{"id":73674,"date":"2025-04-24T10:00:16","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T01:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fukuoka-now.com\/?p=60703"},"modified":"2025-04-30T16:32:56","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T07:32:56","slug":"hakata-dontaku","status":"publish","type":"guide","link":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/en\/guides\/hakata-dontaku\/","title":{"rendered":"Hakata Dontaku Guide 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

A signature event during Golden Week in Fukuoka, Hakata Dontaku draws massive crowds\u2014typically around two million over two days\u2014making it one of Japan\u2019s largest festivals. The name \u201cDontaku\u201d is said to originate from the Dutch word zondag, meaning \u201cSunday\u201d or \u201choliday.\u201d<\/p>\n

The festivities begin with the Hakata Matsubayashi, the festival\u2019s historic core with roots stretching back over 840 years. Over two days, three auspicious gods on horseback, accompanied by a procession of children, visit more than 150 businesses and organizations across the city to offer blessings and good fortune.
\nEach afternoon, the spotlight shifts to Meiji-dori, where a 1.27 km stretch between Gofukumachi and Tenjin becomes the stage for the Dontaku Parade. Teams representing local companies and groups, known as Dontaku-tai, march, dance, and perform as thousands line the route to cheer them on.<\/p>\n

The celebration spills into the rest of the city as well, with performances and events at over 40 special venues. From traditional music and dance to contemporary showcases, Fukuoka transforms into a vibrant festival city.<\/p>\n

Date: 5\/3 (Sat., hol.), 5\/4 (Sun., hol.)
\nVenue: Fukuoka urban area (Hakata-ku ~ Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City)<\/p>\n

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Photo provided by the City of Fukuoka<\/p><\/div>\n

Hakata Dontaku Event Schedule 2025<\/strong><\/h2>\n

5\/2 (Fri.)
\n\u2022 Eve of ceremony<\/a><\/p>\n

5\/3 (Sat., hol.)
\n\u2022 Opening Ceremony<\/a><\/p>\n

5\/4 (Sun., hol.)
\n\u2022 Dontaku Flower Marching Bands<\/a>
\n\u2022 Grand Finale: So Odori<\/a><\/p>\n

5\/3 (Sat., hol.) & 5\/4 (Sun., hol.)
\n\u2022 Hakata Matsubayashi Parade<\/a>
\n\u2022 Dontaku Parades<\/a>
\n\u2022 Special Guest Parade Groups<\/a>
\n\u2022 Stage Performances<\/a>
\n\u2022 Flower Cars<\/a>
\n\u2022 Hakata-ekimae Dontaku Street<\/a><\/p>\n

Dontaku Trivia<\/strong><\/a>
\n\u2022 Origins of Dontaku
\n\u2022 A True Citizen\u2019s Festival
\n\u2022 Hakata Matsubayashi
\n\u2022 Dontaku Symbols
\n\u2022 Dontaku Song
\n\u2022 Flower Cars
\n\u2022 Official Goods<\/p>\n

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Photo provided by the City of Fukuoka<\/p><\/div>
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Eve of ceremony<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As the festival kicks off the next day, the citizens of Fukuoka, the Fukuoka Citizens’ Festival Promotion Association, and other Dontaku supporters will gather to celebrate the opening of Dontaku. The event will commence with a performance by the Police Band and the entrance ceremony of Hakata Matsubayashi. This will be followed by a children’s dance and a performance by the previous year’s winning Dontaku team. This year’s special guest is the singer Nanase Aikawa.<\/p>\n

\u2022 5\/2 (Fri.): doors open 16:00~ ceremony begins 17:00~20:30
\n\u2022 Venue: Festival main stage (Fureai Hiroba, Fukuoka City Hall)
\n\u2022 Free viewing
\n\u2022 https:\/\/www.dontaku.fukunet.or.jp\/view\/eve-of-festival\/<\/a><\/p>\n

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Opening Ceremony<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Fukuoka City Mayor, along with festival organizers, makes opening remarks to kick off the festival.<\/p>\n

\u2022 5\/3 (Sat., hol.)
\n\u2022 11:00~11:30
\n\u2022 Venue: Main stage in front of Hakata Sta. (JR Hakata Sta.)
\n\u2022 https:\/\/www.dontaku.fukunet.or.jp\/view\/ceremony\/<\/a><\/p>\n

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Hakata Matsubayashi Parade<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The origins of this festival date back 840 years, and its essence has remained largely unchanged. The parade is led by three gods of fortune riding on horseback, accompanied by a group of dancing children. You can check the order and current location of Hakata Matsubayashi in real time<\/a> to keep up with the festivities.<\/p>\n

\u2022 5\/3 (Sat, hol.), 5\/4 (Sun., hol.)
\n\u2022 9:00~17:00
\n\u2022 Venue: Departs from Kushida Shrine (1-41 Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka<\/a>)
\n\u2022 https:\/\/www.dontaku.fukunet.or.jp\/view\/matsubayashi\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Kyushu Live – Hakata Dontaku – Matsubayashi Parade<\/strong><\/p>\n