Hojoya, the festival that heralds the coming of autumn to Fukuoka.

Respecting the value of all life, prohibiting killing, and giving thanks to the abundance of the autumn harvest.

Hojoya is held every year from September 12th to September 18th. Over these seven days various traditional ceremonies are carried out, and the road leading up to Hakozaki Shrine is filled with a wide variety of entertainment including over 500 roadside stalls offering food, yo-yo games, shooting galleries, and even haunted houses. Traditional vendors selling young ginger are also a common sight during the festivities, and the event is always bustling with people.

Hojoya is considered one of the three major festivals in Fukuoka alongside Hakata Dontaku and Hakata Gion Yamakasa. Hojoya centers on the motif of respecting the value of all life, prohibiting killing, and giving thanks to the abundance of the autumn harvest. 

The origin of the festival came from paying respects to war dead, as a way of honoring their sacrifice. The festival has a long history going back over 1,000 years. 

For seven days and nights the road leading up to Hakozaki Shrine is packed with hundreds of stalls and vendors, making it a premier autumn festival in Kyushu.
 

Hojoya 2024 Schedules

Hojoya 2024 Schedules

9/12 (Thursday)   10:00  Beginning of the festival
9/13 (Friday)      11:00  Kubara Honke sponsored memorial service
9/15 (Sunday)     10:00  Hojoya Festival  (the main festival)
9/17 (Tuesday)    11:00  Fukuya sponsored memorial service
9/18 (Wednesday)  14:00   Procession of children・Prayer for growth of children・Hojo ritual

Excerpted Schedule of the Festivities

9/14 (Saturday) 15:00  Hakata Cultural Association curtain raising event
9/14 (Saturday) 19:00  Kagura offering (Buzen Kagura)
9/15 (Sunday)  15:00  Kagura offering (Orio Kagura)
9/15 (Sunday)  19:00  Hakata Koma (spinning top) (Hakata Koma Preservation Society)
9/15 (Sunday)  20:00  Japanese drum performance (Hakata Kinshishi Drums)
9/17 (Tuesday) 11:00  Japanese drum performance・Calligraphy performance・Martial dance demonstration (Nowa Taiko Drums・Modern shodo artist Kenro・Dazaifu Mahorobashu)
9/18 (Wednesday) 19:00 Live band (Raspberry Dream) 

The above schedule is only a part of the schedule. Please refer to the link below for the schedule of rituals and other activities.
≫Schedule of rituals and other activities at Hojoya
*Please note that cancellations or alterations to the schedule are possible. 

Other Events

Throughout Hojoya (9/12 ~ 9/18), the following events will be carried out in the gallery.
・Fukuhaku Chimeishi gallery Bonbori lantern offering.
・Ikenobo Ikebana flower exhibition
・Hojoya Champon・Ohajiki ornament exhibits

For more information on the Hojoya festival, please check the official Hakozaki Shrine website.