Kyushu in Winter: Gorgeous Lights, Fireworks, and Seasonal Activities

Discover the Charm of Kysuhu in Winter

Located in southwestern Japan, the Kyushu region is an exciting winter getaway full of surprises.

Although the average temperature in December is 12°C (54°F), with the most snowfall accumulating on the island's tallest mountain peaks, Kyushu is still a wonderful winter destination.

Gorgeous illumination displays, ski resorts, winter fireworks, and hot springs are just some of the winter highlights in Kyushu. Read on to learn some of the best things to enjoy on a winter trip.

16 Winter Activities in Kyushu

Fukuoka
1. Hakata City of Lights and Christmas Market
2. Canal City Illumination Event
Saga
3. Mifuneyama Rakuen
4. Saga Light Fantasy
5. Ureshino Hot Spring Festival
6. New Year Event at Yutoku Inari Shrine
Nagasaki
7. Huis Ten Bosch - Winter Night Fireworks
8. Shimanose Park Winter Market
9. Nagasaki Lantern Festival
Kumamoto
10. Christmas Market Kumamoto
11. Gokase Highland Ski Resort
Kagoshima
12. Minato Odori Park Illumination
Miyazaki
13. Ebino Ice Skating Rink
14. 6 Raccoon Café Society
Oita
15. Bungo Futamigaura Illumination and New Year Event
16. Winter Sports at Kuju Forest Park Skiing Area

1. Hakata City of Lights & Christmas Market

Photo by Pixta

Every winter, Fukuoka draws thousands of visitors to the popular City of Lights event, one of the most famous winter light displays in all of Kyushu.

This exciting illumination event includes the dazzling Forest of Light at Tenjin Central Park and JR Hakata Station’s iconic Christmas Market.

Visitors can enjoy the City of Lights from November 1 to December 25 in correspondence with the celebration of Advent. City of Lights' nighttime displays can be found in various locations on a path known as the “belt of light.”

Be sure to check Fukuoka City’s official tourism guide (Japanese) for more details.

Hakata City of Lights
November 1 - December 25
Fukuoka, Chuo Ward, Tenjin, 1 Chome-1 Map

2. Canal City Illumination Event

Photo by Pixta

In the heart of Fukuoka’s bustling Hakata area is the multi-story shopping mall, Canal City, where the Canal City Illumination Event is held every year.

Every night from November to February, visitors gather in the mall’s open-air auditorium to enjoy the colorful light display and dancing water features.

In addition to being one of Fukuoka City’s most popular shopping malls, Canal City hosts a colorful light display with dancing water features year-round, often featuring special events. The Canal City Illumination event is a winter-themed show that is the perfect winter activity to enjoy in Fukuoka this holiday season.

Canal City Illumination
November 25 - February 28
Fukuoka, Hakata Ward, Sumiyoshi, 1 Chome-2 Map

3. Mifuneyama Rakuen

Photo by Pixta

Mifuneyama Rakuen is a popular outdoor attraction located in Takeo, Saga. This attraction boasts scenic natural views with countless trees and flowers that remain breathtaking even in the winter months.

Located 15 minutes by car from Takeo-Onsen Station (the newest stop on the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen route between Nagasaki Station and Hakata Station) Mifuneyama Rakuen is a great place to view calming snowscapes in a region where snowfall is rare. December 8, Mifuneyama Rakuen will be open for its annual winter viewing.

Mifuneyama Rakuen
December 8 - March 13
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saga, Takeo, Takeocho Oaza Takeo 4100 Map

4. Saga Light Fantasy

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Saga Light Fantasy is a series of exciting events that take place in the Tojin neighborhood of Saga City. Visitors are invited to participate in the festivities by walking along a route that begins at Saga Station.

Nearby attractions include Saga Shrine, the Saga Castle Ruins, and the Saga Balloon Museum, which houses hot air balloon displays. Starting in early November, visitors will have the chance to participate in a Citywalk Stamp rally in addition to other special events, such as a tree lighting ceremony, a Christmas parade, and several illumination displays.

Saga Light Fantasy
December 20 - Main Christmas Event
Saga, Ekimae Chuo, 1 Chome-11 Map (*Exit through the South Exit)

5. Ureshino Hot Spring Festival

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Nicknamed the “Happy Warm Festival,” the Ureshino Hot Spring Festival is held in the town of Ureshino, which is one hour by car from Saga City. Ureshino is famous for its relaxing hot springs and a local delicacy called Onsen Yudofu.

