This retro-inspired urban summer festival is known for its giant yagura dance tower and a lantern road illuminated by around 2,000 paper lanterns. Around Katsuyama Park and the Murasaki River area, visitors can enjoy Bon dancing, live performances of classic Showa-era songs, festival games, and food stalls in a relaxed, open atmosphere.
Although it began only recently, the event is quickly becoming one of Kitakyushu’s new summer traditions.
The best time to visit is after sunset, when the lanterns are lit and the riverside takes on a nostalgic festival atmosphere. Anyone can join the Bon dancing, and simply walking through the area with festival food in hand is part of the experience.
The venue is within walking distance of JR Kokura Station and easy to combine with nearby attractions such as Riverwalk Kitakyushu and the Uomachi area.
- Aug. 14, 2026 (Fri) ~ Aug. 23, 2026 (Sun)
- Free entry
- Katsuyama Park, Murasaki River and Ogai Bridge area
- Around Jonai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
- https://www.shouwasummerfes.com/