Every year from November, Fukuoka City transforms into a glimmering night-time spectacle as shops and public spaces display elaborate Christmas lights. Check out Fukuoka Now’s Illumination Guide for this year’s recommended spots. From Fukuoka Airport to the Hakata Station area, Canal City Hakata and Tenjin area, to as far as Kitakyushu, and Nagasaki’s Huis Ten Bosch, our guide this year is bigger and better than ever! Happy holidays!
Hakata Ward, Fukuoka
Hotel Nikko Christmas Decoration 2018
Step into a classic, international Christmas feel as soon as you enter Hotel Nikko Fukuoka. The hotel interior is warmly decorated in hues of red and gold and 3,000 champagne gold-colored lights. Be prepared to be whisked away to another land, as taking center stage this year is a Christmas scene with a huge 180 cm chair and 2 m nutcrackers standing in formation.
• 11/15 (Thu.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.)
• 17:00~24:00
• Approx. 3,000 lights
• Hotel Nikko Fukuoka
• 2-18-25 Hakata-ekimae, Hakata-ku
• 092-482-1111
• https://www.hotelnikko-fukuoka.com/
Canal City Hakata: Canal Panorama Illumination
Christmas is definitely in the air at Canal City Hakata! Visitors are surrounded in twinkling lights as gold-colored illuminations cover the entire length of the 180-meter canal as well as the dome-shaped plaza. Don’t miss the special Christmas-themed projection on Canal City’s 2,500-inch Aqua Panorama screen featuring Santa Claus!
Christmas Panorama: “Santa Claus is Coming to Canal” Projection
• 11/10 (Sat.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.)
• Every day 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00
• 11/10 (Sat.) ~ 2/24/2019 (Sun.)
• 17:00~24:00
• Number of LED lights unannounced
• Canal City Hakata
• 1-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku
• 092-282-2525 (Canal City Hakata Information Service Center)
• https://canalcity.co.jp/
Hakata Riverain Christmas 2018
Snow crystals shine down from the riverside wall of Hakata Riverain Mall. The front entrance and inside the building are also decorated with Christmas decorations, including Christmas trees with chic decorations. Trees lining the street between Hakataza Theater and Riverain are lit up, too!
• 11/12 (Mon.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.)
• 17:00~23:00
• Number of LED lights unannounced
• Hakata Riverain Mall
• 福岡市博多区下川端町3-1
• 092-271-5050
• http://www.hakata-riverainmall.jp
Fukuoka Airport Int’l Terminal: Tenku no Hikari Gekijo
Fukuoka Airport is a popular spot for the spectacular night view of ascending and descending airplanes and the twinkling runway lights. Adding to the view are the illuminations at the first, third and fourth floors of the International Terminal. Modelled on winter star constellations, the 115 m-long planetarium-style illumination are based on Greek mythology (from which many constellations draw their names).
• 11/10 (Sat.) ~ 2/11/2019 (Mon., hol.)
• 8:00~22:00
• Number of LED lights unannounced
• 1F entrance, 3F lobby and 4F lobby, International Terminal
• 福岡市博多区大字青木739 国際線旅客ターミナルビル
• 092-621-0303
• http://www.fuk-ab.co.jp/english/
JR Hakata Station: Hikari no Machi Hakata (Hakata, City of Lights)
In celebration of JR Hakata City’s eighth year anniversary, an impressive 800,000 lights form a large-scale, winter illumination with this year’s theme: “Way to Hakata”. The gently sparkling lights around Hakata Station welcome visitors old and new. The lit up, 70 m long path on the second floor deck of JR Hakata City is also a must see. Don’t forget to check out the Christmas Market taking place at JR Hakata Ekimae Hiroba too, with European-style stalls selling Christmas goods, foods and more (Nov. 13 to Dec. 25). You might also find yourselves reflected on the big screen – make sure to wave when you do!
• 11/8 (Thu.) ~ 1/9/2019 (Wed.)
• 17:00~24:00
• Approx. 800,000 LED lights
• JR Hakata Ekimae Hiroba
• 1-1 Hakataeki-chuogai, Hakata-ku (in front of JR Hakata Sta.)
• 092-431-8484 (Amu Plaza Hakata Information)
• http://www.jrhakatacity.com/2018_illumination/
Bayside Place Hakata: Port of Light
The entire Bayside Place Hakata area is gorgeously lit up with an array of Christmas lights – even their palm trees! Enjoy the view while taking a romantic stroll down one of the boardwalks. A popular date spot for young people and couples.
