The autumn festival of Hakozakigu Shrine, with a history of more than 1,000 years, held to ‘cherish the lives of all living things, refrain from taking life, and give thanks for the autumn harvest.’ One of Hakata’s three great festivals alongside Hakata Dontaku and Hakata Gion Yamakasa, it runs for seven days from September 12 to 18, with about 500 street stalls lining the approach and a total of 1 million visitors.
About 500 street stalls filling the approach and the signature new ginger are scenes unique to Hojoya. During the festival there are also lantern offerings and displays of Hojoya champon (glass toys) and ohajiki (marbles). In odd-numbered years, the Gojinko (mikoshi procession) is held, with about 500 parishioners taking part.
September 12. The Gojinko is held once every two years (odd-numbered years). Official 2025 schedule
September 14. Official 2025 schedule
September 15 in 2025. Official 2025 schedule
September 18 in 2025. Official 2025 schedule
Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.
It’s easy to get there by subway from hotels around Hakata Station or Tenjin. Early booking is recommended for weekends
PR9.2
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PR9.0Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
AquariumKyushu ・ Fukuoka & Dazaifu
An aquarium themed on the seas of Kyushu, located at Uminonakamichi in Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City. It mainly shows sea life from the four seas surrounding Kyushu, and also holds dolphin and sea lion shows and a penguin parade. From Hakata Station it's one transfer by JR, and you can also get there by boat from Bayside Place Hakata.
FebruaryKyushu ・ Nagasaki
Usually around February, at the time of the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) (17 days from February 5 to 21 in 2027)
2027: Feb 5 (Fri) – Feb 21 (Sun), 17 days
April–May
MayKyushu ・ Fukuoka & Dazaifu
Every year May 3 and 4 (eve festival on May 2)
JulyKyushu ・ Fukuoka & Dazaifu
Every year July 1–15 (the Oiyama race starts at 4:59 in the early morning of the 15th)
OctoberNovember–FebruaryKyushu ・ Sasebo & Huis Ten Bosch
Usually early November to late February
2026–27 season: Nov 6 (Fri) – Feb 25, 2027 (Thu)
November–FebruaryKyushu ・ Takachiho
Usually mid-November to early February the following year (dates differ by village)
NovemberKyushu ・ Kagoshima, Sakurajima & Ibusuki
Every year November 2 (Yoru Matsuri) and 3 (Hon Matsuri)
2026: Nov 2 (Mon) Yoru Matsuri & Nov 3 (Tue, holiday) Hon Matsuri
NovemberKyushu ・ Karatsu, Arita & Ureshino Onsen
Every year November 2–4 (Yoiyama on the 2nd, Otabisho Shinko on the 3rd, Yokujitsu-sai town tour on the 4th)
2026: Nov 2 (Mon) – Nov 4 (Wed), 3 days
Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.
Last checked: 2026-10-02
