The Hakata Dontaku Port Festival is held in Fukuoka City every Golden Week. It is said to attract more than 2 million visitors, and is a major event that is sometimes counted among Japan's three biggest festivals. In this article, we will introduce in detail the history and cultural background of the roots of Hakata Dontaku, the actual events and highlights, and how to enjoy it safely even if it's your first time.
What is Hakata Dontaku?
Hakata Dontaku is a festival in which local citizens play a leading role
The Hakata Dontaku Port Festival is a large-scale festival that is organised by the citizens of Fukuoka. It is held every year on May 3rd and 4th, and a variety of events such as parades, stage performances and flower cars light up the streets of Fukuoka.
| item | Contents |
|---|---|
| Organizer | Fukuoka Citizens' Festival Promotion Association |
| venue | Fukuoka City Center (Tenjin - Hakata Station - Bay Area) |
| Number of visitors | More than 2 million people every year |
| Participating organizations | Citizen groups, companies, schools, government agencies, local governments in and around Fukuoka, etc. |
More than just a tourist event, it has taken root among the people of Fukuoka as a "community-based festival" in which people of all ages and genders participate and express the charm of the region .
Origin and history
Its roots lie in the approximately 830-year-old tradition of "Hakata Matsubayashi."
Origin: Hakata Matsubayashi, which began in the Kamakura period
It is said that its origins date back to 1189 (Bun'ji 5), a celebratory procession celebrating the downfall of the Taira clan. It began when merchants dressed up as the three gods of good fortune (Ebisu, Daikokuten, and Fukurokuju) and paraded through the town in the New Year. This "Matsubayashi" later became established as a New Year event in Hakata and became part of the spiritual culture of the region.
Modern transition
| Era | Contents |
|---|---|
| Edo period | Although the festival was controlled by the Fukuoka Domain, Matsubayashi continued. |
| Meiji Government | In 1872, "Matsubayashi" was banned. Instead, "Dontaku" was revived as "holiday entertainment." |
| 1946 | After the war, it officially started as the "Hakata Dontaku Port Festival" in 1946. |
| present day | It has developed into a diverse event with parades, stages, flower cars, and more. |
The word "Dontaku" is of Dutch origin, and is said to derive from the Dutch word "zondag" meaning Sunday or holiday. Cultural exchange with Nagasaki, where trade with the Netherlands was thriving, was also transmitted to Fukuoka.
Event details
What are you doing at Hakata Dontaku?
1. Meiji Dori Dontaku Square Parade
A 2km stretch of Meiji Dori in Fukuoka's downtown will be transformed into a pedestrian precinct. A variety of dances, brass bands, traditional performing arts, mascot characters, and more will be taking place, from local junior and senior high school students, companies, clubs, and groups from outside the city.
Highlights : Each group has a completely different performance, so you won't get bored even if you spend the whole day there.
2. Flower Cars (evening event)
The decorated vehicles are provided by local bus companies and are decorated with LEDs and artificial flowers, creating a fantastic visual. They run through Fukuoka city at night, and many people take photos from the roadside. The theme changes every year, and vehicles featuring anime and characters are also available.
3. Special stages (located throughout the city)
| Stage Name | place | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Hakata Station Main Stage | Hakata Exit | Opening ceremony, corporate PR, etc. |
| Tenjin Fukuoka City Hall Community Square | Tenjin Central | Performances and talk shows by citizen groups |
| Minatomoto Stage | Hakata Wharf | Port events, traditional performing arts, etc. |
There will also be a kids' dance performance by children and live performances by artists from Fukuoka.
4. So-odori (May 4th evening)
The finale is open to everyone, and everyone is welcome to join in. The festival closes with dancing to the rhythm of Hakata Teippon at Meiji Street, where the parade took place, and around each stage.
How to enjoy Hakata Dontaku for the first time
For families and couples
Flower cars are also recommended for night dates. Wait in front of Tenjin or Hakata Station.
There will also be workshops for children and tourism promotion booths.
For photos and social media
Photo spots: Tenjin Central Park, Hakata Station, Fukuoka Castle Ruins Hashtags: "#HakataDontaku", "#FukuokaGW", "#FlowerCar"
A wide variety of local delicacies
You can also enjoy Hakata ramen, yakitori, and mentaiko gourmet food at the food stalls. The charm of Dontaku is that you can enjoy sightseeing and gourmet food at the same time.
Access and Traffic Regulations
Access methods
Train: 15 minutes walk from JR Hakata Station to Meiji Dori
Train: 10 minutes walk from Nishitetsu Fukuoka Tenjin Station to Meiji Dori
Subway: Get off at "Tenjin Station" or "Nakasu-Kawabata Station" on the Airport Line
Bus: Many Nishitetsu buses operate (but be careful of traffic jams)
Traffic regulations (usually)
Road closure on Meiji Dori from Gofukumachi to Tenjin intersection (9:00-19:00)
There are times when bicycles and motorbikes are not allowed to enter.
Points to note when staying at the hotel
We recommend making reservations for city hotels at least one month in advance. Hakata, Tenjin, and Nakasu areas are convenient, but if that's difficult to get a room in, you can also consider the slightly more remote Ohori and Meihama areas.
Q&A | Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the event be held even if it rains?
A: In principle, the event will be held rain or shine. However, some parades and outdoor events may be canceled or scaled down.
Q: Is there a fee to participate in Dontaku?
A: Viewing and participating are basically free. However, there are group performances for which advance registration is required.
Q: Are there any places I can stop by while sightseeing?
A:
・Canal City Hakata (large commercial facility)
・Kushida Shrine (the base of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival)
・Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
・Ohori Park ・Fukuoka Castle Ruins
summary
Hakata Dontaku is the embodiment of "the energy of the citizens"
Hakata Dontaku is not just a tourist event. It is a festive space filled with energy and pride, where every citizen can take a leading role.
If you are planning to visit Fukuoka, be sure to come during this time. An experience that will put a smile on anyone's face awaits you!
