Hakata Dontaku Port Festival

The Hakata Dontaku Port Festival is one of Japan's largest citizen festivals, held annually on May 3rd and 4th in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Over 33,000 people from more than 650 groups including citizen organizations, companies, and schools participate, parading through the streets in colorful costumes.

The festival's name 'Dontaku' originates from the Dutch word meaning holiday, named after the English concept of celebrating holidays. While rooted in the traditional Hakata Matsubayashi procession, it has evolved into a 'citizen's festival' enjoyed by the entire community.

The origins of the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival trace back approximately 840 years to the 'Hakata Matsubayashi,' a New Year's event. In Hakata Matsubayashi, people dressed as the three gods of fortune (Fukurokuju, Ebisu, and Daikokuten) rode on horseback in procession, while children performed traditional dances. During the Edo period, this event evolved into a ceremony for giving New Year's greetings to feudal leaders.

Temporarily banned by the new government in 1872, it was revived in 1879 as 'Hakata Dontaku.' Although suspended during wartime, it was restarted in 1946 by citizens hoping for post-war recovery, and from 1962 it developed into the 'Hakata Dontaku Port Festival' as a community-wide event. Today, it is cherished as Fukuoka's representative festival where tradition and modernity merge.

• Festival Dates: May 3rd and 4th, 2025
• Festival Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (varies by venue)
• Eve Festival: May 2nd, 2025, 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM

The festival venues spread across the Hakata-Tenjin district. The main parade takes place on Meiji Street (Dontaku Square), where approximately 1.5km from the west end of Gofukumachi intersection to the east end of Tenjin intersection becomes a pedestrian paradise. Parades and performances also occur on 'Hakata Ekimae Dontaku Street' along Hakata Station Avenue, with various performances held on outdoor stages set up at locations like Fukuoka City Hall Plaza and Hakata Station Plaza. Additionally, elaborate performances unfold at shrines, temples, and shopping districts throughout each neighborhood, enveloping the entire city of Fukuoka in a festive atmosphere.

The Hakata Matsubayashi parade, the origin of the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival, departs from Kushida Shrine every day at 9:00 AM. This traditional procession features three people portraying the three gods of fortune (Fukurokuju, Ebisu, and Daikokuten) riding on horseback, followed by children dressed as dancers. With approximately 840 years of history, it is still designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukuoka Prefecture. Between the procession, chants and music deliver blessings to the audience, conveying the festival's dignified atmosphere.

This parade takes place on Meiji Street, spanning approximately 1.3km. About 193 groups and over 1,200 participants including companies, schools, and community organizations showcase dances and performances while striking shamoji (rice paddle) instruments.

On the evening of the 4th, the 'Grand Finale Dance' serves as the festival's climax. While performing the choreographed 'Dontaku Dance,' anyone can freely join the dancing circle. The venue transforms into a mass dance involving thousands of people, with unified cheers echoing through the streets energized by the parade.

During the festival period, numerous food stalls set up around Tenjin Central Park and Hakata Station area, offering a taste of Fukuoka's food culture. Popular menu items include:

• Hashimaki: Okonomiyaki wrapped around chopsticks, perfect for eating while walking.
• Umegae Mochi: Sweet bean paste-filled rice cakes, a Dazaifu specialty also popular at the festival.
• Yakitori and Takoyaki: Classic festival foods that pair perfectly with beer.
• Hakata Ramen: Fukuoka's famous tonkotsu ramen served at select stalls.

Festival-exclusive menus and dishes made with fresh local ingredients are also available, with operating hours continuing from day to night. We recommend enjoying street food while watching the parade and illuminated decorative floats.

The main venue for the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival is around Tenjin in Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City. Here are the primary access methods:

• From Fukuoka Airport: Take the subway Kuko Line to Tenjin Station, approximately 11 minutes. Direct access from the airport is available.
• From Hakata Station: Take the subway Kuko Line to Tenjin Station, approximately 5 minutes. Hakata Station to Tenjin is very close, making the subway convenient.
• By Car: During the festival period, traffic restrictions are implemented on Meiji Street and City Hall Street. Surrounding roads also become congested, so public transportation is strongly recommended.

Here are some tips to make the most of your Hakata Dontaku Port Festival experience:

• Early Arrival: Parades and popular performance stages get crowded, so arriving in the morning is ideal to secure good viewing spots.
• Comfortable Clothing: Since you'll be walking for long periods, choose comfortable shoes and easy-to-move-in clothing. Fukuoka's May temperatures typically range from 20-25°C (68-77°F).
• Hydration: To prevent heat exhaustion, carry bottled water or sports drinks with you.
• Schedule Check: Check the event schedule in advance on the official website or in brochures to ensure you don't miss performances of interest.
• Participating in the Grand Finale Dance: The final day's grand finale dance is open to everyone. Spectators can spontaneously join the circle, so stand shoulder-to-shoulder with locals and experience the festival's climax through dance.

• Q: Is there an admission fee to watch the festival?
  A: The Hakata Dontaku Port Festival is basically a free admission event. Some paid viewing seats are available with advance reservations. Everything else is free seating.
• Q: What about traffic restrictions and parking?
  A: Traffic restrictions are in place on major roads in the city center during the festival period. Additionally, there are no special parking lots available. We strongly recommend using public transportation.
• Q: Can anyone participate in the grand finale dance?
  A: Yes, anyone can spontaneously join the grand finale dance. The choreography is simple, so even without prior practice, feel free to join the circle and dance alongside the locals.
• Q: Will the festival be cancelled in case of rain?
  A: The Hakata Dontaku Port Festival is held rain or shine in principle. Light rain typically doesn't affect the scheduled events, and parades usually proceed as planned. However, some programs may be cancelled during severe weather conditions such as heavy rain.
• Q: Are there English-language guides available?
  A: During the festival, English-speaking 'Omotenashi Supporters' (tourism volunteers) are available. If you have any questions, feel free to approach them, and they'll provide support even if you don't speak Japanese.

For the latest information and details about the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival, please check the official website.

• Hakata Dontaku Port Festival Official Website: https://www.dontaku.fukunet.or.jp/