FUKUOKA FESTIVALS

Fukuoka Festivals - Fukuoka is home to many festivals that are held throughout the year. The most famous Fukuoka Festivals are Hakata Dontaku and Hakata Gion Yamagasa.

Fukuoka Festivals - Yamakasa

Hakata people love festivals. Festivals and events are held throughout the year and attract a large crowd of visitors. Among them, Hakata Dontaku (May 3rd & 4th) and Hakata Gion Yamakasa (July) are the biggest ones.

Hakata Dontaku is a festival for the citizens and people parade through the streets in various costumes, some playing shamisen or drums, others clapping wooden spoons. It attracts approx. 2.1 million people every year.
http://www.hakatadontaku.jp/don_english/index.html

Hakata Gion Yamakasa is originated in 1241, when the founder of Shotenji Temple scattered sacred water on the street to get rid of plague. On the1st of July, the town of Hakata is filled with a festive mood, with floats over 10 meters high exhibited at 14 spots around the town. The climax of the festival is a minute to 5pm on the 15th of July. At the sign of a drum, men carrying the Yamakasa float dash out with full speed into the streets of Hakata. This vigorous festival, designated as a national intangible folk heritage, is worth seeing at least once in your lifetime.