Mar 11, 2015 - 1 min read

Temple of Confucius in Nagasaki

Lantern lights shimmering on wet, stone paved streets

By Masayoshi Hirose

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.

This was my third visit to this Temple of Confucius in Nagasaki

The dim light of lanterns reflected on the wet stone pavement

Once you step inside this sacred space an exotic atmosphere envelops you

You will see saints looming in the dark by candlelight

Smoke drifting up from long smoldering incense sticks

An impressive statue of a dragon...it appears to be actually moving!

Statues of 72 disciples of Confucius

Chinese fragrance fills the air

Everything around me was in vermilion...even my mind was perhaps tinged with vermilion

Probably this was what I wanted to find at Nagasaki Lantern Festival

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!

Nagasaki Lantern Festival Series

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Masayoshi Hirose

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

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Takako Sakamoto

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

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