This translation was prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
The Korokan Lights Festival 2026 takes place from Saturday, October 17 to Sunday, October 25 at Korokan Plaza in Maizuru Park, central Fukuoka. The nine-day event combines an illuminated historic gateway, a glowing ship, hands-on games and food stalls.
For an evening visit: arrive around sunset for the lights, or after 18:00 for the games and play area. Admission and the listed play activities are free; food, drinks and merchandise cost extra.
Korokan was a reception centre for visitors arriving from overseas in ancient Japan. Its remains lie within Maizuru Park, alongside the Fukuoka Castle ruins. A daytime history walk and an evening festival visit make a convenient combination.
The images below are previews or illustrative examples, not photographs of the 2026 festival in progress. The actual displays and food may differ.
The illuminated East Gate and glowing envoy ship
The restored East Gate of Korokan’s North Hall is the main historic landmark. Lanterns line the sloping approach, while lighting highlights the reconstructed architecture.
Walk through the lantern-lit approach
The East Gate illumination runs from 17:30 to 21:00 during the festival. For some background before visiting, see our guide to Fukuoka’s historic sites.
A ship recalling voyages to Tang China
A glowing balloon installation approximately 6 m long stands at the centre of the food-stall area. Its design evokes the ships that carried Japanese envoys to Tang China, connecting the festival to Korokan’s history of exchange across the sea.
Free light-up games and a play area
The festival is not just for viewing lights. Children and adults can try games inspired by ancient Japanese and East Asian pastimes, or use glowing play equipment. Both areas operate from 18:00 to 21:00.
Four games and a stamp rally
The four game stalls offer ball rolling, shell matching, arrow tossing into a pot, and flicking game pieces at targets. Participation is free, but each time slot has a limited number of places, allocated on a first-come basis.
Stamp rally, 18:00–21:00: pick up a stamp card at the headquarters tent, collect stamps through the games and visit the East Gate for another stamp. Commemorative gifts are awarded according to the stamps collected. Quantities are limited, so a gift is not guaranteed.
Play beneath a giant moon
The play area provides glowing hula hoops, skipping ropes, kendama (cup-and-ball toys) and building blocks. A moon-shaped balloon approximately 5 m in diameter forms a striking backdrop.
Food stalls inspired by Heian-period feasts
The Heian Gibier food-stall area serves game-meat dishes inspired by the food culture of the Heian period, alongside sweets and drinks. These are modern festival dishes, rather than a recreation of a specific historic menu.
Food stalls open from 16:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and 12:00 to 21:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. The noon opening applies to food stalls only: the games and play area still begin at 18:00. All food and drinks are paid separately.
Getting there and planning your visit
The venue is Korokan Plaza, Maizuru Park, 1-1 Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka. On the Fukuoka Subway Airport Line, it is approximately 7 minutes on foot from Akasaka Station or 12 minutes from Ohori-koen Station.
Use public transport, as the surrounding area is expected to be busy. Park paths include steep slopes, stairs and uneven ground; wear comfortable walking shoes. Nearby Ohori Park is an option for a daytime walk before the evening event.
| Dates | October 17–25, 2026, inclusive |
|---|---|
| Main event hours | 16:00–21:00; individual attractions have different start times |
| Weekend food stalls | 12:00–21:00, Saturdays and Sundays only |
| Games and play area | 18:00–21:00 |
| Admission | Free; food, drinks and merchandise are charged separately |
| Venue | Maizuru Park, Korokan Plaza |
| Organizer | Fukuoka City |
Weather, disasters or other circumstances may cause changes, interruptions or cancellation. Check the event’s current announcements before travelling.
Check festival updates on the official English website
For a family evening out, allow time for both the lantern-lit gate and the games rather than arriving just before the 21:00 finish. The play area also offers a light-writing activity, with illuminated trails captured in long-exposure photographs.
