{"id":73674,"date":"2026-04-24T12:55:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T03:55:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fukuoka-now.com\/?p=60703"},"modified":"2026-04-28T11:38:04","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T02:38:04","slug":"hakata-dontaku","status":"publish","type":"guide","link":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/en\/guides\/hakata-dontaku\/","title":{"rendered":"Hakata Dontaku 2026 Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Held every year on May 3 and 4, the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival is Fukuoka\u2019s largest annual event. Its origins date back more than 850 years to the traditional Hakata Matsubayashi. The name \u201cDontaku\u201d is believed to come from the Dutch word Zondag (holiday).<\/p>\n

Each year, the festival attracts more than two million visitors. It unfolds across the city, centered on parades along Meiji-dori and performance stages set up throughout Fukuoka. Participants range from student marching bands and sports teams to company and community groups forming \u201cDontaku teams.\u201d In recent years, it has also become common to see new employees joining as part of company participation.<\/p>\n

Hakata Dontaku Port Festival<\/strong>
\nDates: May 3~4, 2026
\nEve Festival: May 2
\nLocations: Central Fukuoka (Meiji-dori, Hakata Station, Tenjin, Daimyo)
\nOrganizer: Fukuoka Citizens’ Festival Promotion Association (Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau)
\nFollow the official X<\/a><\/p>\n

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

How to Enjoy Dontaku<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dontaku takes place across central Fukuoka, with easy access between venues on foot from Hakata Station and Tenjin Station. There is also a long-standing saying that \u201cDontaku brings rain.\u201d Some events may be adjusted or canceled in wet weather, but the festival atmosphere carries on throughout the city.<\/p>\n

Participation in parades and stage performances requires advance registration via the official website<\/a>, usually opening in mid-December. For those who want to take part, the final day features a large-scale open dance where anyone can join.<\/p>\n

Festival Schedule<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Eve Festival<\/strong><\/a> (May 2)
\nA stage event held the day before the main festival at key venues.<\/p>\n

Opening Ceremony<\/strong><\/a> (May 3)<\/p>\n

Hakata Matsubayashi<\/strong><\/a> (May 3~4)
\nA traditional procession featuring the Three Lucky Gods\u2014Fukujin, Ebisu, and Daikoku\u2014on horseback. Departing from Kushida Shrine, the procession visits shrines, temples, and historic residences across the city.<\/p>\n

Dontaku Parades<\/strong><\/a> (May 3~4)
\nA procession along Meiji-dori from Gofukumachi to Tenjin. Traffic restrictions are in place during scheduled times, and the parade can be viewed from along the route.<\/p>\n

Dontaku Flower Marching Bands<\/strong><\/a> (May 4)<\/p>\n

Special Guest Parade Groups<\/strong><\/a> (May 3~4)<\/p>\n

Hakata-ekimae Dontaku Street<\/strong><\/a> (May 3~4)<\/p>\n

Flower Cars<\/strong><\/a> (May 2~4)<\/p>\n

Performance Stages<\/strong><\/a> (May 3~4)
\nMultiple stages are set up across the city center, where different groups perform in rotation. The scale and program vary by location.<\/p>\n

Grand Finale Dance<\/strong><\/a> (May 4)
\nA participatory dance held on the final day, open to anyone who wishes to join.<\/p>\n

Dontaku Trivia<\/h2>\n

\u2022 Dontaku Symbols (Shamoji, Niwaka Mask, Flower Hat)<\/a>
\n\u2022 Dontaku Song \u201cBonchikawaiya\u201d<\/a>
\n\u2022 Official Goods<\/a><\/p>\n

Dontaku Event<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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 Hitomi Shimatani.<\/p>\n

\u2022 5\/2 (Sat): 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
\nhttps:\/\/www.dontaku.fukunet.or.jp\/view\/eve-of-festival\/<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Considered the origin of Hakata Dontaku, Hakata Matsubayashi is a traditional folk event with a history of around 850 years, preserving the atmosphere of medieval performing arts. It began as a New Year custom, with costumed participants visiting shrines, temples, and prominent households to present dances and music as a gesture of celebration. Today, the procession is led by the Three Lucky Gods\u2014Fukujin, Ebisu, and Daikoku\u2014riding on horseback, followed by children in ceremonial dress and other performers. On May 3, it moves through the Hakata area; on May 4, it continues through the Fukuoka area. As the procession makes its way through the city, it sets the tone for the festival\u2014Hakata Dontaku officially begins with Matsubayashi at its head.<\/p>\n

*Routes and current locations can be checked in real time<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u2022 5\/3 (Sun, hol), 5\/4 (Mon, 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

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

\"Hakata

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

Kyushu Live – Hakata Dontaku – Matsubayashi Parade (May 3, 2023)<\/strong><\/p>\n