Hakata Dontaku Port Festival
One of Japan's biggest festivals: around 2 million people watch 750-plus troupes parade with shamoji clappers, flower floats and stage shows over May 3–4.
When · Where
- When
- 2027/05/03 01:00 – 2027/05/04
- Where
- Meiji-dori and stages across central Fukuoka（Meiji-dori, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka）
- City
- Fukuoka
- Getting there
- Parade route by Tenjin Station (Subway / Nishitetsu); ~5 min from Hakata by subway.
- Price
- Free
- Organizer
- Fukuoka Citizens' Festival Promotion Committee
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Parade route by Tenjin Station (Subway / Nishitetsu); ~5 min from Hakata by subway. Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, families, groups of friends
Highlights
- Around 2 million visitors over two days
- 750+ troupes and flower floats (hana jidosha)
- Matsubayashi parade reenacting a 1179 procession on May 3
Background & story
Dontaku descends from the medieval Hakata Matsubayashi New Year greeting procession, first recorded around 1179.
Good to know
Anyone can join the open 'general dance' on Meiji-dori — bring shamoji to clap along.