Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival Ticket Reservations (Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Event)
- A fall event in Kitakyushu, one of Japan's New Three Major Night View Cities! Enjoy a magical space illuminated by 30,000 bamboo lanterns at Kokura Castle.
- The event is themed around turning 'bamboo damage into bamboo treasure' and 'citizen power,' reflecting the wishes of the local community.
- Download the KKday app to easily and affordably book unique local experiences on your travels! No issuance fees! Enjoy smooth entry with your e-ticket.
- This ticket includes admission to Kokura Castle and Kokura Castle Garden, in addition to the Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern event.
For tickets for daytime admission to Kokura Castle and Kokura Castle Garden only, click here (Bamboo Lantern event admission is not included).
Package Options
Attraction Tickets
| Exhibit type | Traditional culture exhibits |
| Attraction type | History & culture |
| Transport convenience | Near city center |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
- Event Information -
Event Dates: October 23 (Fri) - November 3 (Tue/Holiday), 2026 *Held for 12 days
Hours: 18:00 Open / 21:00 Close (Last entry 20:30)
*Cancelled in case of rain or severe weatherLocation: Kokura Castle Keep Plaza, Toramon Gate, History Road, Kokura City Center (Uomachi area)
Admission: 1,000 JPY
*Free for elementary school students and younger (must be accompanied by a guardian)
*Includes admission to Kokura Castle and Kokura Castle Garden (valid on the day of visit only)
Please bring your own ignition tool, such as a long-nozzle gas lighter. Let's light them together!
This autumn event in Kitakyushu City, which has been selected as one of Japan's New Top Three Night View Cities, features 30,000 lit bamboo lanterns and other items at Kokura Castle, creating a magical atmosphere.
Area Map
【How to use your KKday swipe-type e-ticket】After purchase, a swipe-style voucher will be issued. Please do not perform the swipe operation until you are at the reception on the day of your visit. Please be aware that once swiped, the ticket will be marked as used.
Purchase Notice
- Tripods are prohibited throughout the venue. However, monopods are permitted.
- Pets are not allowed.
- There are no discounts available for individuals with disabilities. Thank you for your understanding.
- Admission is free for elementary school students and younger (must be accompanied by a guardian).
Includes/Excludes
- Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Viewing Fee
- Kokura Castle and Kokura Castle Garden Admission Ticket
- Other expenses not mentioned above
Reminders
Please enter the venue through the Kokura Castle 'Toramon Gate'.
Please do not touch the bamboo lanterns.
Please note that there are no discounts for people with disabilities.
The venue closes at 21:00, so please note that entry and ticket purchases are only available until 20:20. (All visitors must exit by 21:00.)
There will be no refunds even if the event is cancelled due to rain (including cancellations during the performance). We ask that you please come back on another day.
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please click on the redemption link in the order confirmation email, enter the verification code (skip this step if you have already logged in), and follow the on-site staff's instructions to complete the Swipe to Redeem process
Voucher Redemption Period
- Valid for redemption within the specified period: 2026-10-23 ~ 2026-11-03; Invalid after expiration
Experience Location
Location Name: Kokura Castle (Please enter via the Toramon Gate)
Address: 2-1, Jonai, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 803-0813Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation is available for unused vouchers until 2026-11-03 (inclusive)
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. What's special about the 'Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival' and is it worth visiting?
The Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival is a grand autumn event in Kitakyushu City, combining the charm of Japan's New Three Major Night Views. Approximately 30,000 bamboo lanterns will be lit, creating a dreamlike night landscape perfect for evening viewing and photography. The festival's theme blends environmental conservation and community participation, allowing you to experience local culture and spirit while enjoying the beautiful scenery, making it a unique and meaningful experience.
2. How long does it typically take to visit the 'Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival'?
The time required to visit the Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival varies depending on individual walking pace and how often you stop for photos. It's generally recommended to allocate 1.5 to 2 hours to leisurely admire all the bamboo lantern installations, soak in the atmosphere, and participate in any potential surrounding activities. If you also plan to visit Kokura Castle or Kokura Castle Gardens at the same time, you'll need to set aside additional time.
3. What is the best way to travel from Hakata to the 'Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival' venue?
The most convenient way to get from Hakata to the Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival venue is by JR Shinkansen (bullet train). The Shinkansen from Hakata Station takes approximately 15-20 minutes to reach Kokura Station. Upon arrival at Kokura Station, Kokura Castle is about a 15-20 minute walk, or you can take a local bus. It's advisable to check the Shinkansen schedule in advance for a smooth journey.
4. What are the main highlights and unique experiences of the 'Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival'?
The main highlight of the Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival is the enchanting landscape illuminated by 30,000 bamboo lanterns at night, creating a unique Japanese aesthetic and mysterious atmosphere. You can stroll around Kokura Castle, admiring art installations of bamboo lanterns in various shapes and patterns. In addition to the lanterns themselves, the event often incorporates light projections and music, enriching the overall experience.
5. Are there recommended routes to fully experience the 'Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival'?
It's recommended to start from the main keep's plaza at Kokura Castle and follow the walking paths around the castle to gradually appreciate the bamboo lantern installations in different areas. Many sections will feature themed zones or interactive displays; you can explore by following the signs. Consider planning time to enter Kokura Castle Gardens as well, as they may also have unique lighting arrangements. Take a moment to pause in each area and absorb the different nighttime scenery.
6. What is the atmosphere and thematic concept of the 'Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival'?
The Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival creates an extremely dreamlike and poetic night atmosphere, infusing the ancient castle with a modern artistic touch through the warm glow of bamboo lanterns. Its themes, such as 'Transforming Bamboo Harm into Bamboo Wealth' and 'Community Power,' convey the environmental concept of transforming excess local bamboo into artistic resources, while also showcasing the spirit of community residents participating together and uniting their strength.
7. Does purchasing a ticket for the 'Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival' allow simultaneous entry to Kokura Castle and Kokura Castle Gardens?
Tickets for the Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival primarily cover the nighttime bamboo lantern exhibition. Generally, the festival ticket does not include daytime admission to the main keep of Kokura Castle or Kokura Castle Gardens. If you wish to visit the interior facilities of Kokura Castle and its gardens during the day, you will need to purchase separate daytime tickets. The festival ticket grants access to the beautiful bamboo lantern scenery around the castle during the evening event hours.
8. Besides the bamboo lantern exhibition, what other surrounding activities are worth looking forward to at the 'Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival'?
In addition to the core art installations of 30,000 bamboo lanterns, the Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern Festival typically features a series of surrounding activities. These may include traditional performing arts, local specialty food stalls, or hands-on craft workshops. These activities are designed to enrich the visitor experience, allowing you to delve deeper into Kitakyushu's cultural charm and festive atmosphere while enjoying the illuminated scenery. Specific activity content may vary each year.
