around the clear water that wells up throughout the city, is beloved by locals as a summer tradition. After feeling the blessing of water throughout the day at Shimabara Castle, the samurai residence street, and the Town Where Carp Swim, the evening lets you experience the culmination of it all at the festival venue. A cool night breeze blows through the lantern-lit park and around Seiryutei, creating an atmosphere perfect for the whole family to spend a summer evening together.

Festival details

Tips

The area around the venue gets crowded on the day of the festival, and parking lots can fill up early. Using public transportation is recommended. Whether food stalls appear and what they offer varies by year, so it's reassuring to have dinner beforehand at Shimabara Central Shopping Street. Keep an eye on small children when approaching the water's edge.

Best time to visit

The atmosphere is liveliest around 19:30, when the lighting ceremony takes place. The festival itself runs from 12:00 to 22:00.

Access & map

長崎県 島原市・中央公園・清流亭周辺