Akihaku – Autumn Events and Festivals in Hakata
During autumn in Hakata, a variety of events and festivals take place under the banner of “Akihaku,” celebrating the area’s unique charm. The Hakata Old Town, within walking distance from Hakata Station, is home to historical temples, shrines, and traditional shopping streets, offering a rich cultural experience. Highlights include the “Hakata Old Town Light-up Walk,” where visitors can explore the illuminated streets, and the one-day “Hakata Tomyo Watching,” which lights up the town with thousands of lanterns. There’s so much to see and do, but our staff especially recommends the Nakasu Festival with its all-women participants, a very authentic and exciting Oktoberfest, and horseback archery (yabusame) at Sumiyoshi Shrine.
Event schedule
This guide is constantly being updated with more Akihaku events. Check back for more events! (last update: Sep. 29, 2025)
September
• Regular Performances by Hakata Geisha (9/11, 9/27, 10/9, 10/18, 11/13, 11/29)
• Japanese Painter Matsunaga Kanzan and His Cedar Partition Paintings (9/17~11/9)
• Hakata Machiya Furusatokan Museum 30th Anniversary Exhibition: “Autumn Collection Exhibition—Showcasing the Treasures of the Furusatokan” (9/23~11/24)
October
• Fukuoka Heritage Week (10/1~11/30)
• Walk Walk Hakata (10/4〜11/3)
• Kawabata Night Festival 10/11)
• Sweet Potato Marche (10/11~13)
• Autumn Bayside Walking! Let’s Walk in Hakata City (10/12)
• The Oriental Market (10/12~13)
• Sumiyoshi Shrine Reitaisai (10/12~14)
• Fukuoka Oktober Fest (10/17~10/26)
• Hakata Old Town Festival (10/17~11/9)
• Hakata Machiya Furusatokan Museum 30th Anniversary Exibition: “Lantern Tales: Bamboo Lanterns Illuminate Memories of Hakata’s Old Town” (10/17~11/9)
• Hakata Toumyou Lantern Arts Festival (10/18)
• Canal City Hakata: Travel Across Japan! Jujutsu Journey (10/24~11/24)
• Hakata Okunchi (10/25)
• Kurenaijuku Storytelling Session (10/26)
• Nakasu Festival (10/31~11/1)
• Hakata Spirits Hakata Shochu Festival (10/31~11/1)
• Hakata Old Town Light-up Walk (10/31~11/3)
• Jotenji Temple Night Market & Live at Hakaza Sennen-no-mon Gate (10/31~11/3)
November
• Hakata Machiya Furusatokan Museum 30th Anniversary Event: “Meiji Hakata Travel Pictures” Reconstruction (11/1)
• Hakata Traditional Craft and Design Museum Thanksgiving Festival (11/1~2)
• Fukuoka Grand Sumo Tournament (11/9~11/23)
• Otojiro Kawakami Memorial (11/11)
• Hakataori Exhibition (11/14~16)
• Special Exhibition at Jotenji Temple’s Enmyokaku Hall by Japanese Guide (11/19~24)
September
Regular Performances by Hakata Geigi
Experience the rich tradition of Hakata culture at the Hakata Traditional Performing Arts Center, conveniently located near Kushida Shrine. Serving as both an office for Hakata Kenban and a practice venue, this center hosts bi-monthly performances by Hakata Geigi (female entertainers known as Geisha in other parts of Japan). Attendees can sit and appreciate their graceful dances, then take part in interactive experiences such as traditional parlor games, a Q&A session, and commemorative photos. Same-day admission is also possible if seats are available. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in Hakata’s traditional culture while enjoying the artistry and elegance of the local Geigi.
• 9/27 (Sat.), 10/9 (Thu.), 10/18 (Sat.), 11/13 (Thu.), 11/29 (Sat.)
