I visited Nagasaki Lantern Festival on 21st February 2015. First I went to Shinchi Chinatown, then left the crowds there and walked toward Oura Church. However my destination was not the church, but the Temple of Confucius. In the beginning of my trip I lamented the rainy weather, but once I visited this temple my impression changed. I was mesmerized by the mysterious sight of the dim lantern lights reflected on the wet stone pavement. If you ever come to Nagasaki Lantern Festival, I highly recommend visiting the Temple of Confucius!
- 1 min read
Temple of Confucius in Nagasaki
Lantern lights shimmering on wet, stone paved streets

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto
Community writer

The vermilion color differs from that of Japanese shrines. They are foreign, but look no less divine to me. (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

This was my third visit to this Temple of Confucius in Nagasaki (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

The dim light of lanterns reflected on the wet stone pavement (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Once you step inside this sacred space an exotic atmosphere envelops you (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

You will see saints looming in the dark by candlelight (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Smoke drifting up from long smoldering incense sticks (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

An impressive statue of a dragon...it appears to be actually moving! (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Statues of 72 disciples of Confucius (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Chinese fragrance fills the air (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Everything around me was in vermilion...even my mind was perhaps tinged with vermilion (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)

Probably this was what I wanted to find at Nagasaki Lantern Festival (Photo: Masayoshi Hirose)
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