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 2024 Illumination Guide!
▷Large map – Winter Illumination Guide
Illumination spots in Fukuoka and other parts of Kyushu
• Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (6)
• Chuo-ku, Fukuoka (11)
• Sawara-ku, Fukuoka (1)
• Higashi-ku, Fukuoka (1)
• Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka (1)
• Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka (3)
• Nagasaki Prefecture (1)
Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
JR Hakata Station: Hikari no Machi Hakata 2024
Each winter, Hakata Station’s iconic illumination event, “Hikari no Machi Hakata,” brings the area to life. This year’s theme, “PRAY FOR PEACE (From Small Prayers to Big Hopes),” transforms the station square into a shimmering wonderland. The trees in front of the station are adorned with glowing lights, and the grand roof sparkles like a starlit sky. Under the main clock, a 70-meter LED-lit Skywalk waves with light, creating a stunning pathway that leads through ten distinct illumination displays around the plaza. Starting November 1, cozy Christmas market huts add a warm, romantic glow, making the entire area feel festive and inviting.
• 11/1 (Fri.) ~ 1/5 (Sun.) 2025
• 17:00~24:00
• 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/2024_illumination/
• Kyushu Live – Fukuoka’s Xmas Markets – more than ever! (Nov. 24, 2023)
Tsubame no Mori Illumination – JR Hakata City Rooftop
Tsubame no Mori Hiroba, a hidden gem for sunset views, transforms into a magical illuminated garden during winter. Overlooking the Hakata Station area, the plaza is adorned with gentle paths of light and sparkling displays inspired by forest animals, creating the feel of a peaceful walk through an enchanted forest. Soft lights guide your steps, enhancing the serene, woodland atmosphere—a perfect place for an enchanting winter evening.
• 11/30 (Sat.) ~ 1/9 (Thu.) 2024
• 17:30~22:00
• 1-1 Hakataeki-chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.jrhakatacity.com/kids/
Canal City Hakata: Canal Winter Illumination 2024
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 2024 Ⓒ FJ. Entertainment Works
CANAL CITY HAKATA 2024 Ⓒ FJ. Entertainment Works
• 9/1 (Sun.) ~ 2/28 (Fri.) 2025 *depends on the spot
• 17:00~24:00
• 1-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://canalcity.co.jp/news/event/4108
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.
• 11/1 (Fri) ~ 1/6 (Mon.) 2025
• 17:00~25:00
• Nakasu area, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka (Nakasu Chuo-dori, Nakagawa-dori, Meiji-dori, Fukuhaku Deai Bridge)
• https://christmas-advent.jp/
Hakata Riverain Mall Christmas
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Hakata Riverain Mall is embracing the holiday season with an elegant display of gold and crystal lights. The entire building shimmers with a golden glow, and a 9-meter-tall column at the main entrance is adorned with delicate snowflake designs. Inside, a 3-meter Christmas tree adds to the festive charm, creating a sophisticated yet inviting holiday atmosphere.
• 11/1 (Fri.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.) 2025
• 10:00~22:00
• 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.
• 11/1 (Fri.) ~ 3/23 (Sun.) 2025
• 17:00~24:00
• 13-6 Chikkohonmachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.baysideplace.jp/
Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Tenjin Christmas Market 2024
The Christmas Market, a beloved winter tradition in Fukuoka, returns this year with even more locations! In addition to the usual spots at Hakata Station, Fukuoka City Hall Plaza, Daimaru Elgala, Kihinkan Hall, Tenjin Central Park, and Daimyo Garden City, festive markets will also pop up at Seaside Momochi and in Kitakyushu. At Fukuoka City Hall Plaza, pass under a grand illuminated archway to enter a Christmas wonderland filled with twinkling trees, cozy huts, and over 100 Santa figures to welcome you—all under a canopy of warm, glowing lights.
• 11/16 (Sat.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.)
* Not open on Nov. 23 (Sat., hol.) and 24 (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
Since its opening in 2023, Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City has become a lively gathering spot for a diverse crowd. Known for its frequent gourmet events, the popular lawn area—fondly called the “Lying Down Plaza” for its laid-back vibe—glows with champagne-gold illuminations in the evening. Visitors can also enjoy a Christmas market offering food, drinks, and small gift items, adding a festive touch to this vibrant space.
• 11/15 (Fri.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.)
• Weekdays 17:00~22:00 / Sat., Sun. and hol. 12:00~22:00
• 2-6-50 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://christmas-advent.jp/
Festa de Santa
The plaza in front of Kihinkan Hall transforms into a whimsical wonderland with enchanting lights and numerous Santa statues. A Christmas market adds to the festive atmosphere, while the “FUKUOKA” text logo in front of the historic hall provides a popular spot for photos, making it an ideal backdrop for holiday memories.