• Thu., 16:00~16:50 / Sat., 13:00~13:50
• ¥3,000 (20 people, first-come-first-served basis) *registration required via the official website
• Hakata Traditional Peforming Arts Center
• 2-20 Reisen-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://hakata-geinou.jp
Japanese Painter Matsunaga Kanzan and His Cedar Partition Paintings
This exhibition commemorates the 60th anniversary of the death of Japanese painter Matsunaga Kanzan (1902–1965), who was born and raised in Itoshima. Known for his talent from an early age, he later studied under Kikuchi Keigetsu in Kyoto before returning to his hometown, where he pursued his art while supporting the growth of the Fukuoka art community. On display are 30 panels of Shiki Kacho-zu Sugito-e (Four Seasons of Flowers and Birds cedar partition paintings) from the Fukuoka City Museum collection. These works, painted on both sides of cedar partitions that once decorated the Yusentei villa of the Kuroda clan, depict seasonal flowers and birds with a refined touch. The exhibition is presented in two rotations: until Oct 13, and from Oct 15.
• 9/17 (Wed.) ~ 11/9 (Sun)
• 9:30~17:30 (last entry 17:00)
• Closed: Mon. (open if Mon. is a hol. and closed next day)
• ¥200, college & HS ¥150, free for under JHS
• Fukuoka City Museum
• 3-1-1 Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka
• https://museum.city.fukuoka.jp/exhibition/625/
Hakata Machiya Furusatokan 30th Anniversary: Autumn Collection—Treasures of the Furusatokan
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the Hakata Machiya Furusatokan Museum presents a special exhibition featuring items collected since its opening. Tools and clothing from the Meiji and Taisho eras, once commonplace in households, are displayed together. Through these nostalgic artifacts, visitors can rediscover the resourcefulness and charm of daily life in the past.
• 9/23 (Tue., hol.) ~ 11/24 (Mon., hol.)
• 9:30~17:30 (Oct. & Nov. 10:00~18:00)
• Closed: 10/27 (Mon.)
• Admission fee: ¥200 (Free for JHS and younger)
• Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan 2F
• 6-10 Reisenmachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.hakatamachiya.com/
October
Kawabata Night Festival
Kawabata Shopping Street, the arcade connecting Canal City and Hakata Riverain, will host a lively event featuring a flea market and a marché along its 400-meter stretch. In the evening, a special dining area and stage will be set up, where visitors can enjoy live music. It’s an event where both adults and children can relax and have a good time.
• 10/11 (Sat.) *rain or shine
• 17:00~21:00 (part of the flea market begin in the noon)
• Free entry
• Kawabata Shopping Arcade
• Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://hakata.or.jp/news/70551/
The Oriental Market
An open-air international market will be held at Sumiyoshi Shrine (住吉神社), a historic Hakata site long known as a place to pray for safe travels. About 50 stalls will line the shrine’s tree-shaded approach, offering food and crafts from over 20 countries including Africa, South America, Europe, and Asia. Celebrating its 15th year, the event also features live performances with African djembe and dance, Mongolian morin khuur, and Spanish guitar.
• 10/11 (Sat.), 11:00~, 10/12 (Sun.) ~ 10/13 (Mon., hol.) 10:00~17:00 *in case of inclement weather, it will be postponed to 10/19 and 10/20
• Free entry
• Sumiyoshi Shrine
• 3-1-51 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.instagram.com/daihakata.yz1/
Sumiyoshi Shrine Reitaisai
The Sumiyoshi Shrine, the oldest of over 2,000 Sumiyoshi Shrines across Japan, has long been revered for ensuring maritime safety and protecting ships. The annual grand festival originated as a tribute of sumo wrestling and horseback archery (yabusame) to give thanks for the safe return of Empress Jingu from Korea.
The festival begins with a night celebration on the 12th at 4:00 p.m. On the 13th, the main shrine will host rituals starting at 10:00 a.m., including a sumo tournament with 40 local elementary and junior high school students, followed by a yabusame performance around 11:00 a.m. The closing ritual (Nohsai) will be held on the 14th at 10:00 a.m.
• 10/12 (Sun.) ~ 10/14 (Tue)
• Horseback archery event: 10/13 (Mon., hol.) 11:00~
• Sumiyoshi Shrine
• 3-1-51 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.nihondaiichisumiyoshigu.jp/rituals/
Fukuoka Oktober Fest 2025
Returning once again to Reisen Park, the ever-popular Oktoberfest has become a staple event in Fukuoka. As the only Oktoberfest in Japan officially recognized by the Bavarian Beer Association, this festival offers an authentic experience complete with 16 kinds of draft beer imported from Germany, beer cocktails, wines, and a delectable array of German cuisine including sausages, meat dishes, breads, and pastries. Inside a specially erected, circus-like tent, traditional musical ensembles from München will perform, ensuring a lively atmosphere day after day. Come join the festivities and raise a toast—Prost!—for a delightful time for all!