This festival is held every year in the areas surrounding Ureshino Onsen Park. Unique attractions include a heart-shaped lantern and one-hundred lanterns with Haiku poems written on them. Visitors can enjoy illuminations by the riverside and spend the night warming up in their hot spring of choice.

*Please note that the annual Catfish Lantern event will not be held in 2024.

Ureshino Onsen Park
January 27 - February 12
Saga, Ureshino, Ureshinomachi Oaza Shimono Ko-12-1 Map

6. Yutoku Inari Shrine

Photo by Pixta

Yutoku Inari Shrine is a hidden gem that attracts thousands of domestic visitors throughout the year. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in visiting Saga this holiday season.

The best way to access Yutoku Inari Shrine is to rent a car from Saga City and drive 57 minutes to Kashima City. Yutoku Inari Shrine is famous for its dazzling red lacquer architecture and breathtaking seasonal foliage, and the annual fire-making ceremony.

More winter events include New Year's Eve and January 1. During these dates, hundreds of visitors come to the shrine and pray to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

Yutoku Inari Shrine
December 8 (Fire-making event)
Saga, Kashima, Furueda 1855 Map

7. Huis Ten Bosch - Winter Night Fireworks

Photo by Pixta

The winter extravaganza Winter Night Fireworks held at Kyushu’s largest Dutch-theme resort, Huis Ten Bosch, is one of Kyushu’s main winter attractions. The Winter Night Fireworks is part of the biggest illumination event in all of Kyushu.

This year’s award-winning event includes the Silvery-White Wonderland illuminating ceremony, a spectacular water display known as the Aurora Garden of Lights, and the Winter Nights Fireworks event.

Huis Ten Bosch is a popular destination that is the perfect date spot for anyone looking for an awe-inspiring romantic getaway this winter.

For ticket details and more information, please visit the official Huis Ten Bosch website (English).

Huis Ten Bosch - Winter Night Fireworks
January 29 - February 2, 8, 22 23
Nagasaki, Sasebo, Huis Ten Bosch Machi 1-1 Map

8. Shimanose Park Winter Market

Photo by Pixta

Sasebo is famous for being the home of the Saikai National Park and the famous Sasebo Burger. But did you know that Sasebo is also where the Shimanose Park Winter Market is held?

Nicknamed the “Kira Kira Festival,” or the “sparkling” festival, the Shimanose Park Winter Market is an accumulation of colorful illumination displays that can be found around Sasebo’s downtown shopping district.

Visitors gather in the Yonkacho Shopping Center and nearby Shimanose Park to explore the winter market and enjoy various kid-friendly activities.

Shimanose Park Winter Market
November 29 - December 22
Nagasaki, Sasebo, Shimanosecho 6 Map

9. Nagasaki Lantern Festival

Photo by Pixta

The Nagasaki Lantern Festival is a must-see winter activity in Nagasaki. From late January to mid-February, in correspondence with the dates for the Chinese Lunar New Year, vibrant lantern displays will appear throughout Nagasaki City with the main event being held at the Minato Park in Shinchi Chinatown.

Depictions of animals in Chinese mythology and famous historical figures, in addition to more scenic lantern views, can be found in the areas surrounding the Spectacles Bridge (Meganebashi), one of Nagasaki City’s most famous attractions.

The Nagasaki Lantern Festival is one of the most exciting times of year to do sightseeing in Nagasaki.

Nagasaki Lantern Festival (Main Event)
January 29 - February 12
Nagasaki, Nagasaki City, Shinchimachi 7 Map

10. Christmas Market Kumamoto

Photo by Pixta

Christmas Market Kumamoto is an annual holiday event that started in 2018. The market is in three separate venues in Kumamoto City: Kumamoto Station, Suizenji Temple, and Hanabata Square.

Live performances by famous musicians such as the band ORANGE and a number of Kumamoto-born artists will be held at the Kumamoto Station venue.

At the Suizenji Temple and Hanabata Square venues, visitors will have the chance to choose from a selection of beverages and artisanal food stalls that can be accessed by riding the Kumamoto city tram.

Nearby attractions include Kumamoto Castle, one of the top three castles in Japan, and Suizenji Garden.

Christmas Market Kumamoto
*Please check the official website for specific venue dates (Japanese)
Kumamoto, Nishi Ward, Kasuga 3 Chome-15-1 Map (Kumamoto Station Venue)

11. Gokase Highland Ski Resort

Photo by Pixta

Located on the border between Miyazaki and Kumamoto prefectures, the Gokase Highland Ski Resort is one of the best places to see snow in Kyushu and participate in some action-packed winter activities.

