Hakata Dontaku Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Fukuoka. Over 2 million people from in and outside Fukuoka, including from overseas, get together on every May 3rd and 4th.

The word ’Dontaku’ comes from the Dutch word ‘Zontag’ meaning holiday. During the Dontaku Festival, many people, young and old, parade through the streets in various costumes, some playing the shamisen or beating drums, others are clapping wooden spoons for scooping rice. There will be various events around the city such as “Hakata Matsubayashi” parade and “Hana Jidosha” (decorated cars). The whole city eagerly awaits the start of one of the most exciting carnivals in Japan.

Event details

※All information are from April 1th 2019.