Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.
Hakata Old Town Light-up Walk 2026: Sennen Koya
A majestic illumination event that lights up the temples and shrines of Hakata Old Town.
Within walking distance of Hakata Station, Hakata Old Town preserves historic temples, shrines, and streetscapes that keep more than a thousand years of Hakata's history alive. The annual Hakata Old Town Light-up Walk draws many visitors with a rare chance to visit temples illuminated at night. Historic temple buildings and gardens are bathed in colorful light, creating a majestic, dreamlike atmosphere quite unlike their daytime appearance.
Each temple has a distinct character. In the Gokusho and Reisen areas, Jotenji Temple has close ties to the origins of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, while Tochoji Temple features a five-story pagoda. In the Gofukumachi area, Myotenji Temple enshrines a treasure ship believed to bring abundant blessings, and Kaigenji Temple is home to an imposing statue of Enma, the King of Hell.
The lighting theme for 2026 is "STARS—A Constellation of Light Journeying Through the Ages and Illuminating the Future."
Take your time exploring Hakata Old Town on a long autumn evening, and find a display of light that will stay with you as a personal memory.
Some venues require admission, while others are free, and advance admission tickets are also available. Event and ticket details vary by year, so check the official website before visiting.
Highlights
-
An autumn illumination event set in Hakata Old Town.
-
The lighting theme for 2026 is "STRAS—A Constellation of Light Journeying Through the Ages and Illuminating the Future."
-
Special access to temples and shrines with illuminated buildings and gardens.
-
Lighting displays that make the most of each temple's architecture and gardens.
-
Both free and paid venues, with admission tickets also available in advance.
Photos
-
The buildings, glowing dreamlike amid colorful lights, are a must-see (Tochoji Temple)
-
The interiors take on an even more majestic atmosphere (Kaigenji Temple)
-
A rare opportunity to visit historic temples and shrines at night (Jotenji Temple)
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 博多旧市街ライトアップウォーク 2026千年煌夜
- Location
- Gokusho and Reisen areas: Around Gion Station on the Subway Airport Line; Gofukumachi area: Around Gofukumachi Station on the Subway Hakozaki Line
- Phone
- 092-419-1012 (Attractions Promotion Section, Planning and Promotion Division, General Affairs Department, Hakata Ward)
- Dates
- Held annually in autumn. In 2026: October 31 (Saturday)–November 3 (Tuesday, national holiday)
- Admission
- Pass for all paid venues: Standard tickets cost 2,450 yen (digital) or 2,500 yen (paper), with other options available. Free for junior high school students and younger (must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).
- Access
-
A 4-minute walk from Gion Station on the Subway Airport Line (Jotenji Temple)
A 4-minute walk from Gofukumachi Station on the Subway Hakozaki Line (Hongakuji Temple) - Official website
- Official website (Japanese)