The Unzen Tourism Association (雲仙市, Nagasaki Prefecture) will hold "雲仙涼花燈～地獄の夜詣～" (Unzen Ryokato: A Night Pilgrimage Through the Hells) at Unzen Onsen from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, August 23, 2026. The event is being held for the first time, transforming the grounds of the historic 温泉神社 (Unzen Shrine) at the heart of the hot spring town into an enchanting nighttime landscape illuminated by bamboo lights.
The event aims to draw overnight guests out into the onsen town after dark, enhancing the area's liveliness and enriching the overall stay experience. Bamboo spheres, lanterns, and large art installations come together to create a dreamlike atmosphere.
Event website: https://www.unzen.org/special-event/unzen_glowing_bamboo
Highlights of the Event
Bamboo and Flower-Ball Tunnel at the Torii Gate
At the entrance torii gate, a tunnel decorated with bamboo spheres (竹まり) and flower balls (華まり) greets visitors with an overwhelming presence. It also makes for a popular photo spot.
Reference image from a similar event held in another prefecture
Bamboo Light Sculptures in Front of the Shrine Hall
The main shrine hall, normally steeped in solemnity, is vividly adorned during the event with a variety of bamboo light sculptures. Designated photo spots are set up throughout the area.
Reference image from a similar event held in another prefecture
Bamboo and Artificial Flowers — A Contrast of Nature and Color
Decorations blending the rustic simplicity of bamboo with the vibrant color of artificial flowers are scattered throughout the venue. The distinctly Japanese aesthetic creates an extraordinary, elegant atmosphere.
Reference images from a similar event held in another prefecture
A Cool Summer Night — 5°C Cooler Than the Plains
Unzen Onsen sits at approximately 700 meters above sea level, making it noticeably cooler than lowland areas even in summer. Guests can stroll out in yukata after a bath and enjoy the gentle evening breeze alongside the special illuminated scenery.
Weekday Discount for Overnight Guests
A discounted admission rate is available on weekdays only for guests staying at local ryokan or hotels. The standard weekday price for high school students and older is ¥1,000; the accommodation discount brings it down to ¥800.
No discount applies to junior high school students and younger, as they already receive a flat rate.
Event Details
| Dates | Friday, June 26 – Sunday, August 23, 2026 |
| Hours | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM) |
| Closed | Wednesdays |
| Ticket Purchase | https://www.e-tix.jp/unzen_glowing_bamboo/ (Online sales begin June 20) |
| Admission | Weekdays (Mon–Thu): High school students and older: ¥1,000 / Junior and elementary school students: ¥500 / Preschool children: Free Weekends (Fri–Sun) & Holidays: High school students and older: ¥1,300 / Junior and elementary school students: ¥500 / Preschool children: Free Weekday overnight-guest discount (high school students and older): ¥800 |
| Venue | 温泉神社 (Unzen Shrine), 319 Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture |
| Parking | Free parking at the Memorial Hall, or nearby paid parking lots |
| Notes | The event proceeds rain or shine, except in severe weather. Cancellations will be announced by 3:00 PM on the day via the event website and Instagram. Children in elementary school and below must be accompanied by a guardian. Entry is permitted at any time up to last entry (9:30 PM). Guests are encouraged to stagger their arrival times. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Pets on a leash are welcome. |
