【2025-2026】Illumination and Light-up Spots in Fukuoka

Lighting up is a symbol of winter. Projetion mapping of colorful and vivid light arts are factastic in Fukuoka. We would like to share thoes beautiful light-up information for Christmas to new years. Please note that the design prejection mappings are subject to change without notice.

*The images are from past events. The specific designs and scale of the light installations are subject to change.

Information for 2025–2026 will be updated as it becomes available.

Illumination and Light-up Events in the Fukuoka Area

Christmas Advent

The Christmas Advent was launched in 2013 with the goal of becoming the no. 1 end-of-year celebration of its kind in Japan. During it, numerous locations throughout the city are connected through illumination installations, creating a "belt of light" linking JR Hakata Station Square, Fukuoka City Hall West Side Fureai Plaza, Tenjin Central Park, Kihinkan Hall, Fukuoka Daimaru Elgarra Passage Square, Fukuoka Airport, Nakasu Kibo-no Hikari (the Nakasu Light of Hope stretching throughout Nakasu Chuo, Nakagawa, and Meiji streets, and the Fukuhaku Deai Bridge), as well as other areas.

Schedule: November 1 - December 25, 2025
*Some spots will stay open until the following year.

Christmas Advent

WINTER LIGHT FANTASY ILLUMINATION

This illumination event that brightens up the winter season will be held at the MIZUHO PayPay Dome FUKUOKA, the surrounding Hawks Garden, the BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA complex, MARK IS fukuoka-momochi, and the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk. A great opportunity to enter a world of wonder in the heart of Fukuoka.

Schedule: November 24, 2025 - January 12, 2026

Ohori Park Winter Illumination

Ohori Park, a beloved oasis for Fukuoka residents, is known for its spacious grounds and tranquil atmosphere. The Ohori Park Winter Illumination, launched in 2010 as part of a community initiative to promote better manners and civic pride, has since become a cherished winter tradition. The park transforms into a dazzling and magical space, offering a completely different charm from its daytime scenery.
Come and experience the enchanting atmosphere of Ohori Park illuminated by brilliant lights.

Schedule: December 1 – 25, 2025

Bayside Place Hakata

The annual winter illumination event will once again light up “Bayside Place Hakata.” Sparkling lights reflected on the sea and dazzling displays set against the port’s nightscape create a magical atmosphere across the bay area. Warm lights also glow inside the facility, where you can enjoy a relaxing moment in cafés and restaurants while gazing out over the illuminated harbor. Come and experience this romantic winter scenery woven by sea and light.

Schedule: October 31, 2025 – March 1, 2026

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Fukuoka Tower Christmas Illumination

Fukuoka’s iconic landmark, Fukuoka Tower, lights up with one of Japan’s largest Christmas trees—an impressive 108-meter display. Keep an eye out for the special moments when Santa Claus makes an appearance! The trees around the tower plaza are also illuminated in blue, creating a magical winter atmosphere. Don’t miss the stunning night view from the observation deck.

Schedule: November 7 – December 25, 2025

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Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk “Christmas Train”

During the Christmas season, Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk will once again host its annual “Christmas Train” exhibition event, which has been held every year since 2012. This year’s event will also take place in 2025. The highlight is a large-scale 2–3 meter-tall train-themed diorama.

Schedule: November 12, 2025– January 6, 2026

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ACROS Fukuoka Illumination

In the heart of Tenjin, Fukuoka City, the world of the “Kobitos” comes to life! The 2025 ACROS Fukuoka Illumination is a collaboration with the popular children’s book series Kobito Zukan, which has sold over 3.1 million copies.

Schedule: November 14, 2025 – February 1, 2026

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Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Fukuoka

The 2025 Winter Illumination at Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Fukuoka features the theme “Winter Dontaku.” The illumination at the 1F Oval Park has been renewed, transforming into a decoration full of local Fukuoka spirit. Step onto the drum-shaped stage covered by a dome of lights, and enjoy the music and changing colors of light. The effects vary by period, so you can experience something new each time you visit. The symbol tree is adorned with large, shimmering aurora-colored flowers that shine in the sunlight. Don’t miss the “FUKU♡KA” monument and the adorable mentaiko-shaped sofa—perfect photo spots!

Schedule: November 15, 2025 – February 3, 2026

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Uminaka Candle Night

A beloved winter tradition at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, Uminaka Candle Night returns in 2025 with the design theme “A Happy Christmas Connected by Light.” Candle art designs selected through a public contest will form a massive 100-meter-wide ground display of shimmering lights.

Schedule: December 13–14, December 20–21, and December 24–25, 2025

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Ohori Park Japanese Garden “SORA”

A new sensory art event that combines a traditional Japanese garden with digital technology. From around sunset until 22:00, projection mapping is displayed throughout the garden, creating a unique atmosphere composed of eight different contents.

Schedule: Permanent installation

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Illumination and Light-up Events in the Kitakyushu Area

Mojiko Retro Roman Tosai Illumination 2025

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the sight of the entire Mojiko Retro area lit up with dazzling colors. A collaboration of lights and historic wharf structures, Mojiko Retro Roman Tosai will engulf Mojiko Retro in the fantastical, soft light of 300,000 bulbs. The amazing view from the Mojiko Retro Observatory is also worth checking out.