• 12/1 (Sat.) ~ 3/10/2019 (Sun.)
• 18:00~24:00
• Approx. 300,000 LED lights
• Bayside Place Hakata
• 13-6 Chikkohonmachi, Hakata-ku
• 092-281-7701
• http://www.baysideplace.jp/
Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Daimaru: Fantastic Christmas
Every Christmas, the passage between the Daimaru buildings becomes a glittering spectacle. A 12 m natural fir tree is the centerpiece, lit up by approximately 20,000 LED lights, with 3 m Christmas trees decorating the surrounding area, bathing the passage in champagne gold color. There will be a specially set up stage for Christmas concerts (17:00 and 18:00 on Dec. 24) and other fun events.
• 11/3 (Sat., hol.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.)
• 9:30~23:00 *12/25: ~21:00
• Approx. 35,000 lights
• Elgala Passage Hiroba, Daimaru
• 1-4-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
• 092-712-8181
• http://www.daimaru.co.jp/fukuoka/
Tenjin Chikagai: Tenchika Circus
The 590 m long north and south corridors of Tenjin Chikagai will be decorated with 150 sparkling white Christmas trees for a European winter season feel! Unlike many of Fukuoka’s illuminations, you need not wait till dark, as the Chikagai is lit throughout the day. The plazas of Tenjin Chikagai will also twinkle with the lights of 12,000 champagne gold-colored lights, and from Dec. 15 (Sat.) to Dec. 25 (Tue.) a merry-go-round will be up in the northernmost plaza. Go there with any receipt from the Chikagai for a chance to ride!
• 11/10 (Sat.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.)
• 17:30~24:30, merry-go-round: weekdays 12:00~19:00, Sat., Sun. & hol. 11:00~19:00 (last ride 18:30)
• Approx. 120,000 lights
• Tenjin Chikagai
• 1~3, 2 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
• 1~3, 2 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
• 092-711-1903
• http://www.tenchika.com/
Solaria Plaza X’mas
This Christmas, Solaria Plaza’s atrium will be home to a beautiful Christmas tree bathed in light. Twinkling lights from every angle will make shoppers feel like they’re in a beautiful, dream-like scene paces away from Kego Park.
• 11/7 (Wed.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.)
• 10:00~24:00
• 6,000 lights
• 1F Solaria Plaza
• 2-2-43 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
• 092-733-7777
• http://www.solariaplaza.com
Fukuoka Mitsukoshi: Merry Future Christmas!
This year Mitsukoshi’s Lion Hiroba entrance will be decked in Christmas decorations and lights to lift your spirits, set to the theme of ‘Merry Future Christmas’! Check out the statues of lions dolled up for the occasion, too.
• 11/14 (Wed.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.)
• 10:00~23:00
• Number of LED lights unannounced
• Fukuoka Mitsukoshi Lion Hiroba
• 2-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
• 092-724-3111
• http://www.m.iwataya-mitsukoshi.co.jp/
Iwataya Department Store: Merry Future Christmas!
Huge, sparkling gift boxes are piled up at the front entrance of the Iwataya main building to form a giant Christmas tree. The mirror-like crystal wrapping of the boxes reflect the sunlight, giving off a Christmas mood even during the day!
• 11/14 (Wed.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.)
• 10:00~22:00 (last day: ~20:00)
• Number of LED lights unannounced
• Iwataya Kirameki Hiroba
• 2-5-35 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
• 092-721-1111
• http://www.i.iwataya-mitsukoshi.co.jp/
Vioro: Starlight Christmas
Vioro is well-known for its iconic, artistic butterfly symbol on its building’s exterior. This year luxurious Christmas illuminations will welcome visitors at their first floor entrance. Fabulously chic.
• 12/16 (Sun.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.)
• Number of LED lights unannounced
• Pillars by the main entrance, 1F Vioro
• 福岡市中央区天神2-10-3
• 092-771-1001
• http://www.vioro.jp/
Shintencho Galaxy Christmas
The 300 m shopping arcade, Shintencho Shotengai, is easily accessible from Nishitetsu Fukuoka Sta. and is famous for its gigantic clock which rings hourly from 9:00 to 20:00 to tell the time. Drop by this winter season and enjoy the artificial snow which will shower the area every hour from 12:00!
