{"id":72329,"date":"2025-09-08T10:30:33","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T01:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/?post_type=feature&p=70669"},"modified":"2025-09-08T11:06:39","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T02:06:39","slug":"hojoya-guide","status":"publish","type":"guide","link":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/en\/guides\/hojoya-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Hojoya Festival Guide 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Autumn in Hakata would be incomplete without a visit to Hakozaki Shrine. Drawing over a million visitors each year during the festival, the Hojoya Festival has its origins in the teachings of the kami Hachiman. It has continued for more than 1,100 years, offering thanks for nature’s blessings, honoring the souls of living creatures, and praying for business success and family safety.<\/p>\n

This year, Hojoya includes a special event that takes place only every other year (in odd-numbered years) \u2014 the Gojink\u014d (\u5fa1\u795e\u5e78), or mikoshi procession. On September 12 and 14, about 500 parishioners (ujiko) will parade through the local neighborhood to the beat of drums and bells, as part of a ceremonial ritual known as \u201cOfure gy\u014dji\u201d. This traditional procession is also recognized as one of Fukuoka City\u2019s Intangible Folk Cultural Properties.<\/p>\n

Beyond observing Shinto rituals such as offering gifts to the deities, the festival attracts modern visitors with around 500 stalls lining the path to the shrine. These stalls offer much more than typical festival treats like candied apples, fried squid, yakitori, and takoyaki. There are also game stalls featuring goldfish catching, pinball-like games, “smart ball,” and even amusing, rather than scary, “haunted houses.”<\/p>\n

The Hojoya Festival is celebrated at Hakozaki Shrine every year between September 12th and 18th. For more information, photos, and a schedule of events, continue reading on!<\/p>\n

Hojoya history and festival highlights in English and Japanese
\nHojoya Festival Guide 2025<\/strong>
\nPresented by Hakozaki Shrine<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Hojoya

Photograph provided by Fukuoka City.<\/p><\/div>\n

Hakozaki Shrine Hojoya Festival<\/strong>
\n\u2022 9\/12 (Fri.) ~ 9\/18 (Thu.)
\n\u2022 Hakozaki Shrine
\n\u2022 1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka<\/a>
\n\u2022 092-641-7431<\/a>
\n\u2022 https:\/\/www.hakozakigu.or.jp\/omatsuri\/houjoya\/ <\/a>
\n\u2022 https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/hakozakigu.official\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Nearest Station<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Fukuoka City Subway \u201cHakozaki-Miyamae Sta.\u201d: There is an entrance to the subway station on the approach to the shrine. 3 min. walk to the main hall of Hakozaki Shrine
\n\u2022 JR Kagoshima Main Line \u201cHakozaki Sta.\u201d: 8 min. walk to Hakozaki Shrine.<\/p>\n

Hojoya Festival Guide Index<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Background<\/a>
\n\u2022 Shrine Ceremonies & Events Schedule<\/a>
\n\u2022 Gojinko<\/a>
\n\u2022 Orio Kagura<\/a>
\n\u2022 Fishing<\/a>
\n\u2022 Haunted House<\/a>
\n\u2022 Chanpon<\/a>
\n\u2022 Fresh Ginger<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Hojoya,<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Background<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Hojoya Festival is said to have originated in the year 720 at the Usa Hachimangu Shinto Shrine in Oita, and was initially held to commemorate the war dead. Since then, the festival has become an event for honoring all living things, particularly the lives that allow us to live. It is said to have been held in Fukuoka since 919 AD at the current location of Hakozaki Shrine, which was considered a sacred place since ancient times. It is also said that the festival began after an oracle from a kami<\/em>, which went, \u201cSince so much life is taken during war, a festival to celebrate the release of life should be held.\u201d An alternative tale comes from Buddhism: Rusui-choja, a previous life of Buddha, helped fish that had been dying in a dried-up pond; they expressed their gratitude to him and incarnated in thirty-three heavens. Whichever origin story you believe, it is clear that Hojoya celebrates life and freedom; after all, the first two kanji of \u201cHojoya\u201d are \u201c\u653e\u201d (release) and \u201c\u751f\u201d (live). Don\u2019t miss the last day of the festival, when birds and fish are \u201cfreed\u201d in accordance with the will of the kami<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Until the Taisho period (about a century ago), the Hakata merchants would close their shops, celebrate with their families and neighbors, and hold large parties. The women had new kimono made for the occasion and brought local food and dinnerware to the parties, turning them into large picnics. These were called makudashi<\/em>, and since 1975, groups have been trying to keep alive the Hakatakko spirit by recreating these makudashi<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"Hojoya,<\/p>\n

