Korokan Fukuoka Lights Festival 2026 at Korokan Square, Maizuru Park The Restored East Gate of the Korokan North Wing Opens to the Public for the First Time

Experience the World of Korokan, the Heian-Period Diplomatic Hub, Brought Back to Life through Light and Interactive Experiences!

Maizuru Park at night will transform into an immersive historical world.
Experience a 6-metre-long Illuminated Kentoshi Ship Replica, inspired by the vessels used by Japanese envoys to Tang China, Glowing Festival Stalls where ancient games are reimagined with modern technology, and Heian Gibier (game meat) cuisine inspired by the food culture of the Heian-period (794-1185).
Held to celebrate the public opening of the restored East Gate of the Korokan North Wing, a historic state guesthouse that once served as a hub for diplomacy and trade with continental Asia from ancient Japan through the Heian period, this special night-time event invites visitors to experience history through light, interactive activities and food.

Date&time: 

17 October (Sat.) to 25 October (Sun.) 2026
4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
*The food stall area will open at 12:00 noon on Saturdays and Sundays.
*Glowing Festival Stalls, Illuminated Play Area, Floor Mapping and Light-Painted Korokan Characters will be available from 6:00 pm.
 

★Highlights★
Experience the ancient Korokan at night through three themes: light, play and food.

01｜LIGHT UP

The restored East Gate of the Korokan North Wing and light installations inspired by the voyages of Kentoshi envoys transform Maizuru Park at night into a scene from ancient Japan.

◆ Korokan North Wing East Gate Illumination
The Restored East Gate Glows with Gentle Light
The East Gate of the North Wing, carefully restored after centuries of history, will be illuminated with delicate lighting that highlights its architectural beauty. Traditional lanterns will line the slope leading to the gate, creating a softly lit pathway that welcomes visitors.
*The East Gate illumination is scheduled to continue until Sunday, 8 November, even after the event has ended.

◆ Illuminated Kentoshi Ship Replica
A Ship of Light Celebrating Connections Across the Sea
An illuminated ship replica approximately 6 meters in length, modelled on a Kentoshi ship will be installed at the center of the food stall area. Serving as a symbolic centerpiece of the event, it evokes the historic exchanges between Japan and continental Asia.

02｜PLAY WITH LIGHT

An area where both adults and children can get active and enjoy games from ancient and Heian-period Japan, as well as illuminated play activities. All activities are free of charge."

◆ Glowing Festival Stalls 
Traditional Games from the Korokan Era 
Reimagined with Light Traditional games enjoyed in Japan and across East Asia during the ancient and Heian periods have been reimagined as illuminated festival attractions. Enjoy four hands-on activities: ball rolling, shell matching, arrow throwing, and top flicking.

◆ Illuminated Play Area
A Free-Play Space Filled with Glowing Fun
This playful area features glowing hula hoops, skipping ropes, kendama (a traditional Japanese cup-and-ball game) and building blocks that children can enjoy freely. Set beneath a giant full moon installation, it is a fun space for families to relax and play together.

◆ Light-Painted Korokan Characters
Draw the Characters of "Korokan" with Light
Using illuminated pens and long-exposure photography, visitors can draw the kanji characters for "Korokan" in mid-air with trails of light. The result is a unique nighttime photo that captures the magic of the event.

03｜TASTE THE FLAVORS OF THE HEIAN PERIOD

Inspired by the feasts  once enjoyed at Heian-period banquets, this food stall area offers a unique taste of history. Enjoy food and drink while admiring the illuminated displays throughout the venue.

◆ Heian Gibier Food Stalls
Experience Heian-Period Flavours in a Casual Food Stall Setting
Inspired by the dishes once served at Heian-period banquets, this food stall area features gibier dishes, sweets and drinks. Enjoy a taste of Heian dining culture in a relaxed festival atmosphere.

Free Admission
*Food, beverages and merchandise are available for purchase.

Korokan Fukuoka Lights Festival 2026 Enquiry Form

Korokan Fukuoka Lights Festival 2026 Official Website

Korokan Fukuoka Lights Festival 2026 Flyer (PDF)