• 10/17 (Fri.) ~ 10/26 (Sun.)
• 16:00~22:00 (Mon. to Fri.), 11:00~22:00 (Sat., Sun.)
• Free entry
• Reisen Park
• 109 Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://f-oktober.com/
Hakata Toumyou Lantern Arts Festival 2025
For one magical night, the central area of Hakata comes alive in a radiant glow, thanks to approximately 40,000 handmade lanterns crafted by local residents. This enchanting event illuminates the city’s landmarks, historical sites, temples, shrines, and narrow alleys. Drawing over 30,000 visitors annually, attendees can leisurely stroll through the streets, enjoying the intricate ground paintings visible from above and the elegant lanterns that light up the corners of the city.
• 10/18 (Sat.) *slight rain or shine
• 18:00~21:00
• Free entry
• Ohama area, Reisen area (Kushida Shrine), Naraya area (Hakata elementary school), Gokusho area, Hakata Riverain, Hakata Sennen-no-Mon Gate, JR Hakata Station (PDF map)
• https://hakata-toumyou.com/
Hakata Okunchi
Held annually on Oct 23 and 24 at Kushida Shrine, this autumn festival dates back some 1,200 years and expresses gratitude for the harvest. Rituals begin at 10:00 on Oct 23, and at dusk the shrine grounds glow with a thousand lanterns. In 2025, a special shikinen sengu (rebuilding of the shrine every 25 years) takes place. On Oct 25 at 10:00, three mikoshi (portable shrines) pulled by ox carts and a children’s procession will depart from Kushida Shrine to parade through Hakata. On Oct 24 at 11:00, a rice cake-throwing ceremony will be held in the shrine precincts.
• 10/23 (Thu.) ~ 10/25 (Sat.)
• Kushida Shrine
• 1-41 Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
Nakasu Festival
This vibrant festival takes place in Nakasu, Kyushu’s largest entertainment district. Nakasu’s main street will be transformed into a pedestrian paradise, lined with around 60 food and drink stalls. Highlights include the “Nakasu Kunihiro Onnamikoshi,” where 500 women carry a portable shrine through the streets, starting from Kunihiro Shrine, and the “Oiran Dochu,” featuring four women dressed in elaborate Oiran costumes parading slowly through the town.
On Oct 30, as a pre-festival event, the “Hashigozake Taikai” pub crawl will be held. Participants can visit three participating establishments, including well-known clubs and long-standing venues in Nakasu. Tickets are available on the day for ¥4,000 near Deai Bridge, or in advance for ¥3,000 via Lawson Ticket.
• 10/30 (Thu.) ~ 11/1 (Sat.)
• 17:00~23:00 (10/30: 19:30~)
• Nakasu Area, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://www.nakasumatsuri.com/
Kyushu Live – Nakasu Festival 2023)
Hakata Spirits: Hakata Shochu Festival
This festival celebrates the 50th anniversary of “Hakata Shochu,” authentic shochu distilled in Fukuoka Prefecture. Shochu is a traditional Japanese distilled spirit made with ingredients such as rice, sweet potatoes, and barley. At Reisen Park, producers from across the region will gather to showcase their spirits, offering visitors the chance to sample and compare a wide variety of flavors and aromas unique to Fukuoka-made shochu.
• 10/31 (Fri,) ~ 11/1 (Sat.)
• 17:00~22:00
• Free entry
• Reisen Park
• 109 Kawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://hakata-spirits.com/
Hakata Old Town Light-up Walk 2025
This autumn tradition transforms historic temples and shrines in Hakata with artistic light displays. Fifteen venues will participate over four days, including special openings of areas usually closed to the public. This year’s theme, Hikari no Mori (“Forest of Light”), creates a magical contrast to the daytime scenery. Some sites can be entered free of charge, while others require tickets valid throughout the event period (note: no re-entry at paid venues). To avoid long lines, planning a route in advance is recommended. At Kushida Shrine, visitors can also enjoy a sake tasting booth and live jazz performances from 18:00 to around 20:00.
