Winter illuminations have become an exciting part of the Fukuoka winter scene! As the days grow shorter and the city sparkles with vibrant light displays, it’s the perfect season for an evening stroll. From the bustling streets of Tenjin and Hakata to the scenic spots in Kitakyushu and Nagasaki, each area offers its own unique vibe and scale, all accessible from Fukuoka. Dive into the festive glow and make the most of this enchanting season with our Fukuoka Now 2025 Illumination Guide!
▷Large map – Winter Illumination Guide
Illumination spots in Fukuoka and other parts of Kyushu
• Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (6)
• Chuo-ku, Fukuoka (10)
• Sawara-ku, Fukuoka (1)
• Higashi-ku, Fukuoka (1)
• Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka (3)
• Nagasaki Prefecture (1)
Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
JR Hakata Station: Hikari no Machi Hakata 2025
Hakata Station’s annual winter illuminations return, this year featuring a special collaboration with Super Mario to celebrate the Nov 14 opening of Nintendo’s official store, “Nintendo Fukuoka,” inside AMU Plaza Hakata. Under the theme “Happy Holidays in Hakata with SUPER MARIO,” beloved characters appear throughout the festive display. In addition to the main symbolic tree adorned with themed ornaments, video projections can also be enjoyed along the second-floor deck.
• 11/1 (Sat.) ~ 1/12 (Mon., hol.) 2026
• 17:00~24:00 (11/1: Lighting ceremony 17:30~ / lights will be on 18:00~）
• Approx. 640,000 LED lights
• JR Hakata Ekimae Hiroba
• 1-1 Hakataeki-chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (in front of JR Hakata Sta.)
• https://www.jrhakatacity.com/contents/2025illumination/
• Kyushu Live – Fukuoka’s Xmas Markets – more than ever! (2023)
JR Hakata City Rooftop Tsubame no Mori Hiroba: Light Roses and Animals of the Night Sky
Tsubame no Mori Hiroba, the rooftop garden atop JR Hakata Station, is a hidden gem for sunset views over the city. During winter, gentle lights illuminate walking paths and forest animal-themed displays create an enchanted woodland atmosphere. This year introduces a new rose-themed installation featuring 200 illuminated roses, adding a romantic touch to the seasonal scene.
• 11/1 (Sat.) ~ 1/12 (Mon., hol.) 2026
• 17:00~22:00
• Close: 1/1 (Thu., hol.) 2026
• 1-1 Hakataeki-chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.jrhakatacity.com/kids/detail/?cd=000122
Canal City Hakata: Canal Winter Illumination 2025
Canal City transforms into an extraordinary wonderland in winter, with illuminations filling every corner to create stunning photo spots throughout the complex. Highlights include the dazzling “Wall of Light,” where an entire facade glows brightly, and the “River of Light,” a breathtaking 180-meter stretch of the canal that sparkles with illumination. Each iconic spot within Canal City becomes a striking display, making it an unforgettable destination this season.
CANAL CITY HAKATA 2025 Ⓒ FJ. Entertainment Works
CANAL CITY HAKATA 2025 Ⓒ FJ. Entertainment Works
• 11/13 (Thu.) ~ 2/28 (Sat.) 2026
• 10:00~24:00 (11/13: Lights will be on from around 19:15)
• 1-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://canalcity.co.jp/news/event/4763
Nakasu Hikari no Advent
Blue and gold LED lights will illuminate the streets of Nakasu, connecting the Hakata and Tenjin venues of the Christmas Market. A large tree will appear in front of the “Fukuhaku Deai Bridge” and the “Hotel Resol Trinity Hakata” hotel.
• 11/4 (Tue.) ~ 1/6 (Tue.) 2026
• 17:00~25:00
• Nakasu area, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (Nakasu Chuo-dori, Meiji-dori, Fukuhaku Deai Bridge)
• https://christmas-advent.jp/
Hakata Riverain Mall Christmas
Hakata Riverain Mall presents an elegant and refined holiday season with its “Graceful Glow Christmas” illuminations. The interior is decorated with gold and red lights and ornaments, creating a warm festive atmosphere. A 3-meter-tall Christmas tree stands near the 1st floor information desk. On Dec 20, Santa Claus will make an appearance, offering photo opportunities and handing out gifts to children.
• 11/1 (Sat.) ~ 12/25 (Thu.)
