Hakata Gion Yamagasa Festival The three largest festivals in Hakata are the Hakata Gion Yamagasa Festival with its dynamic float, the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival known for its dazzling parades, and the Hojouya Festival where street stalls play a major part of the event. All have a long history and the power to enthrall the entire city. From July 1 to 15, the whole town of Hakata is completely immersed in festivity. The Hakata Gion Yamagasa festival is a religious ritual of Hakata's grand tutelary shrine, Kushida Shrine. It is focused on Kazari Yamagasa, or decorated floats which are covered with beautiful dolls made by Hakata doll makers and set up in various places around the city. As opposed to the elegant and feminine Kazari Yamagasa, the masculine "Kaki Yamagasa" is carried around the city from the 10th. The climax of the festival is the Oiyama race that starts from early morning on the 15th. More Information http://www.welcome-fukuoka.or.jp/

Hakata Dontaku Minato Matsuri (Hakata Dontaku Port Festival) Fukuoka City (May 3rd - 4th) The Hakata Dontaku Minato Matsuri is a traditional and ancient festival with a history of approximately 760 years. The term "Dontaku" is derived from "Zondag" in Dutch (the meaning is holiday). In this event, participants in original costumes parade the streets while banging shamoji, which is wooden rice scoops, and the whole town is filled with excitement during the festival. Attracting a whopping 2 million people, it is said to be the largest festival held in Japan right in the middle of Goldan Week, a national week of holidays. More Information http://www.welcome-fukuoka.or.jp/

Hojoya Known as the festival to bring in the Fall, Hojoya is an ancient religious ritual that has been passed down through the generations for a thousand years. Based on a Buddhist precept of not killing, birds and fish are released from captivity. On September 18, during a Shinto ritual at Hakozaki Shrine, pigeons and carp are thus set free. More Information http://www.hanateien.co.jp/ (Japanese version only)

Asian Month Fukuoka Every September, Fukuoka meets Asia, appreciates Asia, and celebrates Asia. Facing the Asian continent across the Tsushima Strait, Fukuoka city has been the gateway for Asian culture for over two thousand years and has prospared from its trade with the continent. This tradition has been maintained and continues today as Fukuoka participates in a broad range of exchanges with various Asian countries. Every September, Asian Month is held in Fukuoka with the cooperation of many citizen's groups and local businesses. During this month, a variety of events such as ethnic Asian performances, music and films are presented along with exhibitions and lectures on Asian culture, art and academics. Many Fukuoka residents cherish Asian Month as an opportunity to greet our Asian neighbours in order to deepen mutual understanding and as a festival by the peoples of Asia. More Information http://www.asianmonth.com/

• To page top