Events Shimabara Hinameguri Jan 21 – Mar 10, Shimabara City Traditional dolls are displayed in celebration of Girls Day throughout Shimabara City’s “Castle Town.” Enjoy the displays, decorations and celebrations, while perusing the festival’s limited edition peach-themed goods. 8 visit-nagasaki.com/spots/detail/91 Hirado Flounder Festival Jan 1 – Mar 31, Hirado Hirado is known nationwide as one of the top Japanese producers of flounder. During this peak season, restaurants across the city offer quality, freshly caught flounder at limited-time reduced prices. Come enjoy the fresh fish at its most delicious! 8 visit-nagasaki.com/spots/detail/90 Nomozaki Daffodil Festival Jan 9 – 31, Nagasaki City Bask in the splendour of 10 million daffodils in full bloom! The Nomozaki Daffodil Park offers a breath taking view of the sea and surrounding islands. Juxtaposed against the ocean of blooming daffodils, it makes for a magnificent sight to behold. 8 visit-nagasaki.com/spots/detail/89 Nagasaki Lantern Festival Feb 8 – 22, Nagasaki City The warm light of thousands of lanterns cut through the cold in February! In celebration of Chinese New Year, Nagasaki is illuminated with a myriad of parades nagazasshi | January/February 2016
and displays of traditional Chinese lanterns. Although particularly present in Nagasaki’s bustling central arcade, city squares throughout the city become the site of massive lantern displays, accompanied by cultural parades through the streets. 8 visit-nagasaki.com/spots/detail/92 Burning of the fields of Kawachitôge Pass February 7, Hirado Every year, Hirado heralds the coming of spring by burning the grass fields of the Kawachi-tôge pass, and area of around 30 hectares. Locals flock to the pass to witness the unique spectacle of the flaming fields. The Kawachi-tôge Pass also offers a panoramic view of the Ninety-nine Islands, the beginning of the Genkai Sea and Iki and Tsushima Islands. 8 visit-nagasaki.com/spots/detail/631 Goto Tsubaki Festival Feb 14 – Mar 31, Fukue, Goto Islands The Goto Islands are known for being abundant with natural forests of camellia trees (tsubaki), which are an essential ingredient in many local products. The festival celebrates the camellias coming into full bloom and includes guided tours of said forests, as well as bargains on food and souvenirs in Fukue’s central marketplace. 8 www.gotokanko.jp/contents/free _page/index9.php
photo Takayuki Odawara
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