Fukuoka Prefecture is an attractive area where you can enjoy a variety of festivals throughout the year, from famous festivals known throughout the country to traditional events rooted in the local community. Fukuoka's vibrant festivals, which are unique to the city and home to many "nobosemon" (enthusiastic festival lovers), captivate visitors. In this article, we will introduce Fukuoka's representative traditional events by season.
A January festival marking the start of winter
Hakozaki Shrine Tamaseseri (Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City)
Date: January 3rd This is a brave New Year's event held at Hakozaki Shrine, where men dressed in white loincloths compete to grab a large wooden ball. This ball is called a "Fukudama" (lucky ball), and it is said that the winner will be blessed with a good harvest and prosperous business in the coming year. This dynamic spectacle will give you a sense of the energy of the New Year.
Oni-ya (Kurume City)
Date: January 7th This fire festival is held at Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine and is an intangible folk cultural asset designated by Fukuoka Prefecture. The highlight is the heroic sight of people swinging large torches around, and the stronger the fire, the more people pray for good health and safety. The flames that scorch the night sky and the excitement of the festival are impressive.
An April festival celebrating the arrival of spring
Hakata Dontaku Port Festival (Fukuoka City)
Date: May 3rd-4th One of Japan's largest citizen festivals, attracting over 2 million people every year. Parades and stage events are held throughout Fukuoka City, bringing together locals and tourists for a lively event. Highlights include the flower carts and the performances of the "Dontaku Corps."
River Crossing Festival (Tagawa City)
Date: This festival is held on the third Saturday of May and the following day at Fuuji Hachimangu Shrine, bringing together the local residents. The highlight is the spectacular sight of the mikoshi (portable shrine) being carried through the river, splashing water as it moves along. You can feel the local enthusiasm firsthand.
A July festival filled with the heat of summer
Hakata Gion Yamakasa (Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City)
Dates: July 1st to 15th This festival symbolizes summer in Hakata and takes place around Kushida Shrine. The highlight is the Oiyama, which takes place in the early morning of the 15th. The sight of people carrying huge Yamakasa floats and running through the city is a spectacular sight. This festival, which boasts a history of over 700 years, is also registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Kokura Gion Taiko (Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City)
Date: A taiko drum festival held around Kokura Castle for three days including the third Saturday of July. The sound of taiko drums reverberates throughout the city, captivating the audience. The powerful rhythm adds to the excitement of the festival.
Enjoy the autumn atmosphere at this September festival
Hakozaki Shrine Hojoe Ceremony (Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City)
Date: September 12th to 18th This autumn festival is held at Hakozaki Shrine, one of the three major festivals in Hakata. The "Hojoe" festival is a festival to respect and give thanks for life, and during the festival hundreds of stalls line the approach to the shrine. Don't miss the popular "Ohajiki" lucky charms.
Yame Fukushima Lantern Dolls (Yame City)
Date: A traditional event held at Fukushima Hachimangu Shrine for three days around the autumn equinox, with the highlight being the "Lantern Dolls" that have been performed since the Edo period. The puppet show, which moves along with music, is a unique art form that you can't experience anywhere else.
Experience the charm of Fukuoka festivals
Fukuoka's festivals are all special events where you can feel the history and culture of the region and the enthusiasm of the people. From nationally famous festivals to traditional events rooted in the local area, a wide variety of events can be enjoyed throughout the year. On your next trip to Fukuoka, be sure to visit during a festival and experience the passion and energy that is unique to Fukuoka.
Fukuoka's festivals are sure to add color to your travel memories.
