Yokohama: Experience the 2024 Spring Festival at Yokohama Chinatown: A Spectacular Lunar New Year Celebration!

• Table of Contents
• 1. What is the Lunar New Year?
• 2. Dates of the Lunar New Year
• 3. Enjoy the Lunar New Year in Japan! Visit Yokohama Chinatown for a Unique Experience!
• 4. About the 2024 Spring Festival Illumination
• 5. 2024 Spring Festival Illumination: Dates and Lighting Times

1. What is the Lunar New Year?

The Lunar New Year, also widely known as the Spring Festival (春節), is a traditional celebration in China and other Asian countries. It is an annual event observed in nations such as China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Singapore. While traditions vary across these countries, common festivities include giving New Year's money, fireworks, lanterns, and performing dragon and lion dances.

Similar to Japan, the Lunar New Year is a time for family reunions. People living far from their hometowns often travel back during this period. It's a significant event for many, as it's not only a time to wish for happiness and prosperity in the coming year but also an occasion to bid farewell to the past year.

2. Dates of the Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year is based on the lunar calendar, which means its date varies each year on the solar calendar. The Lunar New Year marks the first day of the year (i.e., January 1st) and typically falls between late January and mid-February.

Here are the dates for the Lunar New Year for the next five years:

3. Enjoy the Lunar New Year in Japan! Visit Yokohama Chinatown for a Unique Experience!

Japan boasts three major Chinatowns in Yokohama, Kobe, and Nagasaki. Each of these is popular and has its own unique charm, celebrating the Lunar New Year in grand style. In this article, we'll focus on Yokohama Chinatown in Kanagawa Prefecture.

The Zenrinmon Gate is a symbolic entrance to this vibrant area.

Yokohama Chinatown is renowned for its historic buildings that showcase traditional Chinese culture, its delicious cuisine, and its lively atmosphere. During the Lunar New Year, the whole area is adorned with festive decorations like lucky charms and lanterns. Whether you're grabbing takeout or dining in, the authentic Chinese food here promises a true taste of the Lunar New Year. While it's particularly exciting during the New Year festivities, Yokohama Chinatown is also a great place to visit on regular weekends. So, if you find yourself in Yokohama, why not explore the wonders of Yokohama Chinatown?

4. About the 2024 Spring Festival Illumination

The 2024 Spring Festival Illumination is an enchanting event that brings a burst of beautiful colors to the city with its stunning, traditional lanterns and other decorations.

The displays, inspired by Chinese culture and traditions, are enhanced by the fantastic lighting effects. Lanterns featuring dragon and lion motifs will brilliantly light up the entire Chinatown area, creating numerous photogenic spots that are irresistible for taking pictures.

Yamashita-cho Park

In Yamashita-cho Park, the giant lanterns are a must-see, especially for photography enthusiasts. These lanterns, depicting dragons and phoenixes — symbols of the emperor and empress — are bathed in gorgeous light, creating a magical atmosphere.

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Giant Lantern Objects "Dragon" and "Phoenix”

5. 2024 Spring Festival Illumination: Dates and Lighting Times

Please check the following for information about the event duration and lighting times.

Yokohama Chinatown Official Website

Event Location

Event Duration

How to Get There

There are several ways to reach Yokohama Chinatown, but here we introduce how to get there by train from Tokyo, Shinagawa, and Shibuya.

From Tokyo/Shinagawa

(1) A 5-minute walk from Ishikawacho Station, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line/Negishi Line, Chinatown Exit
(2) A 7-minute walk from Kannai Station, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line/Negishi Line, South Exit

From Shibuya

(1) A 1-minute walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station, Exit 1, Yokohama Minatomirai Railway Line
(2) A 5-minute walk from Nihon-Odori Station, Exit 2, Stadium Exit, Yokohama Minatomirai Railway Line

  How did you find it? We've showcased the 2024 Spring Festival Illumination with photos captured by GTN staff members to give you a glimpse into the event. If you visit Yokohama Chinatown during the Lunar New Year, you'll surely immerse yourself in the traditional celebrations of the Lunar New Year. Don't miss the chance to experience it for yourself!  

And for more recommendations on spots and culinary delights, don't forget to check out the GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store's Instagram page!

GTN Haneda Airport Garden Instagram

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