3 Exciting Festivals You Should Attend in Kyushu
In Japan, various festivals and events are held from spring to summer each year. Among the famous large-scale festivals in Kyushu are Ushibuka Haiya Festival (Kumamoto), Fireflies Shinto Ritual (Kumamoto), Hakata Gion Yamakasa (Fukuoka), and Nagasaki Kunchi Festival (Nagasaki). Here are three other impressive festivals to consider attending, as well as points to take note of before you go.
Hakata Dontaku Festival: Dance in the streets
A renowned festival in Fukuoka City, Hakata Dontaku attracts more than 2 million visitors annually. Originally developed from the folk event Hakata Matsubayashi (which welcomes the gods who bring happiness to the new year), this over-800-year-old tradition is held from May 3 to 4 and involves various groups called Dontaku Corps that perform dances on over 30 stages. During the event, the whole city, including downtown Tenjin, is lively and very dynamic! I had a chance to be there and even though I don't dance very often, I did during the parade at the finale.
How to make the most of the festival:
・The parade of the Dontaku Corps creates an elaborate atmosphere as participants walk around the 1,270-meter-long Dontaku Square (Meiji Dori). Hundreds of groups dressed in their favorite costumes march about. It was gorgeous and dazzling, and I felt energized.
・At the finale on the 4th, there is a whole group dance where everybody can jump in and participate! When I heard that I could participate with a shamoji (rice paddle) in both hands, I took the plunge and went for it! It was a good memory to embrace the festival feeling with everyone there.
・The gorgeously decorated flower car is a must-see. It has a long history with its roots in the flower train of the Meiji era (1868-1912). Photos of it are sure to look fab on social media!
・There are lots of shops where you can enjoy local food, such as pork bone ramen shops and Nakasu stalls on Meiji Dori where the parade marches. If you have time, be sure to visit Kushida Shrine and Canal City Hakata.
Event schedule: May 3-4 annually (Please check the official website for the latest schedules and information.)
Location: Fukuoka City, Hakata Station Square, Dontaku Square (Meiji Dori, Kuremonocho intersection to Fukuoka City Hall), and more.
Naha Hari: Pray for safe voyages and fruitful fishing
Naha Hari is a festival held in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, on May 3 to 5 annually at Naha Shinko Pier. During the event, participants pray for safe voyages and abundant fishing catch. Revelers also compete in spirited dragon boat races, while the rest enjoy the sights and activities from a hari (boat). Live broadcasts and special programs on this beloved festival are aired on TV in Okinawa.
How to make the most of the festival:
・On the first day, a competition between junior high school students and competitions between companies are held in Naha City. Everyone gets really excited thinking about who will win! As I watched, I was thrilled by the fired-up people around me and my hands felt sweaty. A hari general experience boarding event for tourists is held on the second day.
・Various events such as comedy shows, live performances, a sumo tournament, and fireworks are also part of the festival’s program. The whole city becomes lively and exciting!
・There are lots of places to eat local dishes and spots to shop in the city. Try Kokusai Dori and Kokusaidori Yataimura. Souvenir desserts made from chinsuko biscuit and purple sweet potatoes are worth checking, too!
Event Period: May 3 to 5 annually (Please check the official website for the latest schedules and information.)
Venue: Naha Shinko Wharf and others
Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Tomari Takahashi Bus Stop
Himeshima Bon Odori: Join the fox dance!
Himeshima (Hime Island) is located on the Kunisaki Peninsula in the Oita Prefecture. It is a remote island that can be reached in about 30 minutes by ferry departing from Imi Port, which is about 40 minutes by car from Oita Airport. Himeshima Bon Odori, which has been observed on the island for a long time, is a festival known for its traditional and creative dances such as the fox dance, Aya dance, Zendaiko dance, and Sarumandayu dance, as well as humor and elaborate costumes. Said to be derived from the Nenbutsu dance from the Kamakura period, it’s held annually from August 14 to 16. This time, I was most impressed by the fox dance. The kids wearing cute makeup and tails gave their all in the dance!
How to make the most of the festival:
・The highlight, for sure, are the unique creative dances. Get hyped up by dancers wearing elaborate costumes! This festival wraps the whole venue in a sense of unity.
・Before or after the festival, head to Himeshima Village Beach. It is known as the most beautiful sandy beach on the island. One of the local dishes that you shouldn't forget to try is Japanese tiger prawns, which boasts top-class scale and production in Japan! From July to December is the best season to try them.
Event Period: August 14 to 16 annually (Please check the official website for the latest schedules and information.)
Location: Himeshima Port Ferry Square (main venue), as well as in each ward
Access: About 1 hour by car from JR Usa Station to Imi Port. From there, get on the ferry, ride for about 20 minutes, and get off at Himeshima Port.
Tips for seeing festivals and events
1. Check the access from the station in advance
Many people visit famous festivals, so public transportation such as trains and buses can get very crowded. Make sure you check the access to and from the venue in advance. Also, allow plenty of time as you may not be able to board the bus or train if it is full, and you may have to wait for the next ride.
2. Decide where to meet if you get lost!
If you are traveling with kids, hold their hands tightly! Also, decide on a landmark or place to meet if you get lost. Additionally, during the festival, restaurants and souvenir shops around the venue get quite crowded, so it’s best to bring snacks for the kids just in case they get hungry.
3. For summer festivals, take measures against sunburn and heat!
Most of the festivals are held outdoors, so make sure to prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, and cold drinks. It is useful to bring a leisure sheet as well, so you can sit on a park bench and have a break. In Fukuoka and Okinawa, the maximum temperature is between 25℃ and 27℃ in May and around 29℃ or 30℃ in June. Do dress light as the temperatures can get higher as compared to other areas.
Refer to the following for more information on the facilities mentioned in this article
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kyushu/
About Kyushu Travel passes
Hakata Dontaku Festival
https://www.dontaku.fukunet.or.jp/english
Naha
https://www.visitokinawa.jp/
Himeshima
https://www.himeshima.jp/
