Join the festivities at Hakozaki Shrine’s 32nd Nagoshi Festival! Participate in a ritual called Chinowa-kuguri where visitors walk through a large bamboo ring wrapped with cogon grass; it is thought to promote good health and prevent disasters or misfortune for the next half year. While you’re at it, why not partake in the complementary ritual, Jyosai Hitogata Osame? Blow into a katashiro (piece of paper in the shape of a person) to cleanse oneself of sins. There are also 50 different fun booths to visit and many other events to enjoy, including a children’s wadaiko performance, hula dance, theater performance for children, karate exercises and more. And try out Hakozaki Shrine’s specialty treat, yakimochi (grilled pounded rice cake), before you go (it’s similar to Dazaifu’s infamous umegaemochi)! There are two kinds of yakimochi – white mochi and mugwort mochi – both of which make great souvenirs!
• 7/27 (Sat.), 7/28 (Sun.)
• 7/27: 16:00~22:00, 7/28: 12:00~21:00
• Free
• Hakozaki Shrine
• 1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
• 092-641-7431
• http://www.hakozakigu.or.jp/news/148.htm
All photos: Hakozaki Shrine
