Hakata Okunchi 2026: Dates, the Ox-Cart Parade & Access
Hakata Okunchi 2026 (Oct 23–24) is Kushida Shrine's free autumn festival in Fukuoka — a 1,200-year harvest rite, famous for the Oct 24 ox-cart procession. Dates, schedule, access.
When · Where
- When
- 2026/10/23 10:00 – 2026/10/24
- Where
- Kushida Shrine and central Hakata（1-41 Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City）
- City
- Fukuoka
- Getting there
- About 5 minutes' walk from Kushida-jinja-mae Station (Fukuoka City Subway); near Canal City Hakata.
- Price
- Free
- Organizer
- Kushida Shrine
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- About 5 minutes' walk from Kushida-jinja-mae Station (Fukuoka City Subway); near Canal City Hakata. 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, food lovers, families
Highlights
- An ox-drawn carriage pulling an ornate mikoshi on Oct 24
- Children parading in Heian-era court attire
- A market of seasonal fish and vegetables with free amazake
Background & story
Dating back around 1,200 years, Hakata Okunchi is an autumn harvest thanksgiving at Kushida Shrine, counted among Japan's three great 'Okunchi' alongside Nagasaki and Karatsu.
Good to know
Come the morning of Oct 23 for the harvest market and free amazake, then return Oct 24 for the ox-cart procession.