Hakata Dontaku Port Festival, Fukuoka’s Citizens’ Festival

Held every year on May 3 and 4, the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival is a participatory festival that fills the entire city of Fukuoka with a celebratory mood. It traces its origins to Hakata Matsubayashi from the late Heian period, a traditional event with a history of 847 years. Today, it is known as one of the country’s largest Golden Week events, attracting over Approx. 2 million visitors.

The stars of the festival are the parade groups known as “Dontaku-tai.” People of all ages dress up in costumes of their choice and march through central Fukuoka while clacking rice scoops. Along the Approx. 1.3 km route from Gofukumachi Station to “Dontaku Hiroba” in front of Fukuoka City Hall in Tenjin, colorful processions unfold. Dance, musical performances, and other acts are also presented on performance stages.

The Dontaku parade opens with the Three Gods of Good Fortune, Fukujin, Ebisu, and Daikoku, along with children’s dances, as they make their way through the city offering festive blessings. For two special days, locals and visitors come together and share the excitement of an extraordinary celebration. As one of Golden Week’s signature festivals, it draws attention from across Japan every year.