The Gokase Highland Ski Resort, which has been branded “the southernmost ski resort in Japan,” will officially be open on December 20.

The friendly staff and generally good weather conditions make Gokase a popular choice for beginners. The best way to access this resort is by renting a car and driving 1.5 hours from Kumamoto City, or driving one hour from Takachiho.

Gokase Highland Ski Resort
Open from December 20
Miyazaki, Nishiusuki District, Gokase, Kuraoka 4647-171 Map

12. Minato Odori Park Illumination

Photo by Pixta

The Minato Odori Park Illumination event is the highlight of the seasonal displays in the Tenmonkan area of Kagoshima City. While the average temperature in Kagoshima sits at a warm 15°C (59°F) for most of December, there are still plenty of wintery things to see and do in the southernmost prefecture of Kyushu island.

The Minato Odori Park Illumination is a highly anticipated yearly event where dozens of elm trees are illuminated in the evening.

Minato Odori Park is within walking disance of Kagoshima Port, where visitors can take a ferry and see the famous Sakurajima Island and find the Kagoshima City Aquarium.

Minato Odori Park
December 1 - January 31
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Kagoshima, 5-1 Yasuicho Map

13. Ebino Ice Skating Rink

Photo by Pixta

An fun winter activity in Kyushu is ice skating at the Ebino Ice Skating Rink. The facility is located within driving distance of the Kirishima Kinkowan National Park, on the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefecture.

Starting in December, guests can enjoy ice skating at an elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level and rent skates for 1,700 yen. This family-friendly venue is an excellent outdoor activity to enjoy while exploring the nearby town of Kirishima.

Visitors to the Kirishima Kinkowan National Park often spend a relaxing evening in one of Ebino’s many traditional Japanese inns.

Ebino Ice Skating Rink
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Miyazaki, Ebino, Suenaga 1489 Map

14. 6 Raccoon Café Society

Photo by Yuka Van from 6 Racoon Cafe Society

Down the street from Miyazaki City’s lively Tachibana Street is 6 Raccoon Café Society, a coffee shop with a cozy atmosphere. The dishes and pastries are inspired by the diverse culinary scene owners Kotoe and Rocky experienced first-hand while living in Toronto.

In 2023, 6 Raccoon Café Society opened their brick-and-mortar store and began the annual tradition of displaying a vintage Christmas Village in their bay window.

In addition to seasonal items, patrons may enjoy a selection of comforting dishes such as a delicious Baileys latte or a slice of quiche. The friendly staff and festive decorations makes 6 Raccoon Café Society a great place to escape the cold this winter.

6 Raccoon Café Society
Monday - Friday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM (Special Winter Hours)
Sunday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Address: Miyazaki, Hiroshima Street, 1 Chome-3-6 Map

15. Bungo Futamigaura Illumination

Photo by Pixta

For history lovers looking for a truly unique winter activity in Kyushu, the Bungo Futamigaura rock formations are a must-visit. The massive 17-meter tall stones rest on the seashore just outside of Saiki, Oita.

These sacred stones are connected by the longest sacred rope in Japan. From December to the beginning of January, the Bungo Futamigaura are illuminated so that visitors may enjoy this geologic wonder during the darkest time of the year.

Surrounded by breathtaking views of the sea, Bungo Futamigaura is a popular destination for “Hatsuhinode,” the Japanese tradition of watching the sunrise on January 1.

Bungo Futamigaura Illumination
Oita, Saiki City Map

16. Winter Sports at Kuju Forest Park Skiing Area

Photo by Pixta

The Kuju Forest Park Skiing Area is a small ski resort that is located near the Kuju Mountain range in western Oita prefecture. A popular destination for snowboarders, this ski park is one of the best places in Kyushu to try skiing and snowboarding.

Nearby attractions include the Aso-Kuju National Park and the famous Aso volcano, Kyushu’s most active volcano. Visitors to the Kuju Forest Park may also enjoy spending a night in the hot spring town, Kurokawa Onsen, which is the best place to experience sitting in an outdoor hot spring surrounded by snow in Kyushu.

The Kuju Forest Park Skiing Area opens to the public on December 13.

Kuju Forest Park Ski Area
Oita, Kusu District, Kokonoe, Yutsubo 612-1 Map

Enjoy Winter in Kyushu

With so many reasons why southwestern Japan makes for a perfect winter getaway destination (despite being on average warmer than other parts of Japan), we hope that you have been inspired to explore a few of these locations.

Visit Kyushu this winter to enjoy the lights, scenery, and seasonal activities!

Main image by Pixta