Schedule: October 4, 2025 – May 24, 2026

Kokura Castle Takeakari

Kitakyushu City is home to some of the largest bamboo forests in Japan, including the luxurious Oma variety used in traditional Japanese restaurants in Kyoto. However, forgotten and untended bamboo forests have recently become an issue in Kitakyushu, leading to ecological deterioration. To help preserve the city’s mountains, in 2019, large swathes of bamboo were cut to make lanterns, leading to the launch of the Kokura Castle Takeakari festival where 30,000 takeakari (bamboo lanterns) light up the area around the castle tower square, creating a dignified and mystical atmosphere.

Schedule: October 24- November 3, 2025

Kanmon Straits Candle Night

The Kanmon Straits Candle Night event is held in the Mojiko Retro district of Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, and the Karato district of Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, which face each other across the Kanmon Straits. The annual event, which started in Kitakyushu City’s Moji Ward, was later joined by Shimonoseki City on the other side of the strait and is a unique candlelight event that flickers to life simultaneously in the two cities. During the event, elaborate candles light up both venues, creating a mystical scenery that transports you to a world of wonder.

Schedule: November 15, 16, 2025

Kokura Illumination 2025

Corporations, organizations, and governmental bodies work together to light up 20 areas in Kokura, including the Murasaki River where light reflects magically on the water, as well as the JR Kokura Station area where each facility puts up its own unique light installation. At the opening ceremony, the lights are turned on as the gathered crowd makes a toast. The Kokura Illumination 2023 also includes other dazzling festivities that make it feel like cherry blossom viewing in winter.

Schedule: November 21, 2025 - February 15, 2026

Wakamatsu Illumination

The warm glow of the lanterns combined with the illuminated lights creates a magical atmosphere, coloring the night in Wakamatsu.

Schedule: October 1, 2025 - January 12, 2026

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Buzen Illumination Station

With the concept of "Energizing the Town from the Station," this illumination event is centered at the “Train Viewing Park” next to JR Ushima Station. Popular for its SNS-worthy displays, it delights not only local residents but also train passengers and visitors using Ushima Station.

Schedule: December 20, 2025 – January 30, 2026

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Illumination and Light-up Events in the Chikugo Area

Ishibashi Cultural Center Winter Illumination – “Museum of Light”

In 2026, the Ishibashi Cultural Center will celebrate its 70th anniversary, and a new winter attraction is set to debut! The winter illumination event “Museum of Light”, produced by nightscape critic and illumination producer Motoo Marumaru, will be held for the first time.

Schedule: November 22 – December 27, 2025, every day except Mondays, January 3 - 18, 2026, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only

Kurume Lightsival "Hotomeki Fantasy"

The Kurume Lights Festival "Hotomeki Fantasy" features light installations made up of 400,000 bulbs primarily located at the East Exit square of Nishitetsu Kurume Station and Meiji Street (between the Mutsumon and Kurume Nishitetsu Station crossings). The festival also features photo spots that are bound to go viral on social media, such as the Tunnel of Light, Star Bench, and the Golden Corridor. Other highlights of the festival include a lighting ceremony, stage shows, food and drink stalls, and other fun events.

Schedule: December 6, 2025 - February 15, 2026

#Winter in Sanshika

A winter illumination event honoring Sanshika, a Fukuoka Prefecture-designated cultural property also called the "Shōka Sonjuku of Chikugo," and commemorating the virtues of Maki Izuminokami Yasuomi, a loyalist activist of the late Edo period who lived there for about 10 years.

Schedule: December 5–7 and December 12–13, 2025 – 5 days in total

Omuta★Illuminare

Omuta’s popular winter event, “Omuta★Illuminare,” brightens up the city with colorful lights. Around 15 locations, including Omuta Station and the Shin-Sakaemachi area, are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for an evening stroll.

Schedule: December 5, 2025 – January 31, 2026

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Ogori City Illumination

The symbol of Nishitetsu Ogori Station, the "Kirameki Tower," is illuminated during the illumination period, with a lighting ceremony on the first day.

Schedule: December 7, 2025 - February 14, 2026

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Illumination and Light-up Events in the Chikuho Area

Michi-no-Eki Otou Sakura Kaidou Illumination

With approximately 650,000 bulbs lighting up one of the largest roadside stations in western Japan, the illumination at Michi no Eki Oto Sakura Kaido has become a major winter feature of Oto Town. The theme of the light installations changes each year to offer a unique and exciting experience and is kept under wraps until the lighting ceremony. Numerous food stalls are set up during the event so that visitors can enjoy the lights together with wonderful food.

Schedule : November 22, 2025 – February 1, 2026

Nogata IlluminationIllumination

This year, 2025, the illumination will feature 180,000 lights, continuing from last year! The theme is "Lighting the Path to the Future with the Light of Hope." The numerous lights are sure to inspire hope for everyone.

Schedule: November 23, 2025 – January 12, 2026

Seisui Temple's Bamboo Lanterns

This year-end tradition of Miyawaka City features bamboo lanterns crafted by hand, each decorated with intricate carvings. The entire area is enveloped in the magical glow of flickering bamboo lights. On New Year’s Eve, visitors can also ring the Joya-no-Kane bell.

Schedule: December 29, 2025 – January 2, 2026

Winter Gourmet in Fukuoka to Enjoy Alongside the Illuminations!

While Hiroshima and Miyagi are both known for their oyster production, there are actually many spots around Fukuoka we recommend if you want to enjoy oysters in Kyushu. Here we will introduce the various oyster brands you can try in each area, and the best way to grill them! The easiest way to fully enjoy freshly caught oysters is at an oyster hut.