At the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, lanterns of various shapes and colors will appear depending on the area and spot. The pink sparkling Doza River, the yellow lanterns reflected in Nakashimagawa Park, the red candles of Sofukuji Temple... Why not enjoy a night walk while encountering various lights?

 

01｜Red lantern

The biggest highlight of the Lantern Festival is, of course, the lanterns themselves. Since this event originated from the festival celebrating the Chinese New Year, Spring Festival, many people imagine red lanterns. It is the color that you will see most during the period at Hamacho Arcade, Central Park, and other places throughout the city.
 

02｜Pink lantern

Pink lanterns are displayed all along the Doza River in front of the north gate of Shinchi Chinatown. The many tiered lanterns strung parallel to the bridge that connects Doza and Chinatown are very magical. In China, peaches have been considered a lucky charm since ancient times, so peach color also suits you well. You can take photos focusing on the Doza River, or you can take photos along with the north gate of Chinatown. There are many ways to cut it out, making it a perfect photo spot.

03｜Yellow lantern

The lanterns on Nakashima River, where Megane Bridge spans, are yellow. At night, yellow lanterns are reflected on the water surface, creating an even more three-dimensional illusion. Objects such as lotuses and water birds are floating in the river, making the yellow lanterns stand out even more. If you take a photo of Megane Bridge and the lantern from Fukuro Bridge, you are sure to leave some wonderful memories.
 

04｜Must see! animal lantern

Each venue has different animal lanterns. At the Minato Park venue, there is also a large object shaped like the zodiac, which is quite impressive when looked up from below. There are many lantern objects at each venue, but one that has become a hot topic in recent years is the panda object. The panda, which can be said to be a symbol of loveliness, has a lot of realism. However, it creates a mysterious presence that makes you fall in love with it as you watch it. Various objects are installed at each venue, so be sure to find your favorite.
 

05｜Go to Kofukuji Temple with its solemn atmosphere

Kofuku-ji Temple, Japan's oldest Tang temple, has a Mazu Hall where Mazu is enshrined, and during the Lantern Festival, the hall is lit up, creating a solemn atmosphere. The large cycad trees that are over 400 years old that stand on both sides of the center drop heart-shaped seeds, and it is said that if you can find them, you will be blessed with good luck, marriage, and children. If you find one, you can take one home with you.
 

At the Lantern Festival, you can enjoy strolling around the lanterns and objects at each venue. There are also plenty of food stalls and takeout gourmet foods that are perfect to accompany you. We have a full menu that is typical of China and Nagasaki, including Chinese dim sum and Chinese sweets. It is sometimes said that ``dango are better than flowers,'' but the scenery and gourmet food at the lantern festival are hard to beat. Let's have fun with the lights!

more than

In northern China, this Chinese confectionery is called "mafar". In Nagasaki, it is affectionately known as ``Yoriyori'' due to its unique twisted spiral shape. It is characterized by its firm texture and subtle sweetness that overflows the more you chew. There is a wide variety of variations, including ones with a relatively soft texture, mini-sized ones that are easier to eat, and chocolate-covered ones that are exclusive to the Lantern Festival, so be sure to find your favorite.

Photo provided by: Hayashi Seika
 

Hatoshi

In Chinese, it is "Hatoshi". In other words, it is made by sandwiching ``shrimp (shrimp paste)'' between ``tashi (white bread)'' and deep-frying it in oil. It is characterized by the crispy texture of the bread, the plump texture of the shrimp, and the flavor that spreads in your mouth. This dish is included in the Nagasaki traditional cooking course ``Shippoku Ryori,'' and is now a popular take-out dish that can be enjoyed with just one hand.

Photo provided by: Yamaguchi Catering Store

braised manju

This dish also originates from ``Tongporo'', which was one of the table dishes. The braised pork is boiled down to a soft and tender texture, with enough fat removed to give it a flavor that isn't too strong. It was eaten sandwiched between steamed buns and became a Nagasaki specialty because it was perfect for takeout. Why not try and compare the flavors from long-established Japanese restaurants and restaurants to those from specialty restaurants?

Photo provided by: Iwasaki Honpo
 

Sesame dumpling

``Sesame dumplings'' are a traditional sweet in China that are eaten to pray for ``great luck'' such as the prosperity of descendants. It is said that there is a custom of eating it on the 15th day of the Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival. The sweet red bean paste and sesame flavor give the person who eats it a gentle feeling. Since it is served piping hot, it is also recommended during the Lantern Festival season, which is in the middle of winter.

Photo provided by Suzhou Lin

Tojin Yashiki is also one of the venues for the Lantern Festival. At the same time that the Dutch were living on Dejima, Chinese people were living in this Chinese mansion. Together with the "new land" that was formed later, it is a place where Chinese culture is deeply rooted. The Dojin-do Hall, Kannon-do Hall, Tenko-do Hall, and Fukuken Hall, which were renovated during the Meiji period, still exist, and are the setting for the "Candle Prayers Tour of the Four Halls." In China, there is a custom of visiting a temple during the Lunar New Year, lighting a red candle, and making a wish. Visit the four halls mentioned above, light candles, and offer your prayers. All participants will also receive a commemorative gift.

Nagasaki Koi Lantern & Old Man Under the Moon

The Lantern Festival has many events to help you find a good match, and the matchmaking event "Nagasaki Koi Lantern" is one of them. There is a prayer center set up at the Confucius Temple venue, and if you write your wish for success in love on the love tile attached to the love lantern and offer it, your wish will surely come to you. Be sure to check out the ``Old Man Under the Moon'', a god said to bring good luck and good luck, and is said to be the ``strongest in Asia.'' It is said that the ankles of the fateful couple will be tied together with a red thread. Connect with your soulmate with the special red thread of the Lantern Festival!