Since 2010, a large-scale of illumination display appears in the JR Hakata City, right in front of the Hakata station. With over 800,000 lights being used to illuminate the entire station plaza, "Hikari no Machi (City of Lights in Japanese)" attracts many visitors for almost 2 months, from mid-November until New Year.
Brilliant Illuminations to Light Up the Winter in Hakata
As it approaches the end of the year, the surroundings of JR Hakata City, a large commercial complex in front of Hakata Station, transforms itself into "Hikari no Machi (City of Lights)". The entire area including the buildings and trees become beautifully decorated with over 800,000 lights to create this fairy tale world in the middle of bustling Hakata ward in Fukuoka city. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the illuminations and there is no admission fee. You can enjoy the display from 5pm until midnight every day from mid-November until the New Year. While enjoying these magical illuminations, explore an authentic Christmas market.
The Center Piece of “Hikari no Machi”, the 12-meter Christmas Tree and the Star-gazing on "LED Sky Screen"
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The center piece and one of the highlights of the illuminations is the 12 meter Christmas tree, that stands in the center of the station plaza. From the moment it's lit up on the opening night of the illuminations, Hakata gets wrapped up in the festive atmosphere of the upcoming holiday season. The Christmas tree is the symbol of the Hakata illuminations, and due to its size, its beauty can be enjoyed from anywhere in the area. Another attraction not to be missed is the "LED Sky Screen", the giant LED screen on the front wall of the JR Hakata City building. The screen displays wonderful light shows along a starry night motif. The City of Lights will provide the perfect backdrop for truly memorably photos from your trip to Japan.
Indulge Yourself in the Holiday Ambiance of the German Christmas Market
The City of Lights is also known for its authentic German Christmas Market. The German-style “Hütte (huts)” offer you a wide selection of hearty food, hot drinks and holiday-themed crafts imported from Europe. Do not forget to treat yourself with some of the must-have favorites, such as hot wine in a Christmassy mug, sweets, such as apple strudel and stollen, to experience the holiday spirit to the fullest. In the craft stands, you can find beautiful holiday decorations and ornaments which are the perfect gift for family and friends. Every night during the event period, there are various shows and concerts being held to entertain visitors of all ages, making it the perfect place to spend the winter nights with your loved ones.
The Lights of Hope – A message Conveyed Through the Illuminations
Every year the City of Lights has carried a meaningful message to its spectators. In 2017, it was presented through the concept of "In the Light", wishing that the lights of the illumination can bring hope, happiness and smiles to everyone gathered together. What will the message of this year’s illuminations be, you will just have to visit to find out, it is sure to be spectacular!
Send a Post Card From the Angel Post, Where the Angels Will Help Deliver Your Message of Love
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There is a heart-shaped post box outside the KITTE Hakata, a shopping complex by JR Hakata station. This unique post box was designed by Mr. Shinkyo Nakamura, a famous doll maker of the Hakata dolls, one of the famous local crafts in Hakata. He created this post box with the desire to help one’s feelings to be delivered to their important someone. You will find a golden arrow striking the heart and an angel watching from above to ensure that your message is delivered. On the lower part of the post box is a hole for letters designed for children, making it the first post box in Japan with 3 letter holes. While in Hakata, why don’t you write to your friends and family to tell them all about all your exciting adventures in Japan? Or if you want to be a little more romantic, borrow a little help from the angels and send a letter to your loved one!
Explore More of the Charms of Nearby Hakata
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Before going to see the illuminations at night, you could spend a whole day at the gigantic shopping centre “Canal City Hakata” and get all your Christmas shopping done. This 5 story complex has a 180 meter canal running through the middle with sweeping shaped buildings of striking colors reminiscent of flowing water. The canal creates a real sense of openness and the central fountain has water shows every 30 minutes from 10:00 in the morning until 22:00 at night. Being one of the biggest shopping malls in Kyusyu, the Canal City Hakata offers you an extraordinary shopping experience with its wide variety of shops, restaurants, cinema and musical theatres. You can truly get anything you need as a souvenir from Japan or for your Christmas shopping.
If you would like to see something more traditional, take a 15 minute walk from JR Hakata Station to the Kushida Shrine. It is a Shinto shrine founded in 757 and home to the city’s largest festival. The Hakata Gion Yamakasa is held in the shrine every year in July over 2 weeks. It is a modest-sized temple and right in the middle of the city; however you can feel the peacefulness as soon as you step through the red Torii gate and appreciate the simple yet solemn nature of Japanese Shinto culture on your visit to Hakata.
If you would like to see something more traditional, take a 15 minute walk from JR Hakata Station to the Kushida Shrine. It is a Shinto shrine founded in 757 and home to the city’s largest festival. The Hakata Gion Yamakasa is held in the shrine every year in July over 2 weeks. It is a modest-sized temple and right in the middle of the city; however you can feel the peacefulness as soon as you step through the red Torii gate and appreciate the simple yet solemn nature of Japanese Shinto culture on your visit to Hakata.
How to visit?
The venue of the illuminations is right in front of JR Hakata station. After getting off the train at JR Hakata Station, simply exit the Hakata Exit to go outside of the station and get to the plaza.
Address: 1-1 Hakata eki-chūōgai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka-ken 812-0012 Japan
Tel: +81 92-431-8484
Address: 1-1 Hakata eki-chūōgai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka-ken 812-0012 Japan
Tel: +81 92-431-8484