• 11/13 (Wed.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.) *Illumination: until 1/6 (Mon.) 2025
• 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 Chuo Park: Forest of Light
Tenjin Central Park, nestled at the base of ACROS Fukuoka and known for its cherry blossoms, lights up beautifully for the season. The area hosts a Christmas market, and ACROS Fukuoka itself, with its unique green façade, becomes the backdrop for a large-scale illumination event. Normally a quiet spot, this park transforms during the holidays, connecting a path of lights that leads from City Hall Plaza through Kihinkan Hall Plaza, across the Fuku-Haku Deai Bridge, all the way to Hakata Station—creating a scenic, illuminated trail through the heart of Fukuoka.
• 11/14 (Thu.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.) *Illumination: until 1/6 (Mon.)
• Weekdays 17:00~22:00 / Sat., Sun. and hol. 12:00~22:00
• 1-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://christmas-advent.jp/
ACROS Fukuoka Illumination: Seasons of Light
The park side of ACROS Fukuoka, also known as “ACROS Mountain” in Tenjin, features a Step Garden. Here, along the stairway passages, you’ll find animals and dinosaurs crafted from illuminations, leading up to the rooftop. There are also interactive installations like tunnels of light and steps that illuminate when stepped on. It’s a rare opportunity to ascend ACROS after dark.
• 11/15 (Fri.) ~ 1/19 (Sun.) 2025 *rain or shine, canceled in case of inclement weather
• 18:00~22:00
• Over JHS ¥1,500, under ES ¥800, free for children under 3 y.o. (¥200 discount for adv. tickets, on sale until 11/14)
• ACROS Fukuoka Step Garden
• 1-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://led.minamihara.co.jp/acros-fukuoka-illumination/
Suijo Park, Ship’s Garden
Nestled at the confluence of the Naka River and the Yakuin Shin River, the Waterfront Park and the boat-themed restaurant facility, SHIP’S GARDEN, come alive at night, bathed in the warm glow of champagne-gold lights. The free-access deck on the second-floor rooftop, open from 6 AM to midnight, offers a serene spot to enjoy the illuminations.
From this vantage point, visitors can also take in the vibrant neon lights of Nakasu, the bustling entertainment district across the Naka River. It’s a perfect place to relax and immerse in the enchanting nighttime ambiance of Fukuoka, where the glittering lights reflect off the water, creating a magical experience for locals and tourists alike.
• 11/13 (Wed.) ~ 1/13 (Mon., hol.) 2025
• 17:00~24:00
• 13-1 Nishinakasu, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• http://suijo-park.jp/
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 (Fri.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.)
• 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
The Fukuoka Bank Main Branch Building, designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa, features a spacious atrium with well-maintained greenery, benches, and a coffee stand, serving as a relaxing spot for the public. During winter, the space is illuminated with seasonal lights. The lighting ceremony (from 17:25) includes performances by a band, handbell players, and a pianist. A one-day-only Christmas market will also take place from 17:00 to 20:00
• 11/29 (Fri.) ~ 1/13 (Mon., hol.)
• 17:00~23:00 (on 11/29 starts at 18:45)
• 2-13-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
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 (Sun.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.)
• 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 PayPay Dome and BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA, dazzles with festive lights during winter. This year, PayPay Dome will feature colorful illuminations, and a stunning 5-meter dome-shaped installation will grace the plaza in front of BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA, adding an impressive visual centerpiece to the lively winter scene.
Ⓒ SoftBank HAWKS
Ⓒ SoftBank HAWKS
• 11/24 (Sun.) ~1/13 (Mon., hol.) 2025
• 17:00~22:00
• 2-2-2 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://e-zofukuoka.com/
Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk: Christmas Illumination
This holiday season, the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk, a beacon in the Momochi district, will be aglow with breathtaking illuminations. The entrance dazzles with an array of light crystals, while the towering 40-meter atrium of the Brasserie & Lounge Seala is bathed in the twinkle of roughly 28,000 lights, creating the perfect holiday ambiance. On the 4th floor lobby, the beloved annual Christmas Train diorama springs to life, capturing the essence of a European winter with vibrant trains and balloons.
