A neon discharge lamp provided with a powder coating with an appropriate particle size of used powder, is applied on an inner surface of a tubular bulb to the extent nearly equal to or more the length of an electrode portion, along the longitudinal axis of said tubular bulb. The phenomenon of neon gas being encompassed by way of cathode sputtering is prevented and the shortened operating life of the neon discharge lamp of this kind by way of cathode sputtering is also prevented.