\"Hojoya,<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Shrine Ceremonies & Stage Events Schedules<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Shrine Ceremonies<\/strong>
\nEvery year the shrine holds public ceremonies to pray for a bountiful harvest and to show appreciation for life itself. Most of the events are small prayers or rituals, but there are two that stand out: Hojoya Taisai and Hojo Shinji. These events are a bit more animated, with more to see.<\/p>\n

Stage Events<\/strong>
\nAt almost any time you can catch a live performance on the Kaminigiwai Stage, located very close to the main shrine. Entertainment ranges from local stand-up comedy known as Hakata Niwaka, to traditional-style Japanese music, dances, Japanese drumming, and trained monkey performances!<\/p>\n

Here is this year\u2019s schedule (subject to change):<\/p>\n

9\/12 (Fri)<\/strong>
\n00:00 Shonichi-sai (\u521d\u65e5\u796d): Prayer to open the first day\u2019s festivities.
\n13:00 Dedication performance by Tououka-no-kai
\n15:00 Hongu Yumikesai (\u672c\u5bae\u5915\u5fa1\u994c\u796d): Evening offerings
\n18:00 Omikoshi Gyoretsu (\u5fa1\u795e\u5e78\u884c\u5217\u3001\u304a\u4e0b\u308a): Parade of portable shrines (descent)
\n19:00 Live acoustic performance by Fukuoka Visual Arts Academy<\/p>\n

9\/13 (Sat.)<\/strong>
\n10:00 Tongu Asamikesai (\u9813\u5bae\u671d\u5fa1\u994c\u796d): Morning offerings
\n10:00 Wadaiko (Japanese drum) performance (Hakata Bishin Taiko, Murasaki team
\n11:30 Koto performance *it will be held at the haiden (front shrine).
\n13:00 Kenka-sai (\u732e\u83d3\u796d): Well-known companies belonging to the Japan Sweets Association donate sweets to the shrine.
\n13:00 Hakofes 2025 (dance performance by Sepbst, Pappimache, SSSG: The 22nd Hojoya Special Event Executive Committee)
\n14:00 Dedication performance by Miehide-kai
\n15:00 Hongu Yumikesai (\u672c\u5bae\u5915\u5fa1\u994c\u796d): Evening offerings
\n15:00 Dedication performance by Hakata Nanotsu-kai)
\n15:00 Makudashi (banquet) by Hakata Chonin Bunka Renmei
\n17:00 Martial arts performance by Hogyokukai Mugairyu
\n19:00 Hakata koma (spinning top) performance by Hakata Koma Hozonkai
\n20:00 Wadaiko (Japanese drum) performance by Hakata Kinjinshi Taiko<\/p>\n

9\/14 (Sun.)<\/strong>
\n10:00 Tongu Asamikesai (\u9813\u5bae\u671d\u5fa1\u994c\u796d): Morning offerings
\n10:00 Martial arts performance by Ryusuikai Karate
\n11:00 Hula dance performance by Hau\u2018oli Lei
\n12:00 Martial arts performance by the Japan Karate Association Fukuoka Headquarters
\n13:00 Tongu Yummikesai (\u9813\u5bae\u5915\u5fa1\u994c\u796d): Evening offerings
\n14:00 Orio Kagura by Orio Kagura Hozonkai
\n19:00 Omikoshi Gyoretsu (\u5fa1\u795e\u8f3f\u884c\u5217\u3001\u304a\u4e0a\u308a): Parade of portable shrines (ascent)<\/p>\n

9\/15 (Mon., hol.)<\/strong>
\n10:00 Hojoya Taisai (\u653e\u751f\u4f1a\u5927\u796d): Prayer to open the fourth day\u2019s festivities (on a bigger scale than the opening ritual on all other days). 100 to 200 special guests are invited, and some wear shrine costumes.
\n11:00 Hula dance performance by Mili mili
\n12:00 Wadaiko (Japanese drum) performance (Nowa Taiko\uff09
\n14:00 Buzen Kagura (Yamauchi Kagura)
\n15:00 Kenka-sai (\u732e\u83ef\u796d): A representative of Fukuoka brings ikebana (traditional Japanese floral arrangements), which are ceremonially placed in the main building as decoration.
\n17:00 Martial arts performance by Fujiryu-Taijutsu
\n19:00 The Ventures cover band performance by Blue Rains<\/p>\n