• 9:45~22:00
• 3-1 Shimokawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• http://www.hakata-riverainmall.jp
Bayside Place Hakata: Bayside Illumination ~ Port of Light ~
This annual illumination event brings a splash of vibrant color to the Bay Area during the winter season. The entire edifice is bathed in the glow of neon lights, with palm trees, deck fences, and the nearby Hakata Port Tower also joining in the luminescent celebration, infusing the entire bayside area with festive cheer. Visitors are treated to the added spectacle of lights dancing on the sea’s surface, a mesmerizing display unique to the coastal setting.
• 10/31 (Fri.) ~ 3/1 (Sun.) 2026
• 17:00~24:00
• 13-6 Chikkohonmachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.baysideplace.jp/
Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Tenjin Christmas Market
Now a winter tradition in Fukuoka, the Christmas Market lights up the Tenjin area with multiple venues including City Hall Plaza, Daimaru Elgala, Tenjin Central Park, Kihinkan-mae Plaza, and Daimyo Garden City. Each site offers a different festive atmosphere, making it easy to enjoy a stroll through Tenjin’s varied illuminations and holiday charm.
• 11/15 (Sat.) ~ 12/25 (Thu.)
* Not open on Nov. 29 (Sat.) and 30 (Sun.) due to another event.
• Weekdays 17:00~23:00 / Sat., Sun. and hol., 12:00~23:00
• Fukuoka City Hall Fureai Hiroba
• 1-8-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://christmas-advent.jp/
Christmas Gate Park in Daimyo Garden City
The lawn plaza at the former Daimyo Elementary School, now part of the popular Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City, becomes a seasonal gathering spot with its winter Christmas Market. The area is beautifully lit with champagne gold illuminations, adding a festive glow to this diverse and lively space.
• 11/14 (Fri.) ~ 12/25 (Thu.)
• Weekdays 17:00~22:00 / Sat., Sun., hol. and 12/24~25 12:00~22:00
• 2-6-50 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://christmas-advent.jp/
Festa de Santa
Kihinkan-mae Plaza, set against the backdrop of a French Renaissance-style wooden building, is known for its popular “FUKUOKA” text-logo photo spot. The nationally designated Important Cultural Property is lit up in a magical display, while the plaza features around 130 Santa Claus statues, creating a whimsical holiday scene.
• 11/12 (Wed.) ~ 12/25 (Thu.)
• Weekdays 17:00~22:00 / Sat., Sun. and hol. 12:00~22:00
• In front of Kihinkan Hall
• 6-29 Nishi-Nakasu, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://christmas-advent.jp/
Tenjin Central Park: Forest of Light
Tenjin Central Park, at the foot of the seasonally illuminated ACROS Mountain, shines with festive lights during winter. A Christmas market is held here, forming part of a connected illumination route that stretches from City Hall Plaza through Kihinkan-mae Plaza and Fukuhaku Deai Bridge all the way to Hakata Station. From Nov 21 to Dec 18, circus performances take place on the outdoor stage at 18:20 and 20:20 (free admission; no shows on Mondays).
• 11/13 (Thu.) ~ 12/25 (Thu.) *Illumination: until 1/6 (Tue.) 2026
• Weekdays 17:00~22:00 / Sat., Sun. and hol. 12:00~22:00 *Illumination: until 24:00
• 1-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://christmas-advent.jp/
ACROS Fukuoka Winter Illumination – Forest of Kobitos
The Step Garden of ACROS Fukuoka, affectionately known as “ACROS Mountain,” hosts a special illumination event each winter. This season’s theme features the popular children’s book series “Kobito Zukan.” Visitors are welcomed by whimsical Kobito characters formed from light, creating a magical atmosphere that feels like stepping into the storybook world.
• 11/14 (Fri.) ~ 2/1 (Sun.) 2026 *rain or shine, canceled in case of inclement weather
• 18:00~22:00 (Ticket sales 17:30~)
• Over JHS ¥1,500, under ES ¥800, free for children under 3 y.o. (¥200 discount will be applied for online-purchased tickets until 11/13)
• ACROS Fukuoka Step Garden
• 1-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://led.minamihara.co.jp/acros-fukuoka-illumination/
Tenjin Chikagai: Tenchika Xmas Illumination
Tenjin Chikagai’s corridors, stretching an impressive 590 meters, are transformed into a wintry European dreamscape with gleaming white Christmas trees. In a delightful departure from Fukuoka’s typical light displays, these illuminations can be admired daylong, as the Chikagai basks in a constant, radiant glow. Complementing this spectacle, the plazas within Tenjin Chikagai will glisten with the warm champagne gold lights.
