Once a year, Nakasu, Kyushu’s largest entertainment district, takes on a festival atmosphere for two days. Food, drink, and retail stalls line Nakasu Odori, making it easy to explore the area on foot. Highlights include the Nakasu Kunihiro Onna Mikoshi and the colorful Oiran Dochu procession through the neon-lit streets.
The women of Nakasu carry the mikoshi through the district, while participants in elaborate oiran-style costumes parade nearby. The sight of portable shrines and costumed processions moving through Nakasu after dark gives the festival a distinctly local character.
Ahead of the main festival, the Nakasu Hashigozake Taikai, a bar-hopping event, takes place on Oct 29. Participants visit three designated venues selected from participating establishments, offering a chance to experience several of Nakasu’s bars in one evening. Tickets are sold on the day for ¥4,000.
- Oct. 30, 2026 (Fri) ~ Oct. 31, 2026 (Sat)
- 17:00~23:00 (10/30: 19:30~)
- Nakasu Odori area, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
- Website
Kyushu Live – (Nakasu Festival 2023)