January Events (2026)
Use these links to jump to your area, or check out the calendar just below to see an organised view of events across Nagasaki and their dates!
Hokusho Area
Hirado
Aranabe Festival
Until the 31st (Saturday)
Various Restaurants around Hirado
A chance to eat the fantastic high-quality fish ‘Ara’ at local prices! Ara is also known as the king in hotpot recipes, and although it has a mild and smooth body, the skin contains collagen, making it plump and chewy. Check out more information here (JPNS Only): https://www.hirado-net.com/pblog/arafes2025.html
Flounder (ひらめ) Festival
January 24th (Saturday) – March 15th (Sunday)
Various Restaurants around Hirado
Hirado takes a leading position in the flounder fishing industry of Japan. In the flounder fishing season, you can enjoy tasty flounder dishes at various restaurants and hotels in the city.Check out more information here (JPNS Only): https://www.hirado-net.com/pblog/hirame2026.html
Hirado Area Winter Tour
Until February 28th (Saturday)
Various Locations around Hirado
Experience the wonder of Hirado in winter! There are many events to check out in multiple locations around the city! Check out more information here (JPNS Only): https://www.hirado-net.com/pblog/fuyume2025.html
Saza
Pokémon Stamp Rally
Until February 28th (Saturday)
Various Locations around Nagasaki Prefecture
Saza became apart of the Pokemon family with the new installation of a Pokemon manhole cover! Nagasaki’s Pokemon is Ampharos (or デンリュウ/Denryu). Participating in the stamp rally gets you a free gift of a limited clear card! Check out more information here (JPNS Only): https://www.sazacho-nagasaki.jp/kankou/kiji0035869/index.html and the manhole cover locations here (JPNS Only): https://www.nagasaki-tabinet.com/feature/pokemon#section-9596
Matsuura
Healthy Mahjong
Every Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Relaxation Gathering Place, 350-1 Shisa-cho, Matsuura City
つどいの場なごみ, 長崎県松浦市志佐町里免350-1
Relax and play some mahjong with the locals in Matsuura! There are plenty of other events that are held on a regular basis around Matusuura, so be sure to check it out here (JPNS Only): https://www.city-matsuura.jp/material/files/group/32/tsudoinobaitirann20260105.pdf
Sasebo Area
Sasebo
New Sasebo Dawn Market
17th (Saturday), 4am – 8am
Morning Market Venue, Yorozucho, Sasebo City
長崎県佐世保市万津町73（佐世保朝市会場）
Look around and purchase fresh fish and seafood from around Sasebo and further! Check out more information here: https://www.sasebo99.com/event/100355
‘Grand Finale’
Until February 26th (Thursday)
Huis Ten Bosch
〒859-3243 長崎県佐世保市ハステンボス町1-1
The Festival of Lights, which holds the title of the best in the world, is the culmination of the past six years and will unfold with overwhelming production and scale. The fantastic scenery where the entire park shines in pure white captivates visitors. At the main event, the Fantastic Snow Night Show, the snow-covered chapel is lit up while live music and live music plays, creating a moving moment. Check out more information here: https://www.sasebo99.com/event/100221
Ojika Island
28th (Wednesday), 10am – 12pm
Atagoyama Garden, Ojika Town
愛宕山園地北松浦郡小值賀町前方鄉
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the designation of Saikai National Park, new cherry blossoms will be planted around Ojika Town. Touch some soil and nurture the future spring together! Bring clothes that can get dirty, a towel and gloves and get digging! Check out more here (JPNS Only): https://www.town.ojika.lg.jp/kanko_bunka_sports/1301.html
Until February 28th (Saturday)
Various Restaurants around Hasami
12 restaurants in the town will hold “Hasami Recommended Gourmet” where you can enjoy the rich menu. A total of 12 stores, including 7 lunch stores and 5 sweets stores are participating in this fair so be sure to check them out and try all sorts of food! More information here (JPNS Only): http://hasami-kankou.jp/archives/13899
Goto Area
Goto
Starts at Shirahama Shrine
〒853-0022 五島市下崎山町（白濱神社スタート）
Hetomato is a folk event that has been handed down for a long time in the Shimosakiyama area of Goto City. Starting with the dedication sumo at Shirahama Shrine and praying for the prosperity of their descendants, two newly-dressed newlywed women ride on a sake barrel. Next, young men with soot on their bodies called “Hegra” fiercely compete for a straw ball with a handle wrapped with rope, followed by a “tug-of-war” in which the youth group and the fire brigade predicts a good harvest and a big catch. More information here (JPNS Only): https://www.nagasaki-tabinet.com/islands/events/51078
Nishisonogi Area
Nagayo
Until 31st (Saturday)
Chuoubashi/ Hatanda Park
長与中央橋・八反田公園
In order to revitalise and create bustle in the central shopping district, lights were installed at Chuoubashi and Hatanda Park! While enjoying the lights, you can go and eat some sweet treats, and maybe win a coupon or two!
Nagasaki City Area
Multicultural & Chanpon Festival
24th (Saturday), 12:30pm – 4pm
Nagasaki Brick Hall, 3F
ベネックス長崎ブリックホール3階（長崎市茂里町2-38）
Dive in to multiple cultural aspects from around Nagasaki, including Chanpon, one of Nagasaki’s famous dishes! Check out the pamphlet and further information here: https://www.city.nagasaki.lg.jp/site/e-kao/72852.html
Planetarium Sunset
24th (Saturday), 5pm – 6pm
Nagasaki Planetarium
科学館
Take a closer look at the sun setting at the planetarium and experience the winter stars! Make sure to call up to book if you want to attend. General attendance is ¥520. Check out more information here: https://www.nagasaki-kagakukan.jp/events/2308/
Nagasaki City Volleyball
January 31st (Saturday), 5pm – 7pm
Fee: ¥300
3F Gym, Nagasaki Shimin Kaikan
3階体育館、市民会館、魚の町5−１
Volleyball is back for a new year and it’s bigger than ever! The whole gymnasium is booked for this practice and game session! Mix with plenty of other JETs and citizens of Nagasaki whilst playing some volleyball! Make sure to sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mhFWn_7DOTYhGT_3Zr57lx4Kl2hobilFL1jqB7JDkfQ/edit?usp=sharing
Check out the pamphlet here: Jan 31st 2026 Volleyball poster
Nomozaki Daffodil Festival
January 31st – February 15th
Suisen-no-Sato Park, Nomozaki
長崎県長崎市野母町568-1(長崎市野母崎総合運動公園内)
Held annually in Suisen-no-Sato Park, in the Nomozaki district at the tip of the Nagasaki Peninsula, the scent of around 10 million daffodils in full bloom, which are carried on the salty sea breeze, has been chosen as one of the “100 Scents of Japan” by the Ministry of the Environment. Check out more information here: https://www.discover-nagasaki.com/en/events_multilingual/51739
Shimabara Peninsula Area
Shimabara
Shimabara Locations Exhibit
20th (Friday) – 30th (Sunday), 8:30am – 5:15pm
1F Hall, Shimabara Town Hall
１階エントランスホール 島原市役所
Take a closer look at areas around Shimabara from a different angle! There are plenty of other interesting things to check out during this exhibit as well, including a quiz, signed posters and replicas! Be sure to check out more info and reserve from here (JPNS Only): https://www.city.shimabara.lg.jp/page20692.html