Hakata Station is no longer just a transit hub; it has leveled up. For the winter of 2025, the gateway to Kyushu has transformed into a radiant “City of Light” boasting a blockbuster collaboration with Nintendo’s “Super Mario.”
Running from November 1, 2025, to January 12, 2026, “Hikari no Machi Hakata” combines the sophisticated romance of 640,000 LEDs with the nostalgic joy of the Mushroom Kingdom. Whether you are a gamer seeking the 14.9-meter Mario Tree or a foodie hunting for hot wine at the concurrent Christmas Market, this is the epicenter of Fukuoka’s winter energy.
🍄 Unveiling the Essence: The 8-Bit Spectacle
The defining feature of 2025 is the fusion of “Super Mario” characters with high-end holiday illumination.
1. The Super Mario Symbol Tree
Standing 14.9 meters tall, the main tree in the station plaza has been overtaken by the world of Mario.
- The Decor: Instead of traditional baubles, look for Power Stars, Mushrooms, and Coins woven into the branches.
- The Photo Op: The scale is massive. Standing at the base, with the glowing “JR HAKATA CITY” sign in the background, creates a photo that screams “Modern Japan.”
2. The LED Sky Walk
Look up to the 2nd-floor pedestrian deck. The 70-meter-long LED screen features exclusive holiday animations of Mario and friends moving across the ceiling of light. It brings a kinetic energy to the plaza that static lights simply cannot match.
🍷 Your Insider Odyssey: The Christmas Market
Beneath the glow of the Mario Tree lies a slice of Europe. The “Christmas Market in Hikari no Machi Hakata” runs concurrently but ends earlier (on December 25).
- The Vibe: Authentic wooden Hütte (huts) imported from Europe serve as the vendors.
- The Taste: The must-try item is Glühwein (Hot Wine). Each year features a collectible mug design. Pair it with a spiraled sausage or hot chocolate for the full experience.
- The Soundtrack: Live classical and gospel music is performed nightly, drowning out the city noise with festive cheer.
💎 The Elite Navigator’s Codex: Strategic Zones
To fully appreciate the 640,000 bulbs, you must look beyond the tree.
The “Light Gate” Perspective
- Location: The main frontal entrance of the plaza.
- The View: This gate frames the Mario Tree perfectly. It is the architecturally intended “Best View” for photographers, creating a tunnel effect that leads the eye directly to the centerpiece.
The “Stardust Wave”
- Location: The massive roof of the station plaza.
- The Effect: A wave of blue and white lights ripples across the ceiling, simulating a galaxy above your head.
The “Wish Flower”
- Location: Inside the “Forest of Light” (tree area).
- The Concept: Glowing flower sculptures scattered among the blue-lit trees, representing hopes and wishes for the new year.
📊 Kyushu Codex: Instant Insights
| Aspect | Details | Expert Reference Tip |
| Event Name | Hikari no Machi Hakata 2025 | Theme: “Super Mario” |
| Illumination | Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 12, 2026 | 17:00 – 24:00 (Midnight) |
| Christmas Market | Nov 1 – Dec 25, 2025 | Ends before New Year’s! |
| Venue | JR Hakata Station Plaza | Direct subway/train access |
| Bulb Count | ~640,000 LEDs | Blue, White, & Mario Colors |
| Highlight | 14.9m Mario Tree | Located at the plaza center |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Super Mario tree there until January?
A: Yes. The illumination event, including the Super Mario decorations, runs until January 12, 2026. However, the Christmas Market (food stalls) ends on December 25, 2025.
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No. Walking through the plaza, viewing the tree, and enjoying the live music is completely free. You only pay for food, drinks, and goods at the market huts.
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: The plaza has a large roof (the “Stardust Wave” area), so you can enjoy the market and view the tree without an umbrella. In fact, wet pavement reflects the lights, making rainy nights exceptionally beautiful for photography.
Q: Are there Mario goods for sale?
A: Yes, keep an eye out for special displays inside the JR Hakata City mall building as well, which often features pop-up collaborations during the event period.
🌟 Synthesis
Hikari no Machi Hakata 2025 is a masterclass in urban joy. It bridges the gap between the traditional warmth of a German Christmas market and the playful, electric energy of Japanese pop culture.