A 6-Metre Light Ship at Hikari no Korokan Festival

The East Gate of Korokan’s North Hall is opening to the public for the first time after its restoration, and gentle lighting will bring out the shape of the reconstructed entrance 👀 Lanterns line the slope leading up to it, making the approach part of the experience. Korokan once served as a diplomatic reception centre for visitors and trade from across the sea, so this is a chance to meet that history at its actual setting.

At the centre of the food-stall area, look for an illuminated ship modelled on the vessels used by Japanese envoys to Tang China. At about 6 metres long, it gives the festival a striking focal point. Would you rather start at the restored gate or the light ship? Begin at the gate if you want the historical setting first, then follow the lantern-lit route toward the ship 🙂

The illuminated stalls rework games from ancient Japan and East Asia into four activities: rolling a ball, shell matching, throwing arrows and flicking tops. Nearby, a play area offers glowing hoops, jump ropes, kendama and building blocks beneath a full-moon object. All the hands-on activities are free, so you can try them without paying an activity fee.

There is also a light-writing experience: use a glowing pen and a long-exposure photograph to draw the characters for Korokan in a trail of light. The stalls, play area and light-writing activity begin later than the event’s general opening, so plan your arrival around what you most want to try. If you have room for one playful stop, choose the light-writing experience for a photo that records the characters in light 🤭

The food-stall area takes inspiration from dishes served at Heian-era banquets, with game meat at its centre alongside sweets and drinks. It offers a way to explore the festival through food while looking around at the light displays. Do you want a hands-on game or a taste of the banquet-inspired menu? Choose the games for free activities; food and shopping cost extra.

Entry is free and no reservation is required, while purchases at the stalls are paid. Maizuru Park’s Korokan Plaza is about a five-to-eight-minute walk from several nearby bus stops, and the subway stations listed for the event are about an eight-minute walk away; either option saves you from searching for parking. The event runs across nine days, so head to the restored gate first and follow its lantern-lit approach into the festival 👌