• 11/21 (Wed.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.)
• 12:00~22:00
• Approx. 130,000 LED lights
• Shintencho Shotengai clock tower
• 2-9 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
• 092-741-8331
Tenjin Kego Park: Tenjin Hikari Square 2018
Enter from the police box area of Kego Park and be mesmerized by the “Train Station” illumination. Take your kids to ride on the popular mini Christmas train, or gaze upon the main attraction, a 7.2 m tall “Christmas Star”. Enjoy the many illuminations from the park, or check out the scene from above by climbing one of the surrounding buildings (many have restaurants and/or cafes overlooking the illuminations).
Christmas Train
• Weekday: 15:00~21:00, Sat., Sun., and hol.: 14:00~21:00 (last ride 20:00)
• Closed: 12/31 (Sun.) and 1/1 (Mon., hol.)
• ¥300
• Children 2 y.o. and below must be accompanied by a guardian (10 y.o. and over)
• 11/22 (Thu.) ~ 1/6/2019 (Sun.)
• 14:00~24:00 (11/22: 18:00~, 12/31: ~7:00)
• Number of LED lights unannounced
• Tenjin Kego Park
• 2-2 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
• 092-734-8750
IMS Christmas 2018
The theme this year is “Papercut Art” with papercut decorations and illuminations hanging from the 10-story atrium of IMS, offering a must-see magical sight. A huge 6 m Christmas tree and papercut-like wooden trees are setup on the B2 floor too. Enjoy a ballet performance by students from the K-ballet School as well as other stage events on Dec. 2 , and visit on Dec. 23 and 24 to see Santa Claus!
• 11/7 (Wed.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.)
• 10:00~24:00
• Number of LED lights unannounced
• B2F IMS Plaza, IMS
• 1-7-11 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
• 092-733-2001
• http://www.ims.co.jp/
Fukuoka Bank: “Soothing, Sparkling Christmas”
The Fukuoka Bank head office designed by leading Japanese architect Kishi Kurokawa is known for its wide, high-vaulted open square where people can relax, offering a coffee stand during the day. This winter season in support of the Pink Ribbon campaign for breast cancer, a pink-colored tower of lights brightens the area. Don’t miss the opening light up ceremony on Nov. 22 with food booths and a live performance by a high school brass band. On Dec. 2 there will be screenings of short Christmas films and a music festival too.
• 11/22 (Thu.) ~ 1/14/2019 (Mon., hol.)
• 17:00~23:00
• Number of LED lights unannounced
• Fukuoka Bank Head Office Hiroba
• 2-13-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
• 092-723-2801
• http://www.fukuoka-fg.com/news_info/pdf/20181109_illumination.pdf
Akasaka Chapelle Des Anges: “Christmas With the Angels”
Chapelle Des Anges welcomes the Christmas season every year with warm, gold-colored romantic illuminations, giving off a magical air. From Dec. 1 to 25 (10:00~19:00, free) write your wishes on a bell and hang it on the Christmas tree. On Dec. 24 (Mon.) the chapel will be open to the public for the Christmas Candle Night in which visitors can enjoy the seasonal atmosphere as well as a mini concert by a gospel pianist.
• 11/3 (Sat., hol.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.)
• 17:00~23:00 (gates close: 19:00)
• Number of lights unannounced
• Akasaka Chapelle des Anges
• 1-1-5 Otemon, Chuo-ku
• 092-736-7755
• http://www.anges-akasaka.com/
Ohori Park Winter Illumination
Ohori Park is one of the most scenic places in Fukuoka, and every winter it is lit up in spectacular style. Lights will run across the bridge through the lake in the middle of the park, and the trees surrounding the lake will be decorated with thousands of lights. Nakanoshima, the island in the middle of the lake, is well-known as a romantic date spot!
Copyright © 2006-2018 Ohori Park. All rights reserved.
• 12/1 (Sat.) ~ 1/31/2019 (Thu.)
• 17:00~22:00
• Approx. 41,000 lights
• Ohori Park
• 1-2 Ohorikoen, Chuo-ku
• 092-741-2004
• http://www.ohorikouen.jp/winter_illumination/
Ropponmatsu 421: Roppon no Kirameki
This year’s illumination at Ropponmatsu 421 is in celebration of the commercial center’s first anniversary. Look out for the cute displays of illuminated animals along the approach to Ropponmatsu Subway Station as well as trees decorated by neighborhood children.
