There are lots to see and do at the Hojoya Festival, and we have a detailed guide so you don’t miss out on anything! Autumn in Hakata is not complete without a trip to Hakozakigu Shrine. Every year, more than one and a half million people (equal to Fukuoka City’s entire population) visit the shrine during the festival. The Hojoya festival originates from the teachings of the kami Hachiman, and has continued for more than 1,000 years as a festival to give thanks for the blessings of nature. As well as observing Shinto rituals such as offering gifts to the gods, the biggest draw for modern visitors is the 500 or so stalls lining the approach to the shrine. The variety of stalls goes beyond typical festival fare such as yakitori and takoyaki, to stalls with a pinball-like game, “smart ball”, and even more-funny-than-scary “haunted houses”. The festival is at its busiest between 18:00 and 20:00, and especially on weekends. Some stalls start to close up at around 21:00 (with the latest staying until around 23:00), but the area is often busy until 22:00. Also, some stalls close much earlier on the last day, which is also expected to be extra busy this year, so we advise going early!).
For a detailed schedule, history, this year’s special attractions, photos, videos, and much more – click here to read our guide to Hojoya Festival 2017.
• 9/12 (Tue.) ~ 9/18 (Mon.)
• 10:00~22:00 (approx.)
• “Goshinko” (Omikoshi gyoretsu): 18:00~ (9/12), 19:00~ (9/14)
• Free
• Hakozakigu Shrine
• 1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku
• 092-641-7431
• http://www.hakozakigu.or.jp/omatsuri/houjoya/
