Hakozaki Shrine’s Major “Hojoya” Autumn Festival Hakozaki Shrine 2026

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, 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.

≫ Hakozaki Shrine Official Website　
≫ 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival "Hojoya"- Details on Ritual and Event Schedule　
≫ About Hojoya