In Kyushu, beautiful illumination events are held in many places, including areas around train stations, theme parks, and parks in cities like Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Oita. These events feature creative and unique light displays, making them a must-see during the holiday season. Here are some of the best illuminations in Kyushu that you shouldn’t miss.
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1. "Hikari no Machi Hakata" & "Fuyu no Fantasy Hakata" (Fukuoka)
"Hikari no Machi Hakata" is an annual illumination event held at the JR Hakata Station Plaza. Under the sparkling stars of the station's grand roof, you can admire the stunning 14.9-meter-tall symbol tree, a forest of around 30 illuminated trees, and the LED-decorated pedestrian deck. Last year, a new light gate was introduced, adding to the 640,000 lights that create this magical scene. Additionally, the "Christmas Market in Hikari no Machi Hakata" will be held from November 1st to December 25th.
spot information
- Location: JR Hakata Station Plaza
- Address: 1-1 Hakataekichuogai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Event Dates: November 1, 2024 – January 5, 2025 (For 2023: November 1, 2023 – January 8, 2024)
- Illumination Hours: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Nearest Station: Direct access from JR and Fukuoka City Subway Hakata Station
- Official Website: https://www.jrhakatacity.com/
2. Nakasu Hikari no Advent (Fukuoka)
From early November to early January, a series of events light up the streets that connect Hakata and Tenjin, turning them into one of Fukuoka’s most popular illumination spots. One of these events, "Nakasu Hikari no Advent," fills the streets of Nakasu with dazzling lights, leading to the Christmas Advent venue. Among the highlights are the towering Christmas trees glowing in champagne gold and blue, which adorn Fukuoka's iconic Deaibashi Bridge and Nakasu Boulevard. Along the Naka River, you’ll also find the famous food stalls, where you can enjoy local street food while taking in the beautiful lights.
spot information
- Event Location: Nakasu Chuo Dori, Naka River Street, Fukuoka Deai Bridge, etc.
- Address: Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City
- Event Period: November 1, 2024 (Fri) – January 6, 2025 (Mon)
- Light-Up Time: 17:00 – 25:00
- Nearest Station: Fukuoka City Subway "Kushida Shrine" or "Nakasu-Kawabata Station"
- Official Website: https://christmas-advent.jp/map/christmas-market-in-nakasu/
3. Canal Illumination (Fukuoka)
Hosted at Canal City Hakata, a shopping mall complex that includes hotels, a cinema, and more, the "Canal Illuminations" event is a must-see. The entire facility is lit up, and one of the standout attractions is the "Wall of Light," which transforms the semi-spherical wall on the first basement floor into a stunning light display. The 180-meter "River of Light" that runs through the canal is equally breathtaking. Additionally, synchronized with the illuminations, the fountains "dance" to music, combining the "Wall of Light" and "River of Light" into an unforgettable show. This event is packed with unique experiences that can only be enjoyed during this season.
*Event details may change.
spot information
- Event Location: Canal City Hakata
- Address: 1-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Event Period: September 1, 2024 – End of February 2025 (dates may vary depending on the area)
- Light-Up Time: 17:00 – 24:00
- Nearest Station: 10-minute walk from JR Hakata Station, 3-minute walk from Fukuoka City Subway Kushida Shrine Station
- Official Website: https://canalcity.co.jp/
4. [BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA / Mizuho PayPay Dome] WINTER LIGHT FANTASY ILLUMINATION (Fukuoka)
The "WINTER LIGHT FANTASY ILLUMINATION" is held around the all-weather Mizuho PayPay Dome and the entertainment complex BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA. This year, the dome’s main entrance transforms into a colorful spectacle! In front of E・ZO, a giant 5-meter installation will appear, creating a photo spot where you can sit inside the artwork. The entire dome is surrounded by dazzling lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Additionally, nearby spots such as the shopping center "MARK IS Fukuoka Momochi" and the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk hotel will also be lit up with festive illuminations.
spot information
- Event Location: Mizuho PayPay Dome, BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA
- Address: [Mizuho PayPay Dome] 2-2-2 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
- [BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA] 2-2-6 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City
- Event Period: November 24, 2024 (Sun) – January 13, 2025 (Mon, public holiday)
- Light-Up Time: 17:00 – 22:00
- Nearest Station: About a 15-minute walk from Fukuoka City Subway Tojinmachi Station
- Official Website: https://e-zofukuoka.com/
5. Bayside Illumination (Fukuoka)
The "Bayside Illumination" is held annually at Bayside Place Hakata, a complex located in Fukuoka’s bay area. The LED-lit deck fences and illuminated facilities reflect on the water, creating a dreamy scene as the lights dance along with the waves. The palm trees lining the street are also lit up, adding a tropical vibe. The highlight is the lighting of the Hakata Port Tower, a symbol of Hakata Port, which enhances the festive atmosphere with its glowing presence.
spot information
- Event Location: Bayside Place Hakata
- Address: 13-6 Chikkohonmachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Event Period: Early November to mid-March every year (For 2023, November 3, 2023 – March 24, 2024)
- Light-Up Time: 17:00 – 24:00
- Nearest Station: About a 20-minute bus ride from JR Hakata Station
- Official Website: https://www.baysideplace.jp/
［kkday]👉Fukuoka Prefecture: Recommended Leisure, Activities, and Sightseeing Information
6. Huis Ten Bosch: Kingdom of Light (Nagasaki)
During the Christmas season, the "Kingdom of Light" transforms into a festive Christmas wonderland. Surrounded by 13 million lights—one of the largest illuminations in the world—you can experience the traditional European Christmas atmosphere. One highlight is the projection mapping, where stunning visual displays and fireworks accompany the sounds of a grand choir, creating a Christmas-like mood. A Christmas market is also held during the event. The "Kingdom of Light" during Christmas is like stepping back in time to a charming old Europe.
