Nighttime comes earlier in the winter and Fukuoka City transforms into a glimmering 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
JR Hakata Station: Hikari no Machi Hakata (Hakata, City of Lights)
In celebration of JR Hakata City’s ninth year anniversary, an impressive 800,000 lights form a large-scale, winter illumination including a new Christmas tree for the first Christmas of the Reiwa era. 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, “LED Sky Walk”, 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. 12 to Dec. 25). You might also find yourselves reflected on the big screen – make sure to wave when you do!
• 11/6 (Wed.) ~ 1/7/2020 (Tue.)
• 17:00~24:00
• Approx. 800,000 lights
• JR Hakata Ekimae Hiroba
• 1-1 Hakataeki-chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (in front of JR Hakata Sta.)
• 092-431-8484
• https://www.jrhakatacity.com/event/e_01739.php
JR Hakata City Rooftop Christmas Illumination
The rooftop of JR Hakata City, Tsubame no Mori, is a great spot for panoramic views of Fukuoka City. This Christmas the area will be lit up, including the approach to Tetsudo Shrine (railway shrine). Enjoy the illuminations and ride the mini train with your little tots. Drop by with the whole family!
• 12/1 (Sun.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.)
• 17:00~22:00
• Approx. 14,000 lights
• JR Hakata City
• 1-1 Hakataeki-chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• 092-431-8484
• https://www.facebook.com/tsubamenomori
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 third and fourth floors of the International Terminal. Modelled on winter star constellations, the 115 m-long planetarium-style illumination on the third floor are based on Greek mythology (from which many constellations draw their names). The fourth floor features sun-themed illuminations – be sure to take a photo when the lights sparkle!
• 11/9 (Sat.) ~ mid. Feb.2020
• 8:00~22:00
• Number of LED lights unannounced
• 1F entrance, 3F lobby and 4F lobby, International Terminal
• Fukuoka Airport, 739 Aoki, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• 092-621-0303
• https://www.fukuoka-airport.jp/
Hakata Riverain Christmas 2019
• 11/11 (Mon.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.)
• 17:00~23:00
• 3-1 Shimokawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.hakata-riverainmall.jp/
Hotel Nikko Christmas Decoration 2019
• 11/15 (Fri.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.)
• 17:00~24:00
• 2-18-25 Hakata-ekimae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.hotelnikko-fukuoka.com/page/christmas.html
Canal City Hakata: Canal Panorama Illumination
• 11/15 (Fri.) ~ 3/1/2020 (Sun.)
• 17:00~24:00
• 1-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://canalcity.co.jp/news/event/1730
Christmas Panorama: “Santa Claus is Coming to Canal” Projection
11/15 (Fri.) 19:30, 20:00, 21:00
11/16 (Sat.) 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00
11/17 (Sun.) 19:00, 20:00, 21:00
11/18 (Mon.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.) 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00
https://canalcity.co.jp/news/event/1732
Bayside Place Hakata: Port of Light
• 12/1 (Sun.) ~ 3/15/2020 (Sun.)
• 18:00~24:00
• 13-6 Chikkohonmachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• http://www.baysideplace.jp/
Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Akasaka Chapelle Des Anges: “Christmas With the Angels”
• 10/20 (Sun.) ~ 2/29/2020 (Sat.)
• 17:00~23:00 (gates close: 19:00)
• 1-1-5 Otemon, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.anges-akasaka.com/
Solaria Plaza X’mas
• 11/6 (Wed.) ~ 12/25/2020 (Wed.)
• 10:00~20:30
• 2-2-43 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• http://www.solariaplaza.com
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, with the theme of “Musubu” (connection), champagne gold tower of lights surround a red string of lights, symbolizing the red string connecting two fated people. There will be a special Christmas and New Year versions so drop by twice to see both!
• 11/22 (Fri.) ~ 1/13/2020 (Mon., hol.)
• 17:00~23:00
• Number of LED lights unannounced
• Fukuoka Bank Head Office Hiroba
• 2-13-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• 092-723-2801
• https://www.fukuoka-fg.com/news_info_pdf/2019/20191113_xmas.pdf
Tenjin Chikagai: Tenchika Circus
The 590 m long north and south corridors of Tenjin Chikagai is decorated with 150 sparkling white Christmas trees for a European winter 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.
• 11/8 (Fri.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.)
• 17:30~24:30 (last day: ~21:00)
• Approx. 120,000 lights
• Tenjin Chikagai
• 1~3, 2 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• 092-711-1903
• https://www.tenchika.com/topics/2019/11/07/20033/
IMS Christmas 2019
• 11/13 (Wed.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.)
• 10:00~24:00
• 1-7-11 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://ims-tenjin.jp/special/imschristmas2019/
Fukuoka Mitsukoshi & Iwataya: Heart Pound Christmas!
Catch the unique art installations located in front of Iwataya and Fukuoka Mitsukoshi – huge balloons arranged into Christmas-themed cosmic symbols. Be sure to take photos!
•11/13 (Wed.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.)
Iwataya
• Iwataya Kirameki Hiroba
• 2-5-35 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• 092-721-1111
• https://www.iwataya-mitsukoshi.mistore.jp/iwataya.html
Fukuoka Mitsukoshi
• Fukuoka Mitsukoshi Lion Hiroba
• 2-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• 092-724-3111
• https://www.iwataya-mitsukoshi.mistore.jp/mitsukoshi.html
Shintencho Galaxy Christmas
• 11/21 (Thu.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.)