• 11/11 (Sun.) ~ 2/14/2019 (Thu.)
• 17:00~23:00
• Approx. 85,000 LED lights
• Ropponmatsu 421
• 4-2-1 Ropponmatsu, Chuo-ku
• 092-791-2246
• http://www.jrkbm.co.jp/ropponmatsu421/
Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk: “Christmas Market”
The Hilton’s Christmas decorations feature a lifelike model of a wintery European town on the fourth floor lobby, with bridges, miniature hot air balloons overhead, and a huge model train track. The G-gage trains whizzing through it are by the famous German train-maker Lehmann. The town is also decorated with corporate logos of companies that have pledged money to local orphanages. Visited by 28,000 people yearly, the model is popular with kids and parents alike! Also on the fourth floor is a huge Christmas tree, a good spot for photos. Christmas trees are set up all over the hotel too.
• 11/9 (Fri.) ~ Early Jan. 2019
• 17:00~24:00
• Approx. 17,060 LED lights
• Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk
• 福岡市中央区地行浜2-2-3
• 092-844-8111
• http://www.hiltonfukuokaseahawk.jp/
Mark Is Fukuoka Momochi: “Sea of Light”
Opening on Nov. 21, Mark Is Fukuoka Momochi is one of the largest commercial centers in western Japan. The outdoor deck will be illuminated, giving off the impression that it’s a sea of light! And from Dec. 3 to 25, Gogochi Tower, the monument built to mark the opening of the facility, will transform into a Christmas tree. Great photo spot.
• 12/3 (Mon.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.)
• 17:00~1:00
• Number of lights unannounced
• Mark Is Fukuoka Momochi
• 2-2-1 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku
Sawara Ward, Fukuoka
Fukuoka Tower: “Momochi Blue Light Illumination 2018”
Head to Fukuoka Tower to catch a glimpse of the 108 m tall Christmas tree in five different colors. The tower’s state-of-the-art LED lights will be used to depict snowfall and colorful Christmas ornaments. Don’t miss your chance to see Santa, everyone once a while the big man will appear in the tower! The trees surrounding the tower will be decorated with pretty blue lights, contributing to the seasonal atmosphere.
• 11/16 (Fri.) ~ 2/14/2019 (Thu.) *Christmas tree until 12/25 (Tue.)
• 17:00~23:00 (12/22 ~ 12/25: ~24:00)
• 100,000 lights
• Fukuoka Tower Area
• 2-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara-ku
• 092-823-0234
• http://www.fukuokatower.co.jp/xmas/
Nishi Ward, Fukuoka
Marinoa City Fukuoka: Marinoa Christmas
Kyushu’s biggest shopping outlet mall gives you a ‘Sweet, Warm Christmas’! Admire the 6 m tall Christmas tree, candy-filled Santa House play area and more spots perfect for taking fun photos. On the Sky Wheel, Marinoa’s Ferris wheel (adult ¥500, child ¥200), there will be several Christmas-themed installations, including a snowflake, a Christmas tree, a ribbon and a bell. This year, a special photo spot as well as a camera stand will be set up on the deck facing the sea, so be sure to take photos with family and friends!
• 11/3 (Sat.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.)
• 10:00~21:00 (*Partially: ~23:00)
• Approx. 40,000 LED lights
• Marinoa City Fukuoka
• 福岡市西区小戸2-12-30
• 092-892-8700
• http://www.marinoacity.com/
Fukuoka City Yacht Harbor Illumination 2018
Thirty moored yachts at the Fukuoka Yacht Harbor will be illuminated with approximately 100,000 LED lights, casting a wintery glow across the area. Go a little early and enjoy the sunset over Imazu Bay, and watch as the lights appear in the darkening night sky. Make sure to dress warmly to protect yourself from the cool sea breeze.
• 12/15 (Sat.) ~ 12/24 (Mon., hol.)
• 17:45~20:00
• Approx. 100,000 LED lights
• 2F Lounge, Club House, Fukuoka City Yacht Harbor
• 3-58-1 Odo, Nishi-ku
• 092-882-2151
• http://www.fukuoka-sailing.jp/
Higashi Ward, Fukuoka
Uminaka Christmas Candle Night
Feel the warmth of “Christmas at Sea” with the gently flickering lights of 10,000 candles, arranged into a special design which was voted on by the public, by approximately 400 volunteers. Then at 19:30 each evening enjoy a display of 300 fireworks against the backdrop of Hakata Bay.
