Hakata Dontaku Matsuri, Fukuoka
What is it?
The Hakata Dontaku Matsuri in Fukuoka is Japan’s largest festival over the Golden Week holidays in May. A staggering 30,000 people are involved in the festivities, which culminate in two massive parades known as the Hakata Matsubayashi that travel through the streets of Fukuoka.
Celebrated for over 800 years, the two-day festival sees locals from Fukuoka and the Kyushu area perform dances along the city streets, complete with marching bands. Participants are usually dressed in bright, traditional costumes, and there are also six large floats, called hana jidosha, that are covered with fresh flowers and driven through the procession. There’s no better time to show off your smooth moves as the final evening encourages everyone to participate in the dancing to bring the festival to a close.
Why go?
This festival is worth the trip to Fukuoka: besides the big parades, there are live performances on stages all over the city, as well as the mouthwatering food and drink stalls. Do also check out the fringe events near Hakata Port.
When is it?
The festival takes place on May 3 and 4 every year over the Golden Week holidays.