Sumiyoshi Shrine Reitaisai
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Sumiyoshi Shrine in Hakata, said to be the oldest of Japan’s Sumiyoshi shrines, holds its annual autumn grand festival, or Reitaisai. According to tradition, the festival originated with sumo and yabusame horseback archery offered in celebration of Empress Jingu’s safe return.
The festival program includes a sumo tournament featuring local elementary and junior high school students on Oct. 12 from 9:00 until early afternoon. A mikoshi procession also travels from Sumiyoshi Shrine to Shitateruhime Shrine near Canal City Hakata from 16:30 to 17:30.
On Oct. 13, the main shrine ceremony is followed at around 11:00 by yabusame, a traditional ritual in which mounted archers shoot arrows at targets while riding on horseback.
- Oct. 12, 2026 (Mon, hol) to Oct. 14, 2026 (Wed)
- Venue: Sumiyoshi Shrine
- 3-1-51 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
- Website
- Fukuoka Now Hakata Akihaku Guide