Fukuoka Lights Festival 2026: Maizuru Park Illuminations

Discover Fukuoka Lights Festival 2026 at Maizuru Park! Enjoy free illuminations, projection mapping, and a glowing ancient ship from October 17–25.

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This October! Fukuoka Lights Festival 2026

Maizuru Park in Fukuoka will transform after dark for the Fukuoka Lights Festival 2026 (Hikari no Korokan Matsuri) from October 17 to 25, an event that celebrates the city's history as an international port since ancient times.

The free nighttime event brings the history of Korokan, once an important center for diplomacy and international exchange, to life through illuminations, projection mapping, interactive games, and food.

Among the highlights are a huge glowing ship inspired by Japan's ancient missions to China, a giant illuminated moon, and the first illumination of the reconstructed East Gate of Korokan's North Building.

Here are some of the highlights visitors can enjoy!

See a 6-Meter-Long Glowing Mission Ship

One of the festival's most eye-catching installations is a 6-meter-long illuminated ship inspired by the vessels used by Japanese missions to Tang China.

The glowing ship will stand in the center of the festival area, recalling the journeys that once connected Japan with the Asian continent.

Visitors will also find the Eternal Moon, a full-moon installation measuring approximately five meters in diameter.

The display is inspired by historical poetry about the moon associated with Korokan, creating a striking photo spot after sunset.

See the Reconstructed Korokan Gate Illuminated at Night

Another highlight is the newly reconstructed East Gate of Korokan's North Building, which will receive its first nighttime illumination during the event.

Soft lighting will highlight the architecture of the gate, while traditional lanterns will line the approach to create an atmospheric path through the historical site.

Even after the main festival ends on October 25, the East Gate illumination is scheduled to continue until November 8, 2026.

Visitors can also look for projection mapping along the walkway, where images inspired by Korokan and ancient voyages will appear beneath their feet.

Try Free Glowing Games Inspired by Ancient Japan

The festival isn't just about viewing the lights.

Visitors can take part in several free interactive games inspired by activities from ancient and Heian-period Japan and East Asia.

The glowing festival stalls include illuminated versions of ball rolling, shell matching, arrow tossing, and other traditional games.

There will also be a play area filled with glowing hula hoops, jump ropes, kendama, and building blocks beneath the giant moon installation.

Another activity combines illuminated pens with long-exposure photography, allowing visitors to create glowing Japanese characters in the night.

Guests can collect stamps while trying the different activities and visiting the reconstructed East Gate. Those who complete the required activities can receive an original commemorative gift.

Enjoy Heian-Inspired Food

After exploring the illuminations, visitors can stop by a food area inspired by Heian-period feasts.

Around 12 food and drink stalls are expected to appear, including stands serving game-meat dishes inspired by historical food culture.

Sweets, drinks, and other takeaway foods will also be available, making it easy to enjoy dinner or a snack while exploring the illuminated park.

Fukuoka Lights Festival 2026

Dates: October 17–25, 2026
Hours: 16:00–21:00
Weekend market hours: From 12:00
Illuminated games, play area, projection mapping, and light-writing experience: From 18:00
Venue: Korokan Square, Maizuru Park, Fukuoka City
Admission: Free
Food and merchandise require separate payment.
East Gate illumination: Scheduled to continue through November 8, 2026
Official website: https://lightfes-fukuoka.jp (Japanese)

Information and photo source: atpress

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Written by

MATCHA-NEWS

Let MATCHA share with you the latest information on Japan travel, tourist attractions, food, and entertainment.

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