Countries
Confucius Festival
1
Sep
Date
1 Sep (Tuesday)
Time
Sep 1 – 30
Venue
Nagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of China, 10-36 Ouramachi
Nagasaki, Japan
📝 Useful Information
In Nagasaki, there are two primary ways to celebrate the Confucius Festival (Koushi-sai), depending on the time of year. While the dedicated festival for Confucius’s birthday occurs in September, the Confucius Shrine also plays a central role in the city's massive Lantern Festival every winter.
This is the official ceremony celebrating the birth of Confucius (551 BC), the founder of Confucianism.
While not exclusively for Confucius, the Confucius Shrine is one of the main venues for this massive winter tradition.
Would you like to know more about the specific performance schedule for the face-changing shows or details on the Museum of Chinese History located on the shrine grounds?
1. Confucius Festival (Annual Birthday Celebration)
2. Nagasaki Lantern Festival (Winter Event)
Visiting Information
•Date: Traditionally held on a Saturday afternoon in mid-September.
•Location: Nagasaki Confucius Shrine (Koshibyo), the only authentic Chinese-style Confucius shrine in Japan built by Chinese people.
•Type: Traditional/Cultural Festival.
•Description: The event features a reproduction of Ming Dynasty rituals, including the "Sekiten" ceremony. A key highlight is the traditional offering of three sacrificial animals—one ox, one pig, and one goat—presented in front of the Great Hall. Visitors can also see lion dances and other traditional performing arts.
•Cost: Standard shrine admission is typically 660 yen (includes museum entry).
•Next Dates: February 6 – February 23, 2026.
•Location: Across Nagasaki City, with major displays at the Confucius Shrine.
•Type: Winter Illumination/Cultural Festival.
•Description: During this time, the shrine is beautifully illuminated with thousands of lanterns. It serves as a major stage for popular performances like Henmen (Chinese face-changing masks), Jaodori (Dragon Dances), and Chinese acrobatics.
•Special Features: Visitors can participate in candlelight prayers at the shrine's power spots or experience traditional Hanfu dress rentals.
•Hours: Generally 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (open later during the Lantern Festival).
•Access: Take a tram from JR Nagasaki Station toward Sofukuji, transfer at Shinchi Chinatown for a tram bound for Ishibashi, and alight at Oura Tenshudo Tram Stop.
Updated at 18 Mar 2026