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.
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