• 12/22 (Sat.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.) *Canceled in case of inclement weather
• 17:30~21:30 (last entry: 21:00)
• Number of LED lights unannounced
• Outdoor theater and Wonder World, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
• 18-25 Saitozaki, Higashi-ku
• 092-603-1111
• https://uminaka-park.jp/event/event301.html
Kasuya, Fukuoka
Aeon Mall Fukuoka: 100 Santa Christmas
Admire the 8 m Christmas tree inside the main plaza decorated with colorful lights and ornaments as well as Santa decors. See if you can find all 100 Santas within the building! Take lots of photos at the many cute photo spots around the tree too.
• 11/10 (Thu.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.)
• 9:00~21:00
• Number of LED lights unannounced
• Aeon Mall Fukuoka
• 192-1 Aza Oinoki, Oaza Sakado, Kasuya-machi, Kasuya-gun, Fukuoka
• http://fukuoka-aeonmall.com/
Tagawa, Fukuoka
Michi no Eki Oto Sakura Kaido
Though it’s not an amusement park, Michi no Eki (roadside station) Oto Sakura Kaido prides itself for its yearly, large-scale illumination. The illuminations are lit up until 22:30 but the station is only open until 18:30. So visit early and do some shopping too! Visit on Dec. 24 (Mon., hol.) for a mochitsuki (mochi rice pounding) activity and other events.
• 11/23 (Fri., hol.) ~ 1/31/2019 (Thu.)
• 17:30~22:30
• Approx. 600,000 LED lights
• Michi no Eki Oto Sakura Kaido
• 1339 Imatobaru, Oto-machi, Tagawa-gun
• 0947-63-4430
• http://www.town.oto.fukuoka.jp/info/prev.asp?fol_id=1745
Kitakyushu City
Riverwalk Kitakyushu: Santa Dances This Christmas!
Riverwalk Kitakyushu hosts a range of Christmas events aimed at couples, groups of friends and families. With this year’s theme “Santa Dances This Christmas!”, there will be disco-themed decorations as well as a 15-meter tall Christmas tree and a “Shooting Star Illumination” at the Mystic Court open square. Catch the light and music show every day at 17:00 with a disco ball and artificial snowflakes!
• 11/2 (Fri.) ~ 12/25 (Tue.)
• 10:00~22:00
• Approx. 30,000 lights
• Riverwalk Kitakyushu
• 1-1-1 Muromachi, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City
• 093-573-1500 (Riverwalk Kitakyushu Information Service Center)
• http://riverwalk.co.jp/
Nagasaki Prefecture
Huis Ten Bosch: “Kingdom of Lights”
True to its name, Huis Ten Bosch’s Kingdom of Lights is one of the world’s largest illuminations with 13,000,000 lights. The newest attraction “Water Magic”, a water show 85 m in length which moves in time to music and colorful lights, will surely entertain you. Feel like you’re in Europe as you stroll along the cobbled streets while being serenaded by musicians on boats gliding along the colorful canals of the “Canal Parade of Light & Music & Fountain”. Make sure to visit the romantically lit up Christmas Market, too!
More events
• Church of Light: 12/1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 (Sat.) ~ 25 (Tue.)
• Chistmas Special Fireworks Show: 12/22 (Sat.) ~ 12/24 (Mon., hol.)
© Huis Ten Bosch
© Huis Ten Bosch
© Huis Ten Bosch
• 10/20 (Sat.) ~ 5/6/2019 (Mon., hol.)
• Sundown ~ 22:00 (last entry 21:00) *pending season
• Light Night Touring Ticket (17:00~): Adult ¥4,100, JHS and ES ¥3,100, child ¥2,100, senior ¥4,000 *except 12/31
• Approx 13,000,000 LED lights
• Huis Ten Bosch
• 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch-machi, Sasebo City, Nagasaki
• 0570-064-110 (General information)
• https://www.huistenbosch.co.jp/event/hikari/
Originally written Nov. 2016, updated November 2018.
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NOTE: The information presented here was gathered and summarized by the Fukuoka Now staff. While we have done our best to check for accuracy, there might be errors and details may have changed. If you notice any errors or changes, please contact us. This report was originally written in Nov. 2016.