9\/16 (Tue.)<\/strong>
\n9:00 Itsuka-sai (\u4e94\u65e5\u796d): Prayer to open the fifth day\u2019s festivities.
\n10:30 Kubara Honke Kuyo-sai (\u4e45\u539f\u672c\u5bb6\u4f9b\u990a\u7948\u9858\u796d): Prayers for the deceased
\n11:00 Kencha-shiki (\u732e\u8336\u5f0f): Prepared matcha tea is ceremonially handed over to shrine officials, who offer it to the gods.
\n11:00 Street performance by Kyushu Street Performance Troupe<\/p>\n

9\/17 (Wed.)<\/strong>
\n10:00 Muika-sai (\u516d\u65e5\u796d): Prayer to open the sixth day\u2019s festivities.
\n11:30 Fukuya Kuyo Kigan-sai (\u3075\u304f\u3084\u4f9b\u990a\u7948\u9858\u796d): Prayers for the deceased
\n14:00 Martial arts performance by Yanagawa-han Kageryu Iai Preservation Society
\n15:00 Dedication performance by Hakata Koyo Hozon-kai
\n17:00 Hakata Niwaka by Hakata Niwaka Dojo
\n18:00 Dedication performance by Wabunka Geino Ichigo Ichie Shinsuke Ikewaki
\n19:00 Nohgaku Experience Course \u201cHakozaki Class\u201d Presentation *it will be held at the haiden (front shrine).
\n20:00 Band Live by Raspberry Dream<\/p>\n

9\/18 (Thu.)<\/strong>
\n10:00 Nousai (\u7d0d\u796d): Prayer to open the final day\u2019s festivities
\n14:00 Hojo Shinji (\u653e\u751f\u795e\u4e8b): Perhaps the most famous Hojoya ritual! Fish are released into the pond, and birds are released on stage. Children\u2019s procession too.
\n16:00 Jazz Solo Guitar performance by Masa Nakagawa
\n17:00 Dedication performance by Hanayagi Sumena-kai
\n19:00 Calligraphy performance by contemporary calligraphy artist Kenro<\/p>\n

9\/12~9\/18 (Exhibited in the corridor)<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Bonbori votive lanterns (votive lanterns dedicated to famous persons at Fukuoka & Hakata)
\n\u2022 Ikenobo Ikebana Exhibition
\n\u2022 Exhibitions of Hojoya chanpon and ohajiki<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Hojoya,<\/p>\n

\"Hojoya<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Omikoshi Gyoretsu (Gojinko, portable shrine procession)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Every two years, the Omikoshi Gyoretsu ritual is performed at Hakozaki Shrine. Three portable shrines carrying the gods of Hakozaki Shrine are paraded through the streets by around 500 shrine parishioners dressed in white robes. The parishioners begin preparing for the sacred ritual in spring to practice the parade formation that has been handed down over generations.<\/p>\n

\"Hojoya,<\/p>\n

The portable shrines depart from Hakozaki Shrine at 6 pm on the evening of the 12th. The sound of bells and taiko drums reverberates throughout the grounds as the departure time approaches. The procession is led by a priest riding a white horse, and every time someone throws a coin in the coin box, the parishioners shake it as a sign of gratitude. The jangling of coins mixes with the sound of classical imperial court music, and the whole scene is akin to something from an ancient scroll painting.<\/p>\n

\"Hojoya,<\/p>\n

The initial procession on Sep. 12 passes Yoshizuka Station at 7:30 pm and Hakozaki Elementary School at 9:20 pm before arriving at a temporary shrine near Higashi Ward Office at 9:45 pm. All told, it takes nearly four hours to complete.<\/p>\n

During the return procession on the 14th, the shrines are carried back to Hakozaki Shrine in about one hour. With the shrines still held aloft, the parishioners run the final several hundred meters into the shrine as fast as they can, making for a spectacle that wows the crowd.
\n>> Hakozaki Shrine Gojinko Parade Map 2025 PDF (routes & timeline)<\/a><\/p>\n

Kyushu Live – Hojoya Festival – The 1st Night & Gojinko Procession<\/strong> (Sep. 2023)<\/p>\n