• 12:00~22:00
• 2-9 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• http://www.shintencho.or.jp/
Tenjin Kego Park: Tenjin Hikari Square 2019
• 11/22 (Fri.) ~ 1/6/2020 (Mon.)
• 14:00~24:00 (12/31: 14:00~, 1/1: ~7:00)
• 2-2 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://tenjinsite.jp/xmas/
Daimaru: Fantastic Christmas
• 11/2 (Sat.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.)
• 9:30~23:00 (last day: ~21:00)
• 1-4-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• http://www.daimaru.co.jp/fukuoka/
Sawara Ward, Fukuoka
Mark Is Fukuoka Momochi: “Sea of Light”
• 11/1 (Fri.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.)
• 17:00~1:00
• 2-2-1 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.mec-markis.jp/fukuoka-momochi/event/detail.php?id=24880
Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk: “Hilton Christmas Train”
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.
• 11/13 (Wed.) ~ Early Jan. 2020
• 17:00~24:00
• Approx. 17,060 LED lights
• Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk
• 2-2-3 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• 092-844-8111
• http://www.hiltonfukuokaseahawk.jp/
Fukuoka Tower: “Momochi Blue Light Illumination 2019”
• 11/15 (Fri.) ~ 2/14/2020 (Fri.) *Christmas tree until 12/25 (Wed.)
• 17:00~23:00 (12/24, 12/25 : ~24:00)
• 2-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.fukuokatower.co.jp/event/archives/108
Praliva: “Brighten Everyday & Fall in Love with Winter at Praliva”
Newly reopened in July 2019, Praliva welcomes its first Christmas with a fantastic illumination of dancing snow falling on the ground, reflected on the entire side of the building. Cute Christmas bunnies will welcome you at the entrance!
• 11/22 (Fri.) ~ 2/16/2020 (Sun.)
• 17:00~22:00
• Number of LED lights unannounced
• 1F Praliva
• 4-1-1 Nishijin, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka
• 092-852-7125
• https://praliva.jp/information/1587/
Higashi Ward, Fukuoka
Uminaka Christmas Candle Night
Feel the warmth of Christmas with the gently flickering glow of 10,000 candles artfully arranged by volunteers into a design with the theme “Christmas at Sea.” The design was chosen from submissions from the public. Enjoy a fireworks display each evening (7:30 pm) against the backdrop of Hakata Bay too.
• 12/21 (Sat.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.) *Canceled in case of inclement weather
• 17:30~21:00 (last entry 20:30)
• Number of LED lights unannounced
• Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
• 18-25 Saitozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
• 092-603-1111
• https://uminaka-park.jp/candle-night2019/
Nishi Ward, Fukuoka
Fukuoka City Yacht Harbor Illumination 2019
• 12/14 (Sat.) ~ 12/22 (Sun.)
• 17:00~19:30
• 3-58-1 Odo, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.fukuoka-sailing.jp/
Tagawa, Fukuoka
Michi no Eki Oto Sakura Kaido
• 11/24 (Sun.) ~ 1/31/2020 (Fri.)
• 17:30~22:30
• 1339 Imatobaru, Oto-machi, Tagawa, Fukuoka
• https://www.instagram.com/ootousakurakaidou/?hl=ja
Kitakyushu City
Riverwalk Kitakyushu: Santa Dances This Christmas!
• 11/1 (Fri.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.)
• 10:00~22:00 (11/1 : 18:30~)
• 1-1-1 Muromachi, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
• https://riverwalk.co.jp/event/xmas_illumination-1225/
Kokura Station
• 11/8 (Fri.) ~ 1/13/2020 (Mon.)
• 17:00~22:00
• 1-1-1 Asano, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• http://kokura-illumination.jp/
Cha Cha Town Kokura
• 11/1 (Fri.) ~ 1/13/2020 (Mon.)
• 17:00~22:00
• 3-1-1 Sunatsu, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• http://www.chachatown.com/
Mojiko Retro
• 11/16 (Sat.) ~ 3/15/2020 (Sun.)
• 17:30~24:00 (12/31 : ~5:00)
• 9 Moji-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• http://www.retro-mojiko.jp/news/entry-142.html
Munakata City
Global Arena : Candle Garden Christmas 2019
• 12/22 (Sun.), 12/23 (Mon.)
• 15:00~21:00
• 46-1 Yoshidome, Munakata City, Fukuoka
• https://bit.ly/2KzggWS
Yanagawa City
Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station
• 11/16 (Sat.) ~ 1/19/2020 (Sun.)
• 18:00~23:00
• Mitsuhashi-machi Shimohyaku-cho, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka
• https://kurumefan.com/yanagawa-illumination2019
Kurume City
Nishitetsu Kurume Station
• 11/15 (Fri.) ~ 1/13/2020 (Mon.)
• 17:00~24:00
• Tenjin-machi, Kurume City, Fukuoka
• http://hotomeki.info/
Nagasaki Prefecture
Huis Ten Bosch: “Kingdom of Lights”
• 10/5 (Sat.) ~ 5/6/2020 (Wed.)
• Sundown ~ 22:00 (last entry 21:00) *pending season
• 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch-machi, Sasebo City, Nagasaki
• https://www.huistenbosch.co.jp/event/hikari/
Originally written Nov. 2016, updated November 2019.
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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.