• 11/1 (Sat.) ~ 12/25 (Thu.)
• 5:30~24:30
• Approx. 120,000 lights
• Tenjin Chikagai
• 1~3, 2 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.tenchika.com/
Fukuoka Bank Head Office Plaza: Winter Illumination
Marking its 50th anniversary, the Fukuoka Bank Head Office building, designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa, features a spacious atrium with manicured greenery, benches, and a coffee stand—serving as a relaxing spot for the public. In winter, the space is lit up with festive illuminations. A lighting ceremony with live music and a countdown will be held on the evening of Nov 21.
• 11/21 (Fri.) ~ 1/12 (Mon., hol) 2026
• 17:00~23:00 (on 11/21 starts at 18:30)
• 2-13-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Fukuoka Lights Festival 2025 ~Festival of the Castle of Light~
Set in Fukuoka Castle and Maizuru Park, the “Fukuoka Lights Festival” offers an immersive night-time experience blending history and technology under the theme “Past and Future.” Historical elements like a sacred tree and castle gates are digitally recreated. At Shiomi-yagura Turret, restored in March 2025, a light show combines lasers and projection mapping. Visitors can explore mirror-enhanced wisteria trellises and illuminated gates with lanterns. From 17:00, a night market featuring food and culture lines the park’s weeping cherry tree path.
• 11/7 (Fri.) ~ 12/14 (Sun.) *closed for maintenance on 11/25 (Tue.)
• 18:00~21:00
• Fukuoka Castle, Korokan area
• 1 Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://lightfes-fukuoka.jp/
Ohori Park: Winter Illumination
This annual illumination began in 2010 in part to improve the moral of citizens and to make the park a place that citizens can be proud of. The Mizuki Bridge and Ukimi-dou, the symbols of Ohori Park, are decorated with LED lights to create a fantastic atmosphere that is different from that of the park during the daytime.
• 12/1 (Mon.) ~ 12/25 (Thu.)
• 17:00~21:00
• Mizuki Bridge, Nakanoshima Ukimi-do
• 1-2 Ohori-koen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.ohorikouen.jp/
Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka: Winter Light Fantasy Illumination
The Seaside Momochi area, centered around the Dome and BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA, is illuminated with enhanced winter lights this season. A newly added floral text display in front of the Dome joins the lineup of colorful installations. Visitors can enjoy photo spots surrounding the Dome, and in front of BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA, a massive new 7.5-meter-tall holiday object—its largest ever—will be on display.
Ⓒ SoftBank HAWKS
Ⓒ SoftBank HAWKS
• 11/24 (Mon.) ~ 1/12 (Mon., hol.) 2026
• 17:00~22:00
• Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka
• 2-2-2 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://e-zofukuoka.com/news/event/2025103133684/
Sawara-ku, Fukuoka
Fukuoka Tower Illumination
Fukuoka Tower’s 108-meter-tall illuminated Christmas tree returns, with the lighting ceremony on Nov 7. The plaza and interior are decorated in blue-themed lights and ornaments for the holiday season. Limited-time Christmas photo spots will be set up, and visitors may even catch a surprise appearance by Santa Claus riding a reindeer.
• 11/7 (Fri.) ~ 12/25 (Thu.) *The tree lighting begins on 11/21 (Fri.)
• 17:00~23:00
• 2-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.fukuokatower.co.jp/event/archives/250
Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park: Uminaka Candle Night 2025
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park hosts a beloved winter event that swaps traditional illuminations for the gentle glow of candlelight. This year’s candle art theme is “Lights Bring Us Together – Happy Christmas,” with designs chosen through a public contest and brought to life with 10,000 candles. The Wonder World area transforms into a “Playground of Light,” where visitors can enjoy rides on go-karts and a mini steam locomotive, adding an extra layer of charm to this heartwarming experience.
• 12/13 (Sat.) ~14 (Sun.), 20 (Sat.) ~21 (Sun.), 24 (Wed.) ~25 (Thu.) *cancelled in case of inclement weather
• 17:30~20:45
• Park entry after 17:30: over 15 y.o. ¥290, 65 y.o. and over ¥210, free for JHS and under
• Outdoor theater, Wonder World, West Gate
• 18-25 Saitozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
• https://uminaka-park.jp/
Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
Kokura area: Kokura Illumination 2025
Over 20 locations across Kokura, including the photogenic “KOKURA” monument in front of JR Kokura Station and the Murasaki River area, are lit up with creative winter illuminations. The main venue around the Murasaki River features more than 300,000 lights, including an 11-meter-tall Twin Tree inside a glowing tunnel on Ogai Bridge. A Christmas market near Kokura Castle runs through Dec 25.