• Illumination: 11/11 (Mon.) ~ 12/27 (Fri) 17:00~0:00
• Christmas Train 11/12 (Tue.) ~ 1/6 (Mon.) 9:00~13:00, 15:00~21:00
• 2-2-3 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• https://fukuokaseahawk.hiltonjapan.co.jp/restaurants/lp/christmas
Sawara-ku, Fukuoka
Fukuoka Tower Illumination
Fukuoka Tower comes to life this festive season with an awe-inspiring illumination: a colossal Christmas tree reaching a height of 108 meters, shimmering in eight classic hues and featuring an enchanting Santa Claus display. Surrounding the tower, trees are decked out in a serene blue glow, crafting a mesmerizing, dream-like setting against the tower’s majestic silhouette.
• 11/8 (Fri.) ~ 12/25 (Wed.)
• 17:00~23:00
• 2-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.fukuokatower.co.jp/event/archives/224
Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park: Uminaka Candle Night 2024
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park: Uminaka Candle Night 2024
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 “Everyone’s 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.
• 12/14 (Sat.) ~ 12/15 (Sun.), 12/21 (Sat.) ~ 12/22 (Sun.), 12/25 (Wed.) *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/
Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka
Michi no Eki Oto Sakura Kaido Illumination
The enchanting winter illuminations of Oto Town, renowned for their innovative themes that change yearly, weave a tapestry of light and wonder. The eagerly anticipated theme, often reflecting the year’s most buzzworthy subjects, is unveiled at the grand lighting ceremony, shrouded in secrecy until the spectacular reveal. This year, the grounds will burst into vibrant color with around 650,000 bulbs on November 23rd starting at 17:50, marked by a dazzling firework display and celebratory events. This Roadside Station, a gem in Western Japan, not only lights up the night but also offers an open-air bath, a dog park, and a marketplace for local agricultural products.
• 11/23 (Sat., hol.) ~ 1/31 (Fri.) 2025
• 17:30~22:30
• 1339 Imatobaru, Oto-machi, Tagawa, Fukuoka
• https://www.instagram.com/ootousakurakaidou/
Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
Kokura area: Kokura Illumination
The city of Kokura lights up beautifully each winter, transforming into a photo-worthy wonderland. Visitors can enjoy unique illuminations across 24 locations around Kokura Station and the Murasaki River area, including the large “KOKURA” monument and an illumination carpet along the riverbank. This year’s theme, “Galaxy Gathering of Light,” brings a celestial touch: the west side of the Murasaki River glows in warm tones to represent the Solar System, while the east side sparkles in cool tones as the Milky Way. Highlights include a laser and moving light show, a riverside champagne bar, and a Christmas market near Kokura Castle from November 22 to December 25, making Kokura a festive and dynamic holiday destination.
• 11/1 (Fri.) ~ 1/13 (Mon., hol.)
• 17:00~22:00 (some areas until 23:00)
• JR Kokura Sta., Murasaki River are etc (Illumination Google Map)
• 1-1-1 Asano, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• http://kokura-illumination.jp/
Kanmon Kaikyo Candle Night
Set against the Kanmon Straits, which can be crossed in just five minutes, is one of Japan’s largest candle events. The area is illuminated with 30,000 candles, and in the Moji Port area, a Christmas market with vendors selling goods and food is held.
• 11/16 (Sat.), 11/17 (Sun.)
• https://kkcn.jp
Mojiko Area
• 17:30~21:00
• Mojiko Retro Shinsui Hiroba, Chuo Hiroba, Harbor deck, Sakae-machi Gintengai, Premier Hotel Mojiko etc.
Shimonoseki Area
• 17:30~21:00
• 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 Area Eximachi Plaza (Daimaru Shimonoseki Store and Sea Mall, Shimonoseki), Civic Activity Center
Mojiko Retro: Illumination 2024
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.
• 10/15 (Sat.) ~ 5/11 (Sun.) 2025
• 18:30~24:00 (Oct., Mar. ~ May), 17:30~24:00 (Nov., ~ Feb.) *on Dec. 31, the lights will be turned on until 5:00 on the next day)
• 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 modeled after European towns, transforms into a dazzling Christmas wonderland each winter. The park’s European-style buildings, plazas, and canals light up with festive displays, creating an enchanting atmosphere that feels even more vibrant than a European Christmas town. This year, a new 12-meter symbol tree takes center stage, surrounded by food carts offering festive treats, markets filled with holiday goods, and spectacular projection mapping and fireworks shows. It’s a magical holiday escape, blending European charm with unforgettable illuminations.
©HuisTenBosch/J－21660
©HuisTenBosch/J－21660
• 11/8 (Fri.) ~ 1/6 (Mon.) 2025
• Sunset ~ 22:00 (last entry 21:00)
• 1-Day Passport: over 18 y.o. ¥7,400, HS and JHS ¥6,400, ES ¥4,800, pre-school ¥3,700, over 65 y.o. ¥5,400
• 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 2024.
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.