spot information
- Location: Huis Ten Bosch
- Address: 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch-machi, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture
- Dates: November 8, 2024 – January 6, 2025
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Varies by season)
- Illumination Time: From 6:00 PM (Opening and closing times vary by day)
- Nearest Station: About 5 minutes on foot from Huis Ten Bosch Station
- Official Website: https://www.huistenbosch.co.jp/event/hikari/
［kkday]👉Huis Ten Bosch: Admission Ticket | Nagasaki, Kyushu, Japan
7. Greenland Wonder Illumination – Starry Sky on Land (Kumamoto)
Held at Japan's largest amusement park, "Greenland Wonder Illumination – Starry Sky on Land," features over 100 illumination spots across the park. One of the highlights is the "Sakura’s Stroll Path," where pink lights are illuminated on cherry blossom trees, recreating a full bloom. Other must-sees include the grand avenue "Luce Viale" and an 8-meter tall illuminated tree. Visitors can also enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the park from the Ferris wheel or Sky Lift, making this an illumination event with a special amusement park twist.
spot information
- Location: Greenland
- Address: Midorigaoka, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Dates: December 28, 2024 – December 31, 2024 (Dates may vary)
- Illumination Time: From sunset until park closing
- Nearest Station: About 20 minutes by bus from Omuta Station
- Official Website: https://www.greenland.co.jp/park/
［kkday]👉Kumamoto Prefecture: Recommended Leisure, Activities, and Sightseeing Information
8. Oita Light Fantasy (Oita)
"Oita Light Fantasy" is an illumination event where about 500,000 lights brighten various streets and venues in central Oita City. One of the highlights is "Funai Aqua Park," where trees glow champagne gold when the lights turn on. Additionally, the Amu Plaza roof, adorned with countless tiny lights, and the Young Grass Park fountain, illuminated with rainbow-colored lights, are also notable. The entire event features countless hidden gems that are worth discovering.
spot information
- Location: Around JR Oita Station, Oita City Central Street, Funai Aqua Park, etc.
- Address: 1-1 Kaname-machi, Oita City, Oita Prefecture
- Dates: Mid-November – Mid-February of the following year (In 2023, November 10 – February 14)
- Illumination Time: 5:00 PM – Midnight
- Nearest Station: Just a short walk from JR Oita Station
- Official Website: https://hikarioita.net/
［kkday]👉Oita Prefecture: Recommended Leisure, Activities, and Sightseeing Information
9. Florante Miyazaki: Illumination, Flower Garden – The Light Flower Maze (Miyazaki)
Every year, Florante Miyazaki holds the "Illumination Flower Garden – The Light Flower Maze," a dazzling event. One of the highlights is the "Light Kids' Land," where an enchanting play area filled with lights creates a magical atmosphere. Other attractions include the 12-meter tall "Tree of Hope" and a stunning light tunnel. Additionally, visitors can enjoy activities such as making snow domes. With plenty of photo spots, this event offers a wide range of ways to enjoy the light displays and beautiful scenery.
spot information
- Location: Florante Miyazaki
- Address: 414-16 Yamazaki-machi, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture
- Dates: December 1 – Early January (2023: December 1 – January 8, 2024)
- Illumination Time: 5:30 PM – Until park closing
- Nearest Station: About 25 minutes by bus from JR Miyazaki Station
- Official Website: https://www.florante.or.jp/
［kkday]👉Miyazaki Prefecture: Recommended Leisure, Activities, and Sightseeing Information
10. Tenmonkan Millionation (Kagoshima)
"Tenmonkan Millionation" lights up the Tenmonkan district with around one million LED bulbs, designed around the theme "Champ de fleurs" (Flower Field). One of the standout attractions is the "Shining Flower Plaza," where large and small domes are combined to resemble a blooming flower. Some mini-domes are even accessible for visitors to enter. The "Flower Tunnel," a beautifully woven path of colorful bulbs, is also a fantastic photo spot. During the event, lights can be found throughout the Tenmonkan area, allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll through the illuminated streets.
spot information
- Location: Tenmonkan Park, Bunkadori, and other areas
- Address: 9-30 Sennichicho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 13, 2025
- Illumination Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Nearest Station: About 2 minutes on foot from Tenmonkan-dori Tram Station
- Official Website: https://www.kagoshima-yokanavi.jp/event/10079
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Prepare a SIM Card for Use in Japan
When visiting places with many great photo spots, it's easy to run out of smartphone storage from taking too many pictures. In such cases, backing up to the cloud and deleting the photos can help. However, sometimes internet connectivity may be unavailable at the time. To avoid this, it’s recommended to prepare a SIM card that works in Japan in advance.
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Check Winter Essentials
Kyushu has a relatively mild climate, so heavy winter gear isn’t usually necessary. However, in high-altitude areas, roads may freeze, so it's wise to bring shoes that are less slippery. For a comfortable trip, it’s important to check all the items you might need for winter travel in Kyushu ahead of time.
👉 Checklist of things to bring for a winter trip to Japan. What are the must-haves?
Check Winter Clothing
While Kyushu occasionally experiences cold days, it generally has a mild climate, and temperatures rarely fall below freezing. However, there can be temperature variations throughout the day or from day to day. Layering thin tops and innerwear, with a heavier outer layer, is recommended. In windy areas, preparing for the wind is also important.
👉【2024-2025】What should I wear during my winter trip in Japan?
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