Events List
[January]
3rd: Hakozaki Shrine Tamaseseri (Hakozaki Shrine, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City)
7th Oni-ya (Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine, Kurume City)
7th: Onisube Uso-kae Ceremony (Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Dazaifu City)
8th~11th Toka Ebisu Festival (Toka Ebisu Shrine, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City)
20th: Kowakamai (Oe Tenmangu Shrine, Miyama City)
[February]
Early March to mid-March Mojiko Retro Gourmet Expo (Mojiko Retro, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City)
New Year's Day on the Lunar Calendar Mekari Ceremony (Mekari Shrine, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City)
Early to late March Chikuzen Iizuka Doll Festival (all areas of Iizuka city)
9th to 11th Furanomiya Festival (Okawa City Furanomiya)
Mid-month: Jojima Sake Brewery Opening (Jojimacho, Kurume City)
Mid-March to mid-March: Yame Bonbori Festival (Fukushima area, Yame City)
Mid-April to April 3rd: Yanagawa Doll Festival Sagemon Tour (Around Yanagawa City)
Mid-April to April 3: Chikugo Yoshii Hina Doll Tour (Yoshii-cho area, Ukiha City)
Late: Japan Cross Country Championships (Umi-no-nakamichi Seaside Park, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City)
[March]
First Sunday of every month: Kyokusui no Utage (Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Dazaifu City)
[April]
May 5th - May 5th Kurume Azalea Festival (Kurume Centennial Park, Kurume City)
Early October Spring Okawa Woodworking Festival (Okawa City Okawa Industrial Hall, etc.)
4th Friday, Saturday and Sunday Uenoyaki Spring Pottery Festival (Ueno, Fukuchi Town)
【May】
3rd-4th Hakata Dontaku Port Festival (all over Fukuoka City)
3rd to 5th Okibata Suitengu Festival (Okibata Suitengu, Yanagawa City)
3rd-5th Koishiwara Yaki Spring Folk Pottery Village Festival (All of Koishiwara, Toho Village)
Mid-month Iizuka International Wheelchair Tennis Tournament (Iizuka City)
The third Saturday and the following Sunday: Kawa-Wari Shinko Festival (Fuji Hachiman Shrine, Tagawa City)
4th Saturday and Sunday Moji Minato Festival (Around Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City)
[July]
1st to 15th: Hakata Gion Yamakasa (Kushida Shrine, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City and various locations around the city)
Three days including the third Saturday of every month Kokura Gion Taiko (Kitakyushu City, Kokurakita Ward, Kokura Castle Otemon Gate Square, etc.)
Late Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa (Kurosaki area, Yahatahigashi Ward, Kitakyushu City)
Three days including the fourth Saturday of every month Tobata Gion Oyamakasa (Around Asao 1st Park, Tobata Ward, Kitakyushu City)
Fourth Saturday and Sunday Daijayama Festival (Taishocho area, Omuta City)
[August]
First Saturday and Sunday of every month: Wasshoi Hyakuman Summer Festival (Kitakyushu City, Kokurakita Ward, Kokura Castle area and Koji Street)
5th: Chikugo River Fireworks Festival (Kurume City Kyomachi Venue (Suitengu Riverbed) and others)
13th: Kanmon Strait Fireworks Festival (Moji Port area, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City)
[September]
September - October Asian Party (Various locations in Fukuoka city)
12th to 18th: Hakozaki Shrine Hojoe Festival (Miyazaki Shrine, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City)
Three days before and after the Autumnal Equinox: Yame Fukushima Lantern Dolls (Fukushima Hachiman Shrine, Yame City)
[October]
1st Are Festival (Sea Festival) (Munakata City, on the sea between Oshima Port and Kamiminato Port)
Early October Okawa Woodworking Festival (Okawa City Okawa Industrial Hall and others)
Mid-month Herb Festival in Haratsuru (Haratsuru Onsen, Asakura City)
Three days ending on Health and Sports Day: Koishiwara Yaki Autumn Folk Pottery Village Festival (all areas of Koishiwara, Toho Village) Fourth Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Ueno Yaki Autumn Kiln Opening (Ueno, Fukuchi Town)
[November]
1st to 3rd Hakushu Festival Water Parade (Yanagawa City River Cruise Course)
Mid-month Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament (Fukuoka International Center, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City)
Late: Keichiku Kagura Village Festival (Buzen City Keichiku Kagura Traditional Culture Hall)
