ランタン巡り

長崎の冬の一大イベント
市内各所にカラフルなランタン！！
１万5000個のランタンが
街を灯しています(*•̀ᴗ•́*)و ̑̑#長崎ランタンフェスティバル #写真好きな人と繋がりたい #おつかれさまでした pic.twitter.com/NwFaXA2jnB

— ゆきみ✡¨̮♡*来月湯布院(〃∀〃) (@4832yHope6926) February 5, 2017

In Nagasaki, the Chinese New Year celebration coincides with an event called the Nagasaki Lantern Festival. Along with other colorful decorations, over 15,000 paper lanterns are hung around the city’s Shinchi Chinatown, Hamaichi and Kankodori neighborhoods.

長崎ランタンフェスティバル2017
『長崎新地中華街』

2月11日まで!!長崎よかとこ来てみんね。#長崎ランタンフェスティバル#Nagasaki #長崎 pic.twitter.com/9Jm37X7uFk

— つばさふぉとぐらひ～@ランタン仕様 (@tsubachan7989) February 6, 2017

For 15 days, locals and travelers alike come out after the sun goes down to walk the streets, bathed in soft crimson light. But while strolling under the lanterns gives the feeling of having slipped into another time or place, the scenery is even more otherwordly when viewed from the train, as in this video shared by Japanese Twitter user @hitsuji_eat.

思いの外バズってて感動してるんですが、この手前の光景はこんな感じ(わたしはこっちが立体感あって好き) pic.twitter.com/wfW1XMIRwh

— 羊食べる (@hitsuji_eat) February 3, 2017

Recorded while riding Nagasaki’s Electric Tramway streetcar network, the video shows the streetcar passing through a stretch of the city where few illuminated buildings can be seen from the windows. Instead, the tram appears to be traveling through a mysterious world of dark, empty space, save for the hundreds of lanterns seemingly floating in mid-air.

長崎ランタンフェスティバル2017は想像以上に華やかでした(^-^) pic.twitter.com/GVtQm3wzk4

— 宇野橋ラスク (@seek68) January 29, 2017

Appreciative online commenters have been gushing over the beautiful sight, with more than a few comparing it to the lantern-lit cityscape of celebrated Studio Ghibli anime Spirited Away. The video was recorded between Nigiwaibashi and Nishihamanomachi Stations, a three-minute journey that costs just ¥120 (US$1.03), which is a serious bargain for what looks like a trip to another world.

While 2017's lunar New Year lantern display ended on February 11, we can't wait to see what the cities have in store for next year!

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