• 10/31 (Fri.) ~ 11/4 (Mon., hol.) *rain or shine
• 17:30~21:00 (last entry 20:45)
• Ticket: Early Bird ¥2,000 (on sale until Oct. 15), adv. ¥2,300, door ¥2,500 (free for JHS and younger when accompanied by a guardian)
• Door ticket sales locations: Fukuoka City Tourist Information Centers (Hakata & Tenjin), Hakata Machiya Furusatokan Museum, Hakata Traditional Craft And Design Museum, Hakata Ward Office, Hakata Station (in front of Central Ticket Gates), Hakata Sennen-no-mon Gate, Tochoji Temple, Kushida Shrine, Gofukumachi Center Building
• https://www.hakata-light.jp/english/
Fee required:
Jotenji Temple (Hojo, Kaizando), Tochoji Temple, Myorakuji Temple, Eijuin Temple, Engakuji Temple, Ryuguji Temple, Hongakuji Temple, Zendoji Temple, Myotenji Temple, Kaigenji Temple
Free entrance:
Jotenji Temple (Buddhist Hall), Kushida Shrine (Nigiwai Plaza), Ichigyoji Temple (only Sanmon Gate), Hakata Sennen-no-Mon Gate, Katsuragi Jizo-son
Kyushu Live – Hakata Old Town Light-up Walk (Oct. 30)
Jotenji Temple Night Market & Live at Hakaza Sennen-no-mon Gate
Jotenji Temple, known as the birthplace of Hakata’s flour-based food culture and Hakata-ori textiles, hosts a night market featuring udon, soba, manju, zenzai, and more. Nearby Hakaza Sennen-no-mon Gate will also come alive, with a daytime market followed by evening performances of music, chindon (traditional costumed street performers), art, and live shows.
• 10/31 (Fri.) ~ 11/3 (Mon., hol.)
• 17:00~21:00
• Free entry
• Jotenji Temple (buddha hall side precincts), Hakata Sennen-no-mon Gate
• 1-7 Hakataekimae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
November
Fukuoka Grand Sumo Tournament
When locals start seeing sumo wrestlers around the streets of Fukuoka, they know winter is near. The November Tournament, commonly known as the Kyushu Tournament, is an important event that wraps up the sumo year. The sound of bodies colliding resonates through the venue, allowing spectators to experience the excitement and intensity of Japan’s national sport.
• 11/9 (Sun.) ~ 11/23 (Sun.)
• All seats reserved: chair seats ¥2,000~ (weekdays) ¥2,500~ (Sat., Sun., holidays), box seats ¥26,000~
• Fukuoka Kokusai Center
• 2-2 Chikkohon-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• http://www.sumo.or.jp/En/
Hakataori Exhibition
Hakataori weaving, introduced by Hakata merchants after studying in China, was once offered as tribute to the Edo shogunate and is now designated a National Traditional Craft. Each autumn, Jotenji Temple, a site closely tied to Hakataori, hosts a review of new kimono sashes (obi) and kimono designs. The 123rd edition expands beyond traditional garments to include items by Hakataori artisans, along with practical everyday products for sale. Displays also feature the historic Kongo Hyoe Moritaka sword associated with Jotenji, and on Oct 14 at 15:00, Ota Mitsumasa, an 8th-dan master of Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu, will perform an iaido demonstration.
Usually closed to the public, Jotenji Temple will be open for this occasion, offering a rare chance to view its beautiful dry landscape garden. Visitors can also enjoy an outdoor tea ceremony by the Nanbo-ryu school in the courtyard (¥1,000, cash only).
• 11/14 (Fri.) 14:00~17:00, 11/15 (Sat.) 10:00~17:00, 11/16 (Sun.) 10:00~15:00
• Free entry
• Jotenji Temple
• 1-29-9 Hakataekimae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://hakataori.or.jp/news/2025/09/20250904-2
The “Hakata Sennen-no-Mon Gate” (Hakata Millennium Gate) stands as a symbol of Hakata Old Town, a historic area rich with temples and shrines. Located just a 10-minute walk from Hakata Station, this area offers more than just events and festivals—it’s also a charming place to explore on foot.
Explore Hakata on Foot – Gokusho Area Course
https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/hakata-walking-tours1/
Hakata Akihaku Official Website
http://hakata-akihaku.com/
