If you are in Fukuoka during the summer, be sure not to miss out on some of the local festivals in the area. Have a look below for a taste of some of the upcoming festivals in Fukuoka.
Hakata Gion Yamakasa
July 1-15 at Kushida Shrine, Fukuoka
The Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival occurs during the hot days of July. Decorative floats are carried around by men representing one of the various districts in Fukuoka City. The representatives race each other down the streets of Hakata while carrying the heavy floats on their shoulders. The festival is based at city's Kushida Shrine, and the floats are available to see in a permanent exhibition at the shrine.
Kokura Gion Daiko
July 14-16 at Yasaka Shrine, Kokura
Teams of taiko drummers practice for this tremendous taiko competition held at the Yasaka Shrine. This festival highlights history and traditions going back over 400 years. The taiko drums are also hoisted onto floats and paraded down the city streets as the performers pound away. Each team is made up of a mix of women, men, and children, and is quite a spectacle not only for the eyes, but for the ears too.
Omuta Daijayama Matsuri
4th weekend of July at Taishomachi, Omuta
In a ceremony for driving away bad luck, large serpent floats are prepared and pulled across the streets. A unique aspect of this festival is that young babies are also put into the large serpents’ mouth as a way of praying for prolonged health for the baby. Expect the spectacle of fireworks spraying out of the serpent floats as it comes to a close at night. A final fireworks display usually accompanies the festival in the evening.
More Events
- Amagi Gion Yamakasa (July 3-15 @ Asakura)
- Chikugo-gawa Fireworks (August 5th @ Kurume)
- Wasshoi Summer Festival in Kitakyushu (1st Saturday and Sunday of August @ Kitakyushu)
- Kurume Matsuri Water Festival (Aug 3-5 @ Kurume)
