🎎 Hakozaki Shrine - Hōjōkai

The Hakozaki Shrine Hōjō Festival is an autumn ritual that ranks alongside the spring "Hakata Don-Daiko Festival" and the summer "Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival" as one of the three major festivals of Hakata. This festival has a history of over 1,100 years, aimed at comforting the souls of all living beings and expressing gratitude. At the same time, the public prays for prosperity in business and safety for their families, with various religious activities held continuously for seven days and nights. In odd-numbered years of the Gregorian calendar, the festival features a procession called "Mikoshi Parade," recognized by Fukuoka City as an intangible folk cultural asset, involving about 500 local residents. On the night of the 12th, three portable shrines will depart from the main shrine, parading for about four hours under towering lanterns and bell sounds, arriving at the Tōgū. On the night of the 14th, the "Uekō Parade" will take place, with the portable shrines returning to the main shrine in the opposite direction. A highlight of the parade is the spectacular "sprint" towards the finish line as it nears the end, making it a sight worth seeing. Notably, along the approximately 1-kilometer approach from the main hall to the seaside, there are about 500 stalls lined up one after another. There are haunted houses, shooting games, and water balloon fishing games, creating a lively atmosphere. Additionally, it is recommended to purchase local souvenirs such as "Shin-shoga" (new ginger) and "Shanichi-mochi" (rice cakes) on the way back as mementos.

With a history of over 1100 years, it is listed as one of the "Three Great Festivals of Hakata." The festival activities take place for seven days each year from September 12 to 18. In odd-numbered years, every two years, the "Mikoshi Parade" (御神幸), designated as an intangible folk cultural asset by Fukuoka City, is held. During the festival, around 500 stalls line the area, creating a lively atmosphere.