• 11/21 (Fri.) ~ 2/15 (Sun.) 2026
• 17:00~23:00 (some areas until 22:00)
• JR Kokura Sta., Murasaki River, etc
• 1-1-1 Asano, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• https://kokura-illumination.jp/
Riverwalk Kitakyushu: River Walk Christmas and Winter Illumination
Near Kokura Castle, the large commercial complex Riverwalk Kitakyushu embraces the holiday spirit with enchanting displays. Inside, walls are draped with curtains of twinkling lights, and the tallest Christmas tree in Kitakyushu—a 15-meter beauty. From the rooftop garden, which offers views of Kokura Castle, visitors can also enjoy holographic reindeer reflected beautifully on the water, adding to the festive magic.
• 11/1 (Sat.) ~ 2/28 (Sat.) 2026 *Christmas tree: ~ 12/25 (Thu.)
• 10:00~22:00
• 1-1-1 Muromachi, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• https://riverwalk.co.jp/event/riverwalk_xmas_2025/
Kanmon Kaikyo Candle Night
Set against the Kanmon Straits, which can be crossed in just five minutes, one of Japan’s largest candle events lights up the area with 30,000 candles. In the Moji Port (Mojiko) area, a Christmas market offers festive goods and food. To mark the event’s 14th year, Kanmon Kisen, the ferry connecting Karato (Shimonoseki) and Mojikō, will operate one hour later than usual—last departures at 22:30 from Shimonoseki and 22:50 from Mojiko.
• 11/15 (Sat.), 11/16 (Sun.) 2025
• 17:30~21:00
• Kanmon Kaikyo Area Map
• https://kkcn.jp
Mojiko Area
• Mojiko Retro Shinsui Hiroba, Harbor deck, Sakae-machi Gintengai (only on 11/15), Premier Hotel Mojiko
Shimonoseki Area
• Karato Area (Shimonoseki City Hall Civic Plaza, Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine, Former Shimonoseki British Consulate, Tanaka Kinuyo Bunka-kan, Shimonoseki Nanbu-cho Post Office, Former Miyazaki Shokan, Karato Harete Yokocho)
• Shimonoseki Station Ekimachi Plaza (Daimaru Shimonoseki Store and Seamall Shimonoseki), Civic Activity Center
Mojiko Retro: Illumination 2025
Discover the Champagne Radiance of Mojiko Retro District: The Mojiko Retro precinct is transformed into an enchanting nightscape with around 300,000 shimmering lights draping the trees, bathing the cobblestone streets in a delicate champagne gold aura. The lights lend the area an added layer of nostalgia and romance. With free entry and countless picturesque spots, this luminous haven invites you to capture timeless memories. It’s an idyllic backdrop for a spellbinding night out, steeped in romance and old-world charm.
• 10/4 (Sat.) ~ 5/24 (Sun.) 2026
• 17:30~24:00 (*Dec. 31: until 5:00 on the next day, Oct., Mar. ~ May: 18:30~24:00)
• Mojiko Retro area
• Higashiminato-machi, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• https://www.mojiko.info/event/info/
Nagasaki Prefecture
Huis Ten Bosch: European Holy Christmas
Huis Ten Bosch, Japan’s largest theme park inspired by Europe, transforms into a dazzling Christmas town each winter. The park’s canals, plazas, and European-style buildings are illuminated, creating a festive atmosphere. A new 15-meter-tall Grand Chandelier Tree glows at the center, with food wagons, a Christmas market, projection mapping, and fireworks shows adding to the holiday cheer—offering a Christmas experience even more radiant than in Europe.
• 11/7 (Fri.) ~ 1/5 (Mon.) 2026
• Sunset ~ 22:00 (last entry 21:00)
• 1-Day Passport: over 18 y.o. ¥7,600, HS and JHS ¥6,600, ES ¥5,000, pre-school ¥3,800, over 65 y.o. ¥5,900
• 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch-machi, Sasebo City, Nagasaki
• https://www.huistenbosch.co.jp/event/xmas/
>> View the Illumination Map on this larger map
Originally written Nov. 2016, updated November 2025.
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.
