Hakata Okunchi is Kushida Shrine’s autumn festival of thanksgiving, with a history said to stretch back around 1,200 years. Over several days, the shrine and surrounding Hakata streets come alive with rituals, lantern light, a traditional procession and a seasonal market celebrating the year’s harvest.
On Oct 23, 2026, Shinto rituals begin at 11:00, and by evening the shrine grounds are illuminated by sentomyo, creating a warm glow from countless lights.
The following day, Oct 24, the Okunchi Parade moves through Hakata, led by a portable shrine drawn on an ox cart and accompanied by a procession of children in traditional dress.
Ahead of the main festival, the Gokoku Hojo Market is held on Oct 22 and 23, with fresh fish, fruit, vegetables and other seasonal produce sold within the shrine grounds as an expression of gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
- Oct. 23, 2026 (Fri) ~ Oct. 24, 2026 (Sat)
- Kushida Shrine
- 1-41 Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka