Temple of Confucius in Nagasaki

Lantern lights shimmering on wet, stone paved streets

Takako Sakamoto Mar 11, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>The vermilion color differs from that of Japanese shrines. They are foreign, but look no less divine to me.</p>

<p>This was my third visit to this Temple of Confucius in Nagasaki</p>

<p>The dim light of lanterns reflected on the wet stone pavement</p>

<p>Once you step inside this sacred space an exotic atmosphere envelops you</p>

<p>You will see saints looming in the dark by candlelight</p>

<p>Smoke drifting up from long smoldering incense sticks</p>

<p>An impressive statue of a dragon...it appears to be actually moving!</p>

<p>Statues of 72 disciples of Confucius</p>

<p>Everything around me was in vermilion...even my mind was perhaps tinged with vermilion</p>

<p>Probably this was what I wanted to find at Nagasaki Lantern Festival</p>

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

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...