This annual event celebrates the Lunar New Year in Hakata with a nostalgic nod to prewar traditions. At that time, mochi vendors would visit townhouses, pounding rice cakes to the rhythm of shamisen and taiko drums—a beloved New Year’s custom. Revived in 1996, the event marks its 30th anniversary this year.
Lively mochi pounding is performed in time with traditional music, along with a dynamic matoi-furi (banner-twirling) display by the local fire brigade. Visitors can also take part in the mochi making, with freshly pounded mochi served to the first 150 participants (numbered tickets distributed shortly after 12:00).
• 2/15 (Sun.)
• Mochitsuki: 12:00~15:00 ( rain or shine)
• Hakata Machiya Furusatokan
• 6-10 Reisenmachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://hakatamachiya